Everyone Knows Someone from Iowa!

It was a typical morning breakfast with other guests asking all the normal questions about where we were going and where we were from.  When I'm asked, my standard response is "Iowa."  The woman this morning pushed for more, "Quad Cities," I say.  "You mean like Davenport?"  Well, yes I do. " I've been to Davenport and loved it!"  Small world.

But then, there was this very random encounter on the route today.  I had stopped to take a picture when this car stopped with some seniors in it who were just out enjoying the day and looking at the Blue Bonnets.  The woman said that this must be a popular bike route.  I had to confess I had no idea as I was from out of town.  She pressed on, "Well where are you from?"   Again, the standard Iowa response.  "We have friends from Iowa!!"  She was so enthused and should have stopped there.  "We just saw three more cyclists climbing that big hill!"  (Referring to the direction I was going.....<sigh>)

This is probably the only hill that we haven't climbed yet, but there's still time --

It looks like a beautiful home or lodge being built that will be the envy of all the neighbors.  The views will certainly be spectacular.  We've learned that there are many hunting resorts in this area, so from the looks of the size I suspect it might be a lodge.  

The route today was 56 miles and was predicted to be one of the most scenic of the trip.  It was scenic, and time will tell if it was the "most."  The Blue Bonnets were plentiful as well as many other wildflowers that I don't know.  It's my understanding today that Blue Bonnets are a relative of the north country Lupins.  They are so tiny and dainty, and quite spectacular.  I can understand why they were the favorite of Lady Bird Johnson.

I thought frequently of friend Linda Wilson today.  The wind was not a friend today.  These were at the top of one of the climbs.  It probably goes without saying that we were headed in the opposite direction.

Hills, heat and headwind, a cyclist's three H's.  The wind actually helped with the heat to a small extent.  Otherwise, it would have been a brutal day.

I took more photos than normal today.  This is one of the more interesting non-horticulture things that we saw.  A cowboy's way of recycling I guess.  All fence posts on this stretch were topped with cowboy boots.

As a follow up to yesterday's ATM, this is one that was found along the route today behind a barbecue shack.  I'm guessing maybe not ADA or PCI compliant.

Tomorrow's route is only 39 miles, but the forecast is not favorable so it could be another tough day.  According to the guides, tomorrow's route includes the toughest climb of the trip.  Hard to imagine anything tougher that today's four miler with unknown pitch into a headwind.  

Natalie and Sophia (and probably there mom) were feeling creative today.  Wheely bike joke #1--
What do you get if you cross a bicycle and a flower?
A:  Bicycle petals

Wheely bike joke bonus --
What does a bicycle call her dad?
A:  A pop-cycle

It's what keeps us going here!