Iowa. Land of Papa Halterbush.

End of day three-sitting in McDonald's using wireless. Only drawback to Motel 6 (other than the dermabrasion towels) is that they still are set up for dataports--not wireless. So, if there is a Starbuck's or McDonald's in the vicinity, that's where to go for wireless (though in Iowa, the rest stops have free wireless--take that "forward thinking" SF...)

Iowa was pretty. Must be really nice when it's green. I realized I didn't know anything about Iowa other than it being the home of my friend Deb, a city named after a couch, a sect named after a microwave, and the location of the Pajama Game--everyone's favorite kitschy kitschy koo musical.

After about 2 hours of Illinois, I crossed from Moline into Iowa, home of the primaries, birthplace of John Wayne, the land of Silos & Smokestacks, rolling hills of corn, the Amana Colonies, the bridges of Madison County, a hefty dose of hog aroma, and most importantly, Iowa 80, the World's Largest Truckstop. And the world's largest people. Fine, healthy stock from Scandinavia, Germany and other places with blonde and rosy cheeked folk. Saw a Mennonite family at the truckstop. Something to be said for men sporting footlong goatees and women wearing bonnets. I'm not sure what it is, but their must be something to say...

Had an amazing burrito in Des Moines and headed on to Omaha then to Lincoln.

Here are some random photos- no particular order.


America, the Threatening.



Iowa 80, The World's Largest Truckstop.



For some reason, Iowa 80 sold Franklin Mint Buckwheat's.



Puzzling over the gas station's name. Seems rude to just leave. No breakfast?