Sunday Rides

Researching biking trails near Kansas city

I found this 'Little Blue Trace Trail'

It is a beautiful trail along a river

We biked just shy of 50 km... (48+)

Much needed water break...  almost dying of heat!

 Good thing I had my basket filled with lunch! 

Notice the baguette in my basket (above)

Picnic!

Great way to end a week-end and start a new week

All for now!

North-West Weekend Adventure

We spent this weekend in 

Edmonton, Alberta. 

First: it was great to be in Canada
(Even if it was the opposite side).

Second: Canada is relatively Cold.

At the last minute

 Nathan was able to join me which was oh so wonderful!

It was a great week-end 

and conclusion to my Master's of Nursing degree.

Since I did my degree through distance

 this was the first time I had met many of my professors and classmates in person. 

It was wonderful to meet these people!

Athabasca University 

provided a very nice graduation ceremony and day. 

We also had some extra time to fullfill one of Nathan's childhood dreams:

"Going to the West Edmonton Mall."

And

most importantly

 visit some of our western-bound friends.
(Mark, Karen, Baby Angus, and Katie)

Oh so Canadian: Tim's coffee over looking a hockey arena

We had quite the rustic tour of Alberta, 

visiting the small towns of Athabasca and Red Deer.

Next time we make it to Alberta

when we have more time 

and are better organized 

we will be sure to visit 

Calgary and the Mountains.

Bike me!

After all these years

Nathan and I finally came to an agreement on a bike (for me)

I wasn't easy but we did it!

Me on my new bike

And the best part is...

The basket that goes with it!

I love my basket!

I see lots of trail rides and picnics in our future!

Tour of Missouri

Last week-end was Memorial day

Nathan and I took advantage of the long week-end to explore 

our new state {Missouri}

Friday night

We kicked off the week-end 

with a BBQ in the park with our friends 

{Josh and Lauren}

BBQ, especially outdoor BBQ,  is very popular in Kansas city.

There are coal barbecues throughout a nearby park for public use.

We felt 'oh SO Kansas city...'

Lauren, Nathan, Josh

We're cooking!

Picnic extravaganza!

Josh, Nathan and Angela

Josh and Lauren

Early Saturday 

Nathan and I hit the road

We found the small town of Rocheport, MO and the Katy Trail

This town is a cyclist dream.

The Katy trail is a 'rails to trails' project.

It is an old railroad turned into a beautiful biking trail,

spanning almost across the state of Missouri.

We rented bikes 

and spent the day cycling the trail, enjoying the scenic views of the Missouri river.

  

Yeah Bikes!

Along the trail there are many quant places to stop, including wineries...

Who knew there was wine country in Missouri?!

Les Bourgeois winery

  

After 6 hours of biking we enjoyed a much needed rest and lunch 

at Les Bourgeois winery

The Missouri River   

After a late lunch we headed to Jefferson city.

Jefferson city is a very small capital of Missouri.

We stayed at the Cliff Manor Inn.

Cliff Manor Inn Built in 1866

 Although the city is quiet and small 

it is very pretty and historic.

Sunrise from our room.   

The Capital Building, Jefferson city & Missouri river.

The Capital Building

Jefferson city, like much of the mid-west, has a rich 

rail road history.

  

Lewis and Clark Monument 

The first explores to 'officially' document and explore across America.

Now that's a Door!

After a morning meandering in Jefferson city

we headed onto St.Louis

First stop:

 A St. Louis Cardinals Baseball game!

Take me out to a ball game!

Play ball!

Nathan and Angela in Busch Stadium, St.Louis

View from our hotel.  

Our friends in St.Louis: Devon, Joel, Steve, and Nathan.  

Monday we explored more of St. Louis

and joined our friends at the St. Louis City museum.

The city museum is an unique place, in many ways it is more like a jungle gym!

Hamster wheel... I have a whole new respect for hamsters!

A maze of tunnels, passages, and slides, etc...

Nathan making his way through a tunnel! 

Angela, Nathan, Joel, and Steve at City Museum

Ferris wheel love!

The Gateway arch is an infamous part of the St.Louis skyline.

*arch*

Angela and Nathan at the arch

The Great Mississippi river

After a full day in St.Louis we started the 4 hour {ish} drive back to Kansas city.

On our way we explored more of Missouri's wine country.

There are So many wineries!

We found this beautiful winery on a hill, 

enjoyed some wine tasting, entertainment, and supper.

Cheers to a wonderful tour of Missouri.