August 19, 2008 -Mitchel, South Dakota to Des Moines, Iowa

We found ourselves in Mitchell, South Dakota home of the world famous Corn Palace. We just had to cruise by and take a picture and see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. You'll see it above. The 2009 murals, which they are now working on, depict everyday heroes. We took a special picture or two of the teachers in honor of all the teachers we know. Note how the mural is made in the close up of the teacher. The cobs are cut in half and stapled on. The sides are made with carefully bunched straw or seed heads. It truly is a work or art. After viewing South Dakota's idea of art we hit the road and were surprised by the landscape of Iowa. Rolling hills of corn and soybeans as far as the eye could see. The farms were very large and seemed to look quite prosperous. We are both glad we came home through another new state to us. Betsy

We also stopped in the Amana colonies which is a group of small communities with heavy German influences. Shops offered quilts, candies, meats, leather goods, etc. It reminded us of Nashville, IN but without all the junk for sale. As Betsy mentioned I too was surprized at the rolling hills of Iowa.