OK, not bad.

That’s incredible. Did they ship it overseas from the Loire Valley?

Thanks Bill! I knew I could count on you for flower ID - I'm hopeless!

Phlox. Pretty flowers!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlox_divaricata

Nice, and yet just a bit disappointing. No barns?

What an interesting roofline! I’ve never seen a church like this.

Thanks Rachel. The lower gearing gives both a physical and psychological boost - and we all know how important your mind set is when facing a challenging climb.
It's amazing to me that our safety during this pandemic can depend on who we have for a governor. It is a bit unsettling to live in one of the few states that never locked down, and is re-opening as the case numbers continue to increase. I feel very lucky that am I not dependent on a job in a meat plant!
Enjoy the Palouse - Susan

Glad you got to test your new gearing. I have super low gearing for climbing and it’s great! I sure understand you uneasiness being somewhere where people are ignoring the necessary precautions. It creeps me out!

Susan this is another interesting post. One of the many reasons I enjoy these journal entries is they give such a different and positive impression of the USA than we get via our media here in Australia. For example, who knew that your state generates 35% of its electricity with wind?

There's a lot going on here: "... the Fort Dodge Grain Silo mural, which was created by an Australian artist Guido van Helten." Globalization!

Looking at the bike propped against the building in Ira, my first thought was, "What has happened to Vivienne!" but then realized it wasn't her. And later on I learn that no need to worry about Vivienne at all since she is at home and Stella is your steed this time. Whew.

Thanks Mike!

The ups and downs were definitely a treat. I'm looking forward to more rides that cross the Des Moines River

Thanks Bill - I'm hopeless when it comes to identifying most birds. I can usually recognize them when they not in flight due to their red head; now I can also rely on the distinctive wing pattern.

Thanks Rachel. There were some bumps in the day but overall it ended quite well. I was a bit concerned with my right big toe - it's still numb from my shingles episode last summer and I couldn't tell if it was getting too frosty. But all is good and no lasting effects.