Kick The Dust Up

We started our day at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. We crossed a bridge and the corn fields disappeared. They were replaced with a beautiful forest of bluffs and a mighty river. We learned about this park in our Kids National Geographic Guide to America book. (It's our first go to book for planning.) It recommended we hike to Cool Canyons. The picture looked beautiful. Upon arriving at the visitors center to get a map to find cool canyons we were met with blank stares.  No cool canyons here. It was at that moment I realized the book used cool as an adjective. As in you will see very cool looking canyons. Oh. Our bad! We hiked to some cool canyons and along the Illinois River. It's been dry so the waterfalls weren't really flowing, so the cool factor wasn't as cool. 

Iowa has an abundance of corn and a surprising amount of things to do. So much so that we had to mark some things off the list due to time restraints. First, and maybe the best, is the world's largest truck stop. Go ahead and be jealous that we have been and you have not! At first glance it doesn't appear very large. When you enter, however, you understand! Anything your heart desires is here. You can even trick your truck with some bling! And of course, there is the trucking museum. A great little stop!

Herbert Hoover and John Wayne were both born in Iowa. We left Herbert's home and drove as fast as we possibly could to get to John's. We made it with 15 minutes to spare but they wouldn't let us go in. :( It takes at least 45 to do the tour. 

You may recall the book and movie "The Bridges of Madison County". Madison County is Winterset, Iowa. A darling little place! We traveled down a number of gravel roads. Kicked up a lot of dust. Got lost a few times. But we found all six bridges! Thanks Leslie for the tip that they were in Iowa!

We started our journey in Nebraska at  Nebraska's largest winery. 10:00 am is a perfect time for a wine tasting! Thank you Beau for a fun morning at James Arthur Winery! 

Maybe we bought a couple bottles 😁

Nebraska is a beautiful state. We took Highway 2, the Sandhills Scenic Byway across. We drove through tiny town after tiny town. Hazard, Nebraska has a population of 66. We stopped at the visitors center and left the first pin from KY for the year. We have seen our food growing and our steaks grazing. 

Mindi and I LOVE a random roadside attraction. Carhenge is definitely on the top of the best list!!

We end our day camping at the base of Chimney Rock. Those venturing along the Oregon Trail passed through here. I'm trying hard to contain my excitement. It's like living in a Little House on the Prairie book!

Patty looks right at home. She could star in the next Jeep print ad.