Iowa or 'whyowa'

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Left St. Louis around 11am. Had the usual continental breakie and gassed up the 'beast'. As St.Louis borders two states, we had left Missouri and were back in Illinois within around ten miles. Felt weird to be back in the state where we began this massive tour!

Headed north through Springfield, which has a wonderful lake, but no yellow people called Simpson! On through Peoria, we stopped in 'Kickapoo' for lunch and fuel! Love that name! We could now stop whenever we wanted, as the eastern temperature was much cooler now. (a bit like a great summers day in Scotland!)

Within four or five hours we passed the state line into Iowa: Cornfields everywhere! We had reached a place called Davenport, part of 'Quad cities', which is four cities in close proximity, sharing the Mississippi river. Two in Iowa and two in Illinois.

We knew nothing about Davenport when we pulled up at the Days Inn, however thanks to the internet and hotel bumf, found out that this is where Bix Beiderbecke and William Cody where born! Cool!!

Took a ride downtown later that evening and ended up totally lost due to poor hotel maps and an ultra efficient (probably) one way system! Ended up back in Illinois! Eventually found downtown around 10pm. Wandered about for a bit then went down to the waterfront. The town seemed to be getting ready for a big jazz fest, but nothing much seemed to be happening that night. Headed back and had a fab dinner at 'Red Lobster' then bed.

Going to a new state tomorrow; Wisconsin, our 18th! We sure get about!

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