With winter weather fast approach we took advantage of ideal
temperatures this morning to log in some miles on the trail. Beginning where we left off in July (Corp of
Engineers Administrative Building), we headed east and then north of Riverdale along
both paved and dirt roads.
(Heading east out of town…)
(…and then north along a tree line)
Light rain was followed by a moderate southeast wind,
providing a nice push north. On the way
we enjoyed a vista of the lake, along with fields of recently harvested
peas and soon-to-be harvested corn.
(Lake Sakakawea, looking northwest)
(Dry pea residue)
(An aberration on today’s journey… …a carpet of cover crops in wheat residue)
(Mostly on gravel roads today)
The soil for this leg was a mix of Temvik and Wilton silt
loams (Typic and Pachic Haplustolls). Both
are very good soils for agricultural production, and are found most frequently
in Emmons County.
(Location of today’s soil)
(Today’s soil)
After five miles we decided to retrace our steps, stopping
periodically for refreshments and bathroom breaks. The highlight of our return journey was a
close-up visit with some horses. One was
particularly friendly.
(They rushed to the fence as we passed by)
(This one seemed ready to join us for the rest of the hike!)
