Tuesday July 30th we had everything packed up for a trip up north to Decorah, IA We have been hopping back and forth between Squaw and Morgan Creek so kinda excited about something different. We have been here before and loved it so we knew what to expect. The trip wasn't to bad, the roads a bit bumpy. We left fairly early cause there was a chance of rain. It just sprinkled a bit and was gray a lot. The park was pretty full when we pulled in, they suggested a site but after going there we knew that wasn't gonna happen. They gave us a different spot and that one was successful. Site #23. The day stayed gray and cloudy so after setting up we just walked around the campground. Pulpit Rock Park is a city park and does not take reservations. It's all first come first serve. It has lots of trees, a stream running through it, is very clean and also has a great bike path right there. The city of Decorah is so nice, it's got lots of restaurants and shops. Its really clean, quaint and friendly. We love it.
Wednesday we got up and still cloudy. The temperature was nice but not what you would expect for the end of July. We rode our bikes into town for breakfast at T-Boks. We had heard they have good pancakes, so pancakes is what we got. They call them plate cakes and now I know why, they cover the plate, you can't even see the plate. They were tasty but a bit more than I could eat. We just wandered around town looking in the shops. Later in the afternoon we rode our bikes back into town to the farmers market. Found some sweet corn, green beans and purple green beans. I know that sounds weird but they were deep purple and very petite, after you cook them they are green and sooo good. I wish I would have gotten more.
Thursday was a big day. We planned a trip down the upper Iowa river. We dropped Jeff's bike off at our pull out spot and continued to Bluffton. We got our kayaks in the water and away we went. The water was running good we thought (it was our 1st time) The weather is unbelievable blue sky, warm, not hot and sunny. The scenery was very nice. Bluffs, trees, waterfalls and wildlife. There were a couple of bald eagles flying over and we even spotted and heard one in a tree...I got photos. Another thing we thought that was awesome is we didn't see one other boat all day so we had the river all to ourselves. The trip was longer then we thought (about 11 miles on the water) but still great. Jeff lead the trip and he got stuck a couple times but no wipeouts. Well until we got out and I was trying to take out my kayak. It was grassy and a hill and I slipped and fell in the river. The funniest thing was I had no idea how deep it was...(only about a foot) I was laughing...(no photos)
I waited with the boats while Jeff rode his bike 8 miles to get the truck. He made it back and we loaded up and headed back to the campground. I was glad I decided to leave our wiener dog at home.
Friday we had decided to do the bike path around the city, the last time we were here the bike path wasn't finished so we wanted to see the finished result. Another beautiful day. The bike path was great, they really did it right. You really get to see a bit of everything, Iowa never looked so good. For dinner we went to the restaurant up the road," McCaffeys". We had ate there last time and liked it.
Saturday went back into town for the farmers market riding our bikes. We got corn, bread, and ever berries. Another reason we love it here, very bike friendly.
A friend had said we should visit a town Lanesboro,MN only 30 miles north. We jumped in the truck and away we went. A very pretty ride but what a surprise when we arrived.... Normally the city is very quiet but it just happened to be Buffalo Bill Days....yikes it was crazy. We talked to the lady at the visitor center so she explained what was going on. Not the norm so we just looked around. It was very unique that's for sure. Neat shops and very pretty. They actually have a bike path that's 60 miles long, we didn't do that. Just drove there to explore but we got more than we bargained for. It was fun just too busy for us.
Sunday, since this August weather is crazy and cool we had a morning campfire. We watched everyone packing up to leave. We thought this place was busy when we got here, over the weekend it was crazy packed.
Monday we did some cleaning and headed back into town to check out the shops and eat lunch at a local pizza place that's been around for 60 years. We know why Mabe's Pizza has been in business all those years, our Pizza was excellent and prices are reasonable. And after lunch we found a little bakery that sold crispys....YUM!!!!!
Tuesday was our moving day and woke up to foggy weather so we waited for that to lift. We had planned to head north for a couple weeks but Jeff's ears are bothering him and we think we might be rushed. Didn't have any reservations so we aren't locked into anything. One reason for heading north is relief from the heat but that isn't the case, so decided to head back to our base camp. Squaw Creek/ Morgan Creek- Cedar Rapids here we come...
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