Iowa - Back to our roots!

 One of the places we stopped at in Iowa 

was the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter
and we were surprised to see one of the Freedom Rocks. 

The Freedom Rock

Please click on the link above to read the article

and watch the video which is well worth your time!

We have had the honor to see several Freedom Rocks throughout Iowa.

This one was very emotional because it reminded us of 

when Scott's mom would have been in that chair.

Thanks to all the men and women who have served 

or are serving our country!

 Since we are originally from Iowa 
we try to spend several weeks there to see family, 
friends, our favorite restaurants, 

and eat as much sweet corn as possible!

Anytime we are back in the Des Moines area we stop at 

Buzzed Bee Meadery in Melbourne, Iowa.

Wayne & Michelle participate in the Harvest Host program 

so we were able to spend the night. 

 A peaceful, relaxing place to unwind and reflect.

They do make great meads (honey wine) so check them

out when you are in the area. 

We love catching up with our friends and family! 

We camped in Wallachuck at Lake Redrock 

with our good friends. 

It is a very nice campground.

 They showed us all around Pella and Oskaloosa 

which is where they lived for many years. 

Jaarsma Bakery is a must stop!

Pick up some Dutch letters, cherry bites, 

cookies and cinnamon bread.

Amazing, irresistible Dutch treats!

Not as many pictures in this blog because we were in 

so many livings rooms and restaurants.

 

Thanks for showering us with so much love and 

continuing to build memories together!

Northern Wisconsin & Apostle Islands

 

We had the opportunity to meet up with a longtime friend 

who use to live in Wisconsin. 

 

He took us to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

 just west of Ashland. It is worth stopping and viewing the 

sensational murals, displays and the views from the third level. 

Bayfield, Wisconsin has some stately homes and lots of 

interesting shops. A fun place to walk around and visit.

We are so glad we did the Apostle Island Boat Tour.

It was a cold, overcast day but we had a great time

riding on top of this Catamaran!

Being out on Lake Superior was quite the adventure.

We saw several Bald Eagles!

So cool to see these red sandstone cliffs

and sea caves.

Two of the many lighthouses are

Devils Island Lighthouse

and Raspberry Island Lighthouse.

 We also toured Hayward, Wisconsin.

Scott and Rich went to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

Home of the biggest musky.

A must stop is Coops Pizza. Yummy!

We also stopped at Tremblay's Sweet Shop. 

This place will definitely test your will power!

We are sure you have heard of the 

Lumberjack World Championship. 

Did you know they have a day camp 

where kids can learn how to log roll?

Of course, we had to go to the AYCE (all you can eat) 

Friday night fish fry at a local tavern in Drummond. 

The place was very busy with the regulars so we were 

thankful  to get a table. Great fish dinner!

Part of the fun of traveling is experiencing the local festivals.

 We bought some blueberry popcorn, 

and a brat with blueberry relish!

Surprisingly they were delicious!