July 26, 2016 Iowa to Missouri

July 26, Tuesday

Back on the road this morning, we are seeing acres and acres of corn and soybeans. Yet another detour as we head south on 63.

We have seen several barn quilts, including this bright one.  We have seen a few in other states as well - even in Vermont and Ohio.

The Airpower Museum and Antique Airplane Association is our next stop.  It is a non-profit, formed in 1965 - someone's good idea that never quite took off, it seems.

 No admission and we are told to go ahead and look around on our own.  Some planes, posters, engines and parts, mostly all covered with either dust or bird droppings.

 I found the posters and articles on Amelia Erheart interesting, and this reminder of the excitement when aviation was new... the Inman Flying Circus advertised took place here in Ottumwa.

We continue into Missouri, and pay a visit to the home town of General John J. Pershing.

 We are greeted by Katharine and Alison and act as guinea pigs for Alison, who is learning the ropes. They are sweet and informative, but pretty much stick to a narrative as we tour the house,
built in the 1850's, the smokehouse/summer kitchen and even the 4-seater outhouse.  There was a hair wreath on display,

which we had never seen or heard of - and later Greg read about a Hair Museum (which we skipped), so it must have been a big thing once.

Interesting to note, too, that the house only had one closet because closets were counted as rooms in tax assessments.

Pershing taught school before attending West Point and the schoolhouse is on the grounds.  It was the most interesting part, since it chronicled his military career.

 He began by commanding a group of black Buffalo Soldiers and received a (derogatory) nickname of Black Jack Pershing.  He fought against the Sioux and Apaches, then in the Spanish American War 1898-99 with Teddy Roosevelt.  He earned a law degree and then served in the Philippines before being promoted from Captain to Brigadier General. He served in WWI and was the only General other than George Washington to be  named General of the Armies.

We found another spot to camp, this time in the Fountain Grove Conservation Area.  It is a rather remote area with several primitive campsites near a lake.

 Nice day, so we walk and sit outside a bit.  It is pleasant in the shade.  Another couple arrives and fishes for a few hours, and then we have the place to ourselves again. Lots of birds and dragon flies.

Too hot to cook, so we have a big chef salad for dinner.

Warm night and the small battery-powered fan we invested in comes in handy.  We could run the generator and the ac, but it isn't THAT bad and is comfortable as the night temps drop to around 70.
Still, it is a reminder that we've been heading south for quite a while and we decide that we will pretty much head for home the next two days, after a stop at the Truman Presidential Library.

I awake during the night and admire a beautifully star-studded sky, with the big dipper right over our lake.  A few lightning bugs twinkle against the darkened trees as well.