Frank in Iowa City

On the road again.....

Had a interesting first night in the campground. It was dark before we had finished eating and therefore had to clean up by lamplight. There were two thunderstorms during the night. During the first one I thought about the Native Americans and their survival in primitive dwellings, possibly not much thicker than what I am sleeping in, keeping the elements out. Thank heavens Frank has camping knowledge with all his Boundary Water experiences. We had a break in the weather and got everything packed up this morning about 5:30 a.m. Rules of the road....if you want to make miles you have to start early. Tonight I will be so tired I will not be thinking about anything.
Straight east across Iowa, the Mississippi River, close to Le Clare where I spent several years of my childhood. Across IL and road construction south of Chicago....across Indianna tollroad and now on the Ohio tollroad.
I recommend the grilled chicken Asian salad at McDonalds. Only a little over 1000 miles to get to our destination.

Ready, set, go.....

It takes an amazing amount of stuff to go camping. It is a constant struggle between what is essential and what is frivolous. The limits are space, weight, and convenience. Should I take the heavy hardbound book my sister gave me to read but I haven't got around to for six months or a paperback with incredibly small print but fits into my purse.
How many sleeveless shirts...will I ever do laundry? How long can a cabbage last without refrigeration? At what temperature does my makeup melt or Pam explode. Things to obsess about.
Anyway, we finally shut the door of the house at 2:00,which was good considering we were going to leave at high noon. The car is running a little sluggish due to the excess weight but we are at least making miles. Destination Iowa City.

Cherry tomatoes

This is a plant I paid one dollar for at the end of the school year. It will soon be bearing small tomatoes. I can't wait.

Buzzards in Lake Mills

There is a tree about a block from my back kitchen window that is a roost for these large birds.

Magnolia Tree

Here is the tree Frank and I planted in memory of his Dad, Arthur Dahn, who died Sept 5th 2010. It is in full bloom right now. No leaves, just blossoms. It certainly has been a late spring.

Elk Creek

Today was the first day of a beautiful spring day. It reached 75 degrees today with the sun shining. So, Frank, Becky, Charlie and I drove to Elk Creek and walked the grassy road through the reserve.
Here are the photos resulting in that trip.