Harpers Ferry, IA

Had a great ride today to Harpers Ferry, Iowa. Got in my 40 miles and then I saw these cabins... I just couldn't help myself...they are so cool!  One of these in the Rockies and I would be in Heaven.  Should make it to Minnesota tomorrow.

Near Waukon Junction, Iowa

In honor of...

Rudolph Penzes, 84, was born in Hungary, survived WWII, escaped  during the Hungarian revolution in 1956, landing in Canada. He is a survivor and taught his children the importance of a solid education. It was, his daughter (Catherine Belaski) believes, one of his most important endeavors.
 Suffering dementia and struggling with cancer he is being guided through the final stages of this life by his daughter, Catherine. Mr. Penzes can only be honored by the knowledge that there are those who love him and care for his well-being. As an honor to him, his family, and his life, he will join our group of souls on this journey. These details of his life will be included with those of the veterans that I am carrying on this ride, and he will join us in spirit as we make our way to the West Coast.  Mr. Penzes, during your lucid moments I hope that you might be able to enjoy the details of this blog and be a part of this journey both in knowledge and spirit.  Move over troops, make room for Rudolph Penzes.

Elkader, IA

Traveled from Dyersville, Iowa, to Elkader, Iowa, a distance of approximately 40 miles. The countryside was beautiful; it is a recognized scenic Highway, and while the wind was brisk and the hills steep, one could not help but be captivated by the beauty of the scenery.  Upon arriving in Elkader I found a wonderful little coffee shop where I had lunch. I immediately started meeting folks so gracious and so hospitable that it was hard not to fall in love with this city of about 1400.  I called the RV Campground because I'd heard that they had cabins for rent. Turned out that it was the mayor whom I reached, and while he didn't have cabins available he turned me on to Julie Carlisle-Kane who is the proprietor of the Elkader  JailHouse Inn...the old jail that has been turned into a bed-and-breakfast!  Julie didn't have any available openings either but being the sweetie she was she vowed to make room for me somehow, somewhere in her establishment. She and her husband, Tim Kane, were so gracious and kind.

Julie, Tim, & Howard

 

Julie invited me to go mushroom hunting where she collected morels and I collected ticks. After showering, she invited me to join them for a fabulous dinner with friends, and we had a wonderful time talking about our various exploits. It was a wonderful evening and so fun to make some great new friends! Their place is amazing...an old jail converted into a bed-and-breakfast with jail cells and all!  When visiting Elkader this is a must-see stop and great place to stay...so now on this trip I can truly say I've spent the night in jail. My heartfelt thanks to the Kane family for their gracious hospitality, kindness, and great stories!

(note: the Kanes would not accept payment for my stay with them.)

My mushroom bag failed to runneth over...

 Julie collected morels; 

I collected ticks!

Crime: failed to collect morels

Pam Reinig, editor, Clayton Co. Register, & Dana Richard

Earlier in the day a very nice lady that I met at the coffee shop gave my name to the local newspaper who in turn made contact with me and conducted an interview. The editor, Pam, is not only a writer for the paper but a minister as well. We had a great discussion, talked about all of the various sites seen, and wonderful people that I had met along the way. We also discussed how much I had enjoyed and been changed by the exploits of this bicycle trip.

 Churches in this part of the country are beautiful as can be seen by this example in Petersburg, Iowa... a small town that I passed through on the way to Elkader.