Nomad Life - Day 158

Now in Iowa, thoughts about the drive east had moved to the forefront of my mind.  East of the Mississippi, my friends were complaining (on social media) about the terrible weather conditions (extreme cold and deep snow) - that didn't make me want to continue my journey in their direction...  In the present, though, I got up at 0530 (alarm needed) and started teleworking.  I thought my hotel, the Super 8 (Council Bluffs) had breakfast but they apologized that they didn't.  As a result, I ended up deferring a morning meal and continued working through the morning.  At one point, I was interrupted by the cleaning staff, who didn't seem to know about my late checkout.  Undeterred, I stayed online until 1200 and reached 6.5 hours for my work day.  After noon, I checked out of my hotel and, while packing up my car, found that a bit of snow had fallen on my car.  The temps were steady at 14 F and the conditions were overcast and windy.  After driving (via I-80 and I-29) east for a little bit, I found a shopping area on the far eastern edge of Council Bluffs.  In that area, gas was very cheap (close to $2 a gallon in places!).  Since I'd ordered ahead, I picked up my lunch at Panera (1215) and finished it inside the warm restaurant.  Afterwards, I went grocery shopping (using a gift card) at a nearby Target.  This trip was opportune, since I'd run out of essential supplies during the last week... Finished at 1245, I returned to the parking lot to find it was still windy and cold.  Deciding not to let these conditions affect my plans, I made my way north to the nearby Lewis and Clark Monument (arrived there at about 1300).  The monument was located on top of a high bluff above the Missouri River, with a commanding view of the prairie (and Omaha) to the west.  Apparently, this site was the setting for the first Indian Council conducted by the Expedition (August 1804) and later gave backing to the name for the town of Council Bluffs.  The bluffs were comprised of yellow dirt and stone that fell out of exposed hills as they eroded; the underlying soil wasn't visible in the immediate area of the monument but I saw it later.  When I was finished learning about the history and topography of the eastern side of the Missouri, I used surface streets (including Old Lincoln Highway) to make my way to I-80.  From that junction, the Interstate actually headed northeast until it (re)joined I-880.  As I drove east (entered Cass County at 1410), I passed lots of big windmills on both sides of the highway and dodged light, blowing snow.  The highway traveled through lots of farms with fields that still showed the remnants of harvested corn because there was no snow cover.  For most of the drive today, I was getting annoying messages about my Subaru's TPMS, even though the tire pressure was normal.  Hopefully, these electrical issues will stop before long... Before long, I saw signs that talked about a "Danish Windmill" and decided to stop for a look.  Once off I-80, I drove north (on IA-173) into the town of Elk Horn (Shelby County) and, at 1420, I stopped t get photos of the interesting landmark.  The air was cold and biting (mostly due to the wind) but I wandered around a park nearby to read signs with lots of interesting data about the Danes in Iowa (and their Viking ancestors).  Nearby, I noticed a road sign about a place called "Little Mermaid Park" and decided to go looking for it.  This was easier said than done, since I didn't have cell signal in this town.  After unsuccessfully seeking additional signage, I explored on the countryside until my iPhone picked up a tower.  From there, I was directed to the town of Kimballton.  Arriving at 1435, I found the park to be quite nice, despite the fact that the fountain was turned off for the Winter.  I walked around a bit nearby and found lots of little statues inspired by Hans Christian Andersen stories (e.g., Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina, etc.).  There was also a mural (painted on a rock) that connected to John James Audubon (namesake of the County).  From this town, Google Maps took me back towards the east, mostly on gravel farm roads, so that I could visit the nearby Danish Countryside Winery.  I arrived at 1450 and, after rousing the proprietor (he wasn't on site initially), I was able to do some wine tasting.  In the end, I tried five vintages ("Tivoli Celebration", "Maid of the Harbor", "Catawba Sunset" and two others that were tinged with blueberry and cherry flavors) for a very reasonable price.  I ended up talking with the Vintner, Loren, and learned that he was a Lutheran Minister who used his wine during services at his nearby church.  He also turned out to be an Air Force construction sergeant so we had a lot to talk about.  The conversation even strayed into Theological topics and we talked for a long time.  Ultimately, I didn't depart until after 1600!  Once I got (reluctantly) back into my car, I drove east on Littlefield Drive (AKA Audubon County Road F58).  Along the way, I passed through Exira and crossed US-71.  After that, I continued (same road) all the way to I-80.  During this time, Brenna called; it was great to hear from her but we couldn't talk long because of the bad cell service in the area. By then, I'd gotten back on I-80 (synonymous with US-6) and resumed my drive to the east.  There was a lot of truck traffic and cars "parked" in the left lane during this phase of the drive.  Meanwhile, I passed through Adair County, Madison County and Dallas County while listening to audiobooks.  Somehow, I missed a chance to stop at the Jesse James Train Robbery site near Adair - dang.  At around this time, I also passed signs for a NPS Unit called "Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area".  (When I looked it up later, it appeared to be a huge zone of Americana in northeastern Iowa.)  Eventually, I got off I-80 and took I-35 to the south; I used that to reach IA-5.  From there, I drove east until reaching Veterans Parkway.  By 1720, I'd found my hotel, a Baymont by Wyndham, (Des Moines Airport) and checked in (it was reward night).  After getting into my room about 10 minutes later, I resumed teleworking immediately.  Outside my window, the sun had just set and there was a lovely orange glow for a while afterwards.  Upon reaching the required 1.5 hours of additional work (1900), I left my room and walked around the hotel (to get my bearings).  During this time, I reached two miles of walking for the day - the potential for more arose when I found a fitness center and a pool.  To take advantage of this opportunity, though, I had to go back out into the frigid (low double digits by this time) air to get my workout/swim gear.  The upside of this unplanned trip outdoors, however, was that I got a great view of Jupiter next to the moon.  Before starting my workout, I ate "dinner" (snacks).  In the Fitness Center and Pool, I completed one mile on the treadmill (20 minutes), 4.5 miles on the recumbent stationary bike (20 minutes) and 0.25 miles of lap swimming (15 minutes).  After that, I took in a sauna for 10 minutes and jacuzzi for 15 minutes.  During this whole time, there was only one other person nearby (a lady) and I enjoyed the peace and solitude.  Once I reached my room again (2130), I spent time online taking care of emails and then read for a little while.  For once, I didn't' watch any movies!  By 2315, I was ready for bed.  This Baymont hotel turned out to be a wonderful location - it seems to be a major Conference Center and is connected with a flatbed trucking school (next door).  The amenities are great and I hope to take advantage of them again in the morning!