Bikes and hogs

Welcome to Iowa... land of trains, cropdusters, trains, corn, trains and ... a hobo poet named "Iowa Poet Blackie."
No folks, we aren't making this up. "Blackie" pulled over on his Harley to ask us for directions to the RAGBRAI activities. He then proceeded to tell us his life history (and sell us his self-published book.) We're pretty sure that his hobo lifestyle is out of choice rather than necessity, seeing that he rides a Hog. I really can't wait to load the photo of Paul and Blackie. Until then, you'll need to rely on this description from Paul: Santa Claus fallen on hard times, wearing overalls, leather jacket as he recites his train-hopping poetry.

But let me back up. Paul and I arrived at the campground, a local high school in Missouri Valley, by way of Lincoln Town Car. Can't say that went over well with the Teva-sandal-wearing, Subaru-driving crowd. Thank goodness we were one of the first arrivals.
We were promptly greeted by tenting neighbors -- a young guy from Fort Myers and Jim, a sports memorabilia dealer from Tampa. He is a card. His (guessing here) 70-year-old body is not only going to carry him the 470 miles across the state, but the guy is going to ride all the way back to the starting point.

In between watching a yellow cropduster zoom surprisingly close time and time again to cover a cornfield, never-ending trains and the hills that lie ahead, we've been wandering the town.
We met Jeff from St. Louis. He and his brother Steve are riding RAGBRAI to "bond" -- though Jeff was quick to point out, "I guess we probably could have gone fishing instead."
Because it is as hot in Iowa as midday Florida, we are seeking refuge at Gurney's, a local restaurant recommended by a rather stout fireman. We've learned to always trust that a fat man knows where the good food is served!

So we write this from a table full of traditional Midwestern food. Our waitress, Pat, just informed us that the movie theatre shows one film a day, at 7 p.m. We're thinking that a movie might be a good heat avoidance strategy. So, bye for now. Thanks for all the well wishes we've received from home!