Day Nine- IA/NE

This morning the weather was insane! It completely ruined our initial goal of getting an early start for Madison County. The winds were gusting, the rain was coming down heavy, and it was cold. Instead, we spent the morning waiting out the storm in the tent thinking that we were the only thing stopping it from blowing away. As soon as the rain stopped we jumped into the car and drove to the main office where we drank a few cups of free coffee -- wasn't good but at least it was something hot -- and wrote yesterday's blog. After that it was back in the car and on to Winterset, IA looking for the Bridges of Madison County. We had a map of the six covered bridges which are scattered around the county, but we couldn't start our day after noon without something to eat. In the center of the town of Winterset, there is the county courthouse square surrounded by cute antique shops, restaurants, and other local businesses.

Madison County Courthouse in Winterset, IA.

We ate lunch at the famous Northside Cafe which was featured in the movie. Outside we first ran into some polite locals who took our picture out front but also expressed a couple of strange remarks that still have us baffled.

Orit and Jessica in front of Northside Cafe.

In addition to the covered bridges surrounding Winterset, the town is also well-known as the birthplace of John Wayne. The star's home can be seen and soon visitors will be able to go through a museum. We learned later on that the town had just celebrated his 100th birthday and his children came, too.

John Wayne's home in Winterset.

The City Park in Winterset contains other features, such as a bridge from the movie and other sites of historical significance. In particular, Clark Tower was built in the 1920's to honor one of the first pioneer families in the county who setttled here in the 1840's. We climbed up to the top of the tower and saw the beautiful view of the Middle River Valley.

Stone Bridge

Clark Tower

We headed back into town and stopped at Frostees for a refreshing snack before heading to the last covered bridge on our itinerary.


Next, we made our way West and then North along local routes in order to see the largest Herford Bull in the country in Audobon, IA.

Jessica in front of Albert the Bull.

It wasn't exactly smooth sailing to Nebraska. The winds were very strong (some weather reports suggested gusts upwards to 50 mph!) and kept pushing the car to the right. From Iowa we crossed over the Missouri River into Nebraska.

Missouri River sign at the Iowa-Nebraska state line.

We settled at a KOA in West Omaha. Our original plans didn't include Nebraska, but we said why not?! Tomorrow's blog will not be that long because we are driving through the state to get to the Badlands in South Dakota. Take care!