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The "Hogback"
The "Hogback" covered bridge in Winterset, IowaAnna--THANK YOU! Your flags were awesome, and we wholeheartedly appreciated the "Happy Honeymoon" and "Best Wishes" on our drive down the lane. Love.
Well, Iowa is beautiful. It may have a lot of corn and I might have been passed by several hog trucks on the highway, but it is still insanely beautiful. It is the "greenest of greens" as Zack would say. --JD
Kicked the day off with a "Momma's Pancake Breakfast" from Cracker Barrel, with my momma and Jenn's momma-in-law. Stopped by dad's work and said goodbye to him, and then hit the interstate 80 way. First song of the trip was "I Will Possess Your Heart" by Death Cab for Cutie. Listen here
Quickly followed by the entirety of Weezer Blue...great start all around.
Side note--don't go on the "Nature Trails" in central Iowa rest areas. We found 5, count it, FIVE ticks on us today. Just...don't do it. Not at all worth it.
As I would say--Iowa is the greenest of greens. I wanted to be able to tell my kids where to travel someday--depending on their favorite color. If it is green, go to Iowa in early July, you'll have your mind blown. I'm excited for the oranges and reds of the west, and can already see them in the horizon. I shouldn't forget the purple haze of the Nebraska sunset--it was still setting at 10:15! We stopped in Winterset, Iowa--as per momma's suggestion--it was where Bridges of Madison County was filmed. Beautiful little town set in the heart of Iowa. Tiny little square in the center, with a giant courthouse, boutique shops, John Wayne's birth house, and several covered bridges. Did you know they covered the bridges by order of the county because the lumber to cover the bridges was cheaper than replacing the timber that made up the bridge? The covering is only there to protect the main timbers! We ate at the "Northside Cafe" (I guess it was in the movie), I had the "Town and Country with loin"; basically, an open faced pork sandwich with peppers and onions and a kind of nacho cheese on top (nothing to write home about, although I currently am).
Continued to Nebraska, can't even count the windmills! Tons and tons! Giant suckers too! Drove into Omaha's downtown right down to the Missouri River. Beautiful parks everywhere, ped bridges, rustic bridges, streams, walking trails, and everything. We wandered through a lake with a fountain, and into the "ConAgra" walking loop. An 8 year old gave us some bread to feed the ducks. We walked up the trail from the river to about 10th street. Ate at "Jazz", a Louisiana style bar, catfish poboy with sweet potato slaw and a PBR, not bad. Rode the giant slide, took advice from a 5 year old on how to get more speed on the slide, looked at all of the sculpture work on display in the city...really beautiful stuff. . --ZD
After the day of exploring, tick fighting, and serious eating, we headed to Fremont to stay with Carrie and Derek for the night. We were greeted warmly, given a mattress and a much needed shower. We are grateful for their hospitality and eagerly awaiting this breakfast casserole that we will be having for breakfast.--JD
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Mama Wanda
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Is this Heaven? No it's Iowa......
Sounds like a great day for the honeymooners. I am glad that your first day of adventure was full of just that everything from food to tick hunting. I am glad to know that you found those little suckers and got rid of them quick. Keep up the good work. Thank you Carrie and Derek for opening up your home to Jennifer and Zack, It was so thoughtful of you. Please know that we would love to return the favor as your always welcome to come to TN and have a place to call home too. Have a wonderful day (2) of travels. We miss you both and are sending lots of love your way, where ever that is. Love you bunches, Mama Wanda, Dad and Mike