Back on I80, we push westward to the Mississippi River and Iowa, intending to overnight in Des Moines. The trip is uneventful, the engine oil stays up after 200, then 300 kms., ditches and farm fields are full of water from the overnight deluge and Elaine dips into the Mississippi River at Moline near Rock Island (terminus of the famous Rock Island RR Line) a US Arsenal. I could swim the river here...and that is before I notice the sandbar at mid-river.

Elaine takes the wheel at 2:15 p.m. for the run to the Amana Colonies and a meal break. If you have heard the name Amana associated with refrigeration and appliances (who has not), the foundations arose from within the unique immigrant colony. We visit Homestead for a meal and walkabout, leaving to arrive at Des Moines by 6:30 p.m. Another good value Motel 6 provides the accommodation, while a run south into town provides a patio meal. Our waitress, from Wisconsin to attend Drake University, tells us her father calls Iowa "The Great Corn Desert". The truth is we have passed thousands upon thousands of hectares of cornfields through Indiana and Iowa. Most apparently is to feed cattle and hogs!

After supper I chat with a catfisherman on an almost unused 6 lane bridge over the Raccoon River. Apparently, 35 lb. Catfish, as well as large Northern Pike and Walleye (introduced from Canada) are regularly caught here. Our fisherman uses 20 lb. test line and is happy not to be able to hoist a "big one" to the bridge deck.

This night continues to be more domestic, with laundry done in the motel self-serve facility. Now we are resupplied for the last week!