We spent a couple of days in Waukee, just west of Des Moines. We spent the first day exploring the area, finding this neat dam on the Racoon River in Redfield.
While throwing rocks in the river (Jason’s favorite activity), we met this young man who was setting off for a three-day kayak run to Booneville. His kayak was pretty much maxed out.
Next, we went to the hanging cliffs in Redfield where Jason again took a minute to do battle with the river. We asked a family fishing upstream if a young man in an orange kayak has come by here yet, and they indicated that he passed through several minutes earlier. He was making good time.
Since it was getting hot, real hot, we found this small “Dairy Shop” downtown. It caught our eye went a bicyclist was feed his dog an ice cream cone due to the heat! Inside, in the AC, Jason shared Cathy’s a root beer float after finishing his cone.
Next, we went south to Winterset, the county seat of Madison County. This town was “famous” for the film that it inspired (staring Clint Eastwood). I don’t think I ever saw it but I would not admit that to any of the townspeople. Winterset is also the home town of John Wayne and he is beloved here. Jason is climbing between the two pillars to the right of the entrance to the county seat.
We were told by a local to check out this tower. It was at the end of a very narrow and steep, nondescript dirt road. It offered a pretty good view of the countryside. We did meet one “powerwalker” at this location as it seems to be “off the beaten path” somewhat.
Back into town, we stopped at the town park, which had Bocce Courts at the entrance to the hedge maze. We had fun chasing Jason around here for a while, then headed off to see some of the covered bridges that Madison County is famous for.
Cathy and Jason crossing a neat old stone arch bridge in the city park.
Jason learning to chew straw while looking for bear. NO, there were no bear here but it gave his something to do.
On the way out of town, we drove by Juan’s birthplace and took this from the car. We were not that interested in taking a tour of John Wayne’s cottage.
We chose three examples of the bridges. These are two and the third had been burned (arson) recently.
Cathy showing Jason how to (properly) leave his mark on the bridge. We actually overheard a couple telling a local that they were heading to the store to buy markers to “leave their names” on the bridges. Holy crap! These were middle-aged “adults”. The local told them he had his name on ALL of the bridges. Unbelievable.
The real reason for camping close to Booneville: Booneville is the home of the Booneville Backroads Ultra, which includes: the Tuffest 10K, a 50K, 50K Relay, 100K and 100 Mile run. We were the last group to leave the start line as the longer distances started at sunrise. The temperature hit 100 degrees in the sun, and most of the run was in direct sunlight, There was also about 800+ feet of climbing (note here: Iowa is not flat, there is an abundance of rolling hills with some relatively steep climbs. They were anticipating the 100K and 100 miles to finish Sunday.
This is a shot of the first mile of our run, a couple of bikers and a young’n warming up? The road was entirely crushed white gravel and very dusty. It was hard to see whenever a truck or car passed.
The 10K group were escorted by a bagpiper and drummer across the highway and over the bridge to the start area. We arrived early and missed the escort.
Actually, the day before, while exploring the course, I managed to run into the train trestle located behind the bridge and cracked and breaking the bridge of my nose, necessitating an unplanned trip to an emergency room in Des Moines. Yes, I am still yapping when Cathy took the photo . . .
Below is the start area, after the distance runners left and before the 10K arrived. Cathy and Jason are at the far left of this shot.
Here ai am with Jason before the start with my broken beak.
Jason ran to meet me at the finish. The young lady in red is one of the relay participants. I did manage to get a little sunburn and lose a few pounds of water during the run.
Travelling with the Schinglers 
Love all the Illinois places and have fond memories of everything Lincoln. All is well here but expecting lots of rain. Have fun. Valera
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