I expected Cornfields in Iowa, that’s just table stakes. It has a beautiful landscape that in many places could double as wine country in California. Hence the famous ‘Field of Dreams’ quote, “Is this Heaven? No, It’s Iowa”. But hills, man the hills. I originally expected to make it further than 79 miles on Wednesday but my gut told me to go easy on myself especially when I spoke to the innkeeper Dianne at the Point of View B&B. She knew I was underestimating the landscape and should join her and her husband Andrew at their amazing inn situated on top of a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Dianne even invited me to have supper when I arrived. Winner, winner chicken dinner…which is what she made me with all the fixings!
Dianne and her husband Andrew (pictured) had purpose-built their beautiful B&B almost 25 years ago. This warm, sharp, worldly couple have led interesting lives. Dianne managed to get her engineering degree when her kids were going to college too and then became the inspiration behind the inn. Andrew had a corporate career in design but went back to school to study fine art and Japanese poetry. Talk about a Renaissance man and together a power couple! They have an eclectic neighbor who splits time on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago and this gorgeous rural bluff, building Stonehenge-like structures, Japanese gardens and other artistic features. Must be something in the water…or the Iowa corn! Maybe we should embrace the B&B life and open one. Margot’s response when she reads this will be “Just get on your bike and work on finishing this ride.” Hmmm, I can smell the commercial size espresso machine in the kitchen warming up for guests in the morning!
On Thursday (Day 24), made it down the bluff and before heading east across the river from Iowa into Wisconsin. Found the River Coffee (pictured), which powered me over 95 miles through beautiful sections of the Mississippi including dedicated biking trails. I landed at the end in the great little town of Winona just across on the Minnesota side. Three states in one day! I push on Friday back into Wisconsin where this bike route wants me to go with a finish in Minnesota again, just in time for the planned gatherings with my local family and a much needed rest this weekend!
