The hazy sun was our eastward beacon, steaming the evening moisture off the fields. Since crossing the Missouri River three days ago, the humidity has been significantly higher and this morning was no exception; 70° felt warm with 94% humidity.   Tracks on one side and hills on the other, resumed from yesterday, but today we enjoyed a newly paved shoulder, we did not have to share with a rumble strip.  Up to this point, Iowa has the worst roads, but the traffic, especially tractor trailers, have been very respectful of our limited space.

We had a flat road for the first twelve wonderful miles.  As we approached the crest of our first hill, the wind met our shoulder and carried us over.  The forecast had been for a southeast blow, but instead it was southwest.  Not knowing if or when it might change, we flew up and down the easy (relative to the last few days) rolling hills.  This wind direction also brought clouds, shielding the sun and creating a foggy look on the horizon; we felt like a ghost ship riding the road.  We made the best of the cool temps, slight tail wind and the few things along the way that made us laugh (maybe we are a bit crazy)!

A southerly turn in our course quickly slowed our pace as the wind made us notice.  We also lost our nice shoulder and the place we thought we were stopping for refreshments and rest, did not exist.  With nowhere to really stop, we pulled out a couple snacks and forged on.  After a few miles the road thankfully, resumed it’s east direction; our tired legs needed the wind.  The day remained so overcast, this barnreally stood out.  By noon we reached our destination, but we were so hungry and tired, we biked right past the hotel to find food; great solution.  In four and a half hours of biking, we had taken only a total of 15 minutes of rest, so we stayed a bit.  By the time we left to backtrack to our hotel the day was still cool (80°) and the wind had picked up, but it was time to stop for the day.

According to the map, we would have to bike in town for dinner, but a casino across the street had opened just three weeks ago (not yet on Google radar).  There were a lot of kinks they still needed to work out, but the Mac ‘n Cheese was ridiculous…..at least a pound of cheese (and bacon and ham) in this plate.  Just what the doctor ordered after 57 miles.