Oldham Lake (?) Park, Monona County

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2007 Masterson Travel 07 May 29-June 2

Lake or Pond? See picture.

The surface area is about 10 acres, but we were told by Iowa State University students that a body of water must be able to erode its shore when the wind blows to be called a Lake. Now, this pond is popular with fishermen (and one 4 year old fisherwoman), so the County of Monona has called it Oldham Lake Recreation Area. Boat speed is limited to "No Wake." How a boat would have the space to accelerate to wake speed is difficult to appreciate.

We have been the sole inhabitants for four days and our variety of experiences have all been good. We have experienced weather from warm sun to heavy rain and wind. We have visited the sought after grave of Kay's great-grandfather, Thomas Loyd. We have eaten at local restaurants that serve a hamburger dressed with onion and pickles. Tomato and lettuce are provided only on request.

Our GMC one ton pickup truck continues to amaze us. We get better than 12 mpg when cruising around the county, with fuel that costs 50 cents less per gallon than gas.

Thomas & Zelinda Loyd owned these 80 acres 1884-1896.

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Photos

Oldham Lake County Park
This little 10 acre lake makes a nice little park.

Stormy Sky
Stormy Sky at Winterset, Madison County Fairgrounds. It has been a Spring of rain and floods.

Windmill at Pella
A quaint little town -- clean and inviting to tourists. We found it beautiful and we had very good pastry!

John Wayne's Birthplace
Winterset was the site of the Bridges of Madison County movie, and they are the birthplace of John Wayne.

Groom and Bride
Kay's second cousin and her groom had a wedding shower while we visited. A sweet couple.

Penn Drug, Sidney
Penn Drug has cheap food -- that is good food at a good price. But it isn't California Gourmet.

Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa
The shiniest domes I have ever seen! Very impressive.