An equestrian jump perhaps?

Guaranteed ten years in storage - did they work?

Great write-up!

However, you have eliminated my already-faint desire to do bicycle touring in the French-speaking part of Canada.

I just couldn't handle the language barrier.

You know, I think you're right. I made the assumption from a nearby sign.

Yellow fly agaric

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanita_muscaria_var._guessowii

Nice flowers! Better than the ones we planted.

Gladiolus?

https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/all-about-gladiolus

As a soon-to-be-famous Pulitzer prize winner for your writing, I'm sure you're as tired of the paparazzi as I am. However, even so, if you wait a couple of weeks I'll be posting something that will tell you where I live within a small radius. As I was writing it, I was thinking that of all the people I know, Greg Garceau will appreciate this journal more than anyone else.

Hey Mark, in what part of Iowa do you live? You don't have to name the exact town if you don't want to--a little hint will do--but I've been curious about that ever since you told me you lived in that fine state.

I've heard similar comments ("Iowa Buckeyes, right?"). I never correct them because I'd like to keep this place a secret. :-)

RAGBRAI does seem to be one of the few things that out-of-state cyclists know about Iowa. One time, while on tour in New York, I mentioned growing up in Iowa. I got this response: "Ah yes, the state with the potatoes."

Wow, that is definitely the largest array I’ve ever seen.

Interesting!

Interesting stuff on cave exploration. Also interesting (and perhaps appropriate) is that you got the picture of Wacky Road.

Orange jewelweed is very closely related to pale jewelweed and can be used similarly.

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