Although we don't have destinations specifically carved in stone, we do have an idea where we are going. For instance, we have been wanting to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park again since the first time we went over a Memorial Day weekend about 16 years ago, blizzard-like conditions kept us at the lower elevations. Unfortunately, this year we will miss it again due to the wild fire in the Fort Collins area. Not to worry.... we have a plan B. Arches and Bryce! I've been to both, but it was back in the film days, so I'd say it's about time!
We were all set to put miles on today working toward the goal of Moab, Utah, when I spotted the sign along the 80 saying we were entering Madison County. Immediately, The Bridges of Madison County came to mind and with that we were off the 80 heading to Winterset. We had a most splendid day driving all over Madison County visiting four of the bridges (Hogback, Cedar, Cutler-Donahoe, and the most famous due to the book, the Roseman) all located on the dustiest, sort of clay-like roads I have ever seen. After awhile the dust on our bodies mixed with the sweat started to feel like clay. Did we care? NO!
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| Hogback Bridge in Madison County |
After the Roseman Bridge, we set our sights on Council Bluffs as a place to land for the night. Deciding to take the less traveled route to get there is the bliss of traveling by car. I love highways like the 80 due to the Internet connections we can get along the way, but really, those main highways are just plain boring. When we get off them, funny... I could care less about Internet connections! We were heading West when Scott asked, "Does that look like a storm brewing?" Well, yeah, suddenly it was starting to get dark way too early. Tho off the beaten track, I was still able to connect on the extended network long enough to find out that there was some incredible weather occurring in the Omaha area. Last year's storms still remain in my mind and being in Iowa during severe weather is just plain frightening. Now wanting to drive directly into it, we headed South.
Red Oak was South and had a Super 8, however, due to a car show, there were no vacancies. Onward to Shenandoah, even further South. This town has a Days Inn. Now, we have stayed in some Days Inn and they are great, however, this one... well, okay.... staying positive.... this one has a fantastic shower with the best water pressure I've had all vacation! I guess that counteracts the fact that as I got ready to drop one of the bags on the floor, out ran a huge spider. I tried to kill it, and Bella thought I was playing a game so got right in there too. I'm stomping my feet, yelling at her to get back and the spider escapes under the refrigerator. Not one to give up, I began moving the fridge, when I catch sight of a spider, but I'm not sure it's "the one". I quickly took care of that one, but continued to move the fridge. Scott returned to the room with more of our stuff and helped me. I guess it was "the one", but all night I've felt as if one is crawling on me. Needless to say, nothing is on the floor and is tightly zipped for security.
We did not want to go back out so ordered pizza for delivery. And, like I said, the shower was the best ever! We opened a bottle of wine and had truffles for dessert. Really, can it get much better?
The severe thunderstorm warning has been reduced to just a thunderstorm watch, and almost all of the red has changed to yellow and green on the weather radar. Knowing that will allow me to relax and get a good night's sleep. Storms are being reported for the next couple of days in this area as well as the Denver area where we plan to pass through. this could damper some of our destinations along the way, but it keeps us in a state of unpredictability, which we just happen to enjoy.
"but it keeps us in a state of unpredictability, which we just happen to enjoy"
ReplyDeleteWhere is the woman I married and what have you done with her? :)