Road Warrior - Home Visiting the Family

The first visit back home, since I've moved to Clear Lake, IA. We booked a room with a pool and made an afternoon of it...

Road Warrior - The Friendliest People You Will Ever Meet

I was back on Highway 24 this week it was nice to return to a familiar place that I enjoyed before. This time it was a trip about the people. I worked in Fredricksburg Iowa first, A small farming community as was Saint Lucas where I spent the last three days of the week.

I always learn a little something about everyone when they sit down at my table but I spent a lot of time mingling with them in the waiting area this trip. I met a 91 year old woman in Fredricksburg who left their young pastor in the dust when he personally picked her up and brought her to the church for her picture to be taken. Before the pastor could get out and help her to the door, she was in and ready.

Most of them hung around for coffee and cookies after they were done, just chatting and the positive energy was contagious. there were people who drove for miles to attend that particular church and it was very understandable. They were a tight group. I told them I loved it up in the area and thought about moving to the area many times but this church I said I would join if I ever did. They offered to come to the Quad Cities and help me pack. I made a joke about it, but the pastor said he was quite serious.

After Fredricksburg, Saint Lucas was much the same but we spent three days there. This tiny town was nestled in the crevice of the surrounding hillsides. It was beautiful countryside. I stopped one day on the way to work at "The Little Brown Church", the smallest church in the world, with only four small pews. Then I met up with my partner for the week and had lunch at "The White House". It went highly recommended by someone from Fredricksburg and the food and service was great.

The people of Saint Lucas were also very kind and friendly. We were told stories of the residents (not gossip) that we had met or in the case of one elderly man in his 90's, we never met, who had just gone into assisted living. He claimed he didn't need to be reminded of his appointment but when it came time, he had taken a bus to the River Boat in Dubuque. His sister rescheduled the appointment for the next day and he again came up missing. This time he had gone off on an expedition with one of his son's. I don't believe he ever made it to have his picture taken.

One thing I noticed was the prevalence of certain surnames in the area and I inquired with several of them as to their relations with this or that person whom I had sat with earlier but found a lot of them were distant relatives and these people had been farming and living in this tiny community for generations.

Its a good feeling to be so well received by an entire community. We had bars reopen their grills just so we could eat something after work. Everyone knew who we were and where we were from and struck up conversation wherever we went. Our presence was also requested on the next shoot in Fredricksburg in a couple of weeks. We apparently made a good impression.

Road Warrior - The World Is A Smaller Place

It poured all the way to Decatur, it was a depressing journey. Like many bad experiences, they are just part of life. Let me rephrase that, not "bad" or "good" so much, as reflective. Most of my journeys have been reflective thus far, however one reaches the threshold of enlightenment at some point that changes your entire perspective on life. And when that happens, it affects everyone around you. I've often been told "you think too much". I don't understand why that's a bad thing. Driving long distances allows an abundance of "thinking" time and is meditative.

I'm finding nothing appealing about Decatur and in a way this city and this trip parallels my life at this moment in time. It poured all the way here and many of the gas stations on the way had just been through a storm and had no power. Decatur is littered with large, looming factories producing pollution and it smells. The roads are confusing and in need of repair. I have difficulty finding my way around. The only clarity and solitude I'm finding is being locked up in my hotel room, a suite with no bathtub and taking a bath is sacred to me.

I tried to sleep in on Wednesday because I've been designated to receive advanced training before work. The doors here are loud and always slamming and it was fruitless. My District Manager believes I should be at the top of the district in sales after only six weeks. That's a lot of expectation to shoulder.

I was glad to return home on Saturday. It was a hot trip back, in the 90's with no air conditioning, it was a relief when the sun went down. I took a different route back and enjoyed the experience of crop dusting planes playing in the air and chicken with the cars. I also found wind turbines in the area as the sun was setting; my only visual pleasures of trip.

My only day off on Sunday was very busy. It began with Birthday shopping for my Grandsons and then to their party. It was a great feeling to be able to buy them gifts after such a long dry spell of being broke all the time and then unemployed. I've never been able to enjoy the satisfaction of giving without worrying about breaking the bank and it was an excellent feeling. They were all very pleased, with the exception of the littlest, whom only being one year old, doesn't care so much as whats in the box, but the box itself.

The remainder of the day was trying to stay cool, doing laundry, re-packing and finally a relaxing movie and bed only to turn around and start it all over again on Monday. I must say I am glad to be back in Iowa. Marshalltown, Fredricksburg and Saint Lucas are my jobs this week. Iowa seems so small now after feeling like I've been to every nook and cranny. When I really contemplate that thought, the "World" is now a smaller place and no destination feels "too far". Sometimes when I'm driving I think I could just keep going and see the World!

Road Warrior - Pella Iowa

I only had a half day home after my last trip before I headed out again on Monday for Pella, Iowa. I passed through Montezuma again and followed the winding roads. I wasn't sure I was there when I got there. I thought I was in a town called Vermeer, the first sign I saw coming into town. Vermeer was an enormous 1.5 million square foot facility stretching several city blocks. producing environmental equipment for excavation, construction, agriculture and many other products, also housing their own museum on their grounds outlining the history of Vermeer. It was pretty impressive.

I passed by many small dutch windmills on my way to the motel, they are scattered about town in peoples yards, business and parks. The main attraction being the Vermeer Mill Windmill, including another museum. There were gardens everywhere as well and I discovered a small courtyard hidden downtown under a clock tower. I walked about town on Tuesday and went into the courtyard discovering more gardens, fountains and a pool. At the end of the courtyard was a small Pella store, minuscule compared to the Pella Windows and Doors plant which is also very beautiful.

My first job was not in town but in Peoria Iowa, a small community outside of Pella. The view from the back of the church was breathtaking. Across the street from the church was the "keeper of the keys", he wondered about the church in his motorized wheelchair. Very friendly as well, he invited me across the street to take pictures of the Skunk River behind his house when he observed me taking pictures in the parking lot. I wasn't sure what to expect but I couldn't actually see the river only a clearing in the corn that could have been a river. Needless to say it was still a fantastic view to have from your back yard.

The next morning I spent more time in downtown Pella, browsing in dutch import stores and bakeries. Thank goodness I didn't have a lot to spend this trip otherwise I would have purchased all kinds of pastries and they would never have made it home. I had lunch at the "Windmill Cafe", a very busy place. I had a great Feta Cheese, burger and grabbed a Ruben to go for my trip home but by 12:00am it was a bit soggy.

I was most impressed by our photographer this trip. Not only was he an excellent photographer but he did a great job in spite of the fact his wife was dying of cancer and the Dr. had given her a week at the most. The only reason he was there working was to maintain his medical insurance, for some reason he wasn't able to go on FMLA. He was frazzled and distracted but when there were people to shoot, he put a smile on his face, joked with them and gave us some great material to work with. In times of despair and tragedy our true character shines and my thoughts are with him and his family.

Road Warrior - Journey to Spirit Lake Part 2

I spent Thursday in Arnold's Park exploring the "Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum". I enjoyed the Buddy Holly wall and the artistry of the local High School. They decorated guitars in honor of Rock Legends and I was able to vote for my favorite. After the voting they are auctioning off the guitars and the proceeds will benefit the school. (I voted for #3).

I had an ice cream and then did some shopping. I purchased gifts for some of my family members and then explored some of the history of the lakes; Okaboji West, East and the largest, Spirit Lake were created by Glaciers. West Okaboji is spring fed and where Arnold's park sits is unusually deep, there is a canyon of cooler water beneath the lake and the two never intermingle but there is an inversion of cooling and heating and it turns over twice a year.

Friday I spent napping and relaxing until it was time for work. I grabbed lunch in at the "Fresh Bistro" on Hill Avenue in Spirit Lake and had the most scrumptious "Fresh Dip", akin to the "French Dip" with sirloin, Swiss and saute'd mushrooms dipped in aujus sauce. It was wonderful as was the service. I then went next door to the "Piece of Work" art shop and purchased a pair of acid etched nickle earrings with dragonflies etched on them (imagine that, not butterflies).

We had a trainee with us this trip and she quit on Friday so our Photographer from Clear Lake stayed over night in her room, he was planning on going back and returning in the morning ( a two hour drive). We all decided to grab a bite to eat after work and had pizza and ended up going back to the Motel and sitting outside until late, drinking beers and learning about each other. It reminded me of my old job and the comradery and friendships I had built with many of them. I had a great time and let my hair down (which I don't do very often outside of home).

Though we aren't on the same job all the time, we will probably run into each other again from time to time. I've been keeping in touch with several of the PC's I've worked with, we've shared ideas and experiences and are becoming an extension of my friends and family back home. The job is growing on me as are the people.

I only got 3 hours sleep that night and was really dragging the entire day so instead of going to wait for the sunset on Spirit Lake, I went home and went to bed early so I could get up early and head out. I was on my way out of town by 6:00 and it was a tough trip back. I had to stop several times to try to wake up, splashing water on my face in the rest area bathrooms.

I was very disappointed in my stop at "Buddy Holly Place" in Clear Lake, I don't know if I went the wrong way or what but I found nothing but open fields, no indications there was a plane crash. I expected more and if I did go to the wrong way, oh well, maybe another time. I at least got a photo of the street sign and "A Field"..lol (Found out I didn't go far enough, "Buddy Holly Place" ends but starts back up again).

I arrived home safely right on schedule, it took exactly 6 hours and I immediately headed for the bed for a nap. Heading out for Pella Iowa tomorrow morning for my next adventure.

Peace
Liz

Road Warrior - Journey to Spirit Lake

It down poured all the way to Cedar Rapids and I was drenched after carrying in my luggage. Its difficult to juggle an umbrella with several bags. I arrived early and my room wasn't ready so I went shopping and bought a much needed clothes rack for the van.

I headed out bright and early this morning, a travel day, which means I can take my sweet time getting there, I don't have to work tonight. It appeared the weather was going to be more of the same. The weather cleared up nicely and when I stopped for gas in Mason City, it was hot and humid. I was hoping to get to Estherville before Noon which is nearby Spirit Lake and Lake Okaboji. It should only have taken 4 hours according to the search engine map. However I didn't pull in to town until near 3:00pm. I was only prepared to drive six hours home from here, now its looking more like eight.

I stopped briefly in Clear Lake as Hwy 18 goes right through it. I spotted "Main Avenue" and thought there must be a post office nearby, its a little town, I needed to drop off my deposit and get a money order. Driving down Main Avenue, I stumbled upon Clear Lake, it was the quaintest little downtown, right on the Lake with little shops and galleries. I asked for directions to the Post Office and walked there, only taking up about a half hour of time.

Heading out of Clear Lake I passed "Billy Holly Place". I was very tempted to turn down that road but had to use restraint. I am planning on stopping on my way home to see the crash site of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper (so stay tuned). One of the toughest challenges for me out here is "not stopping"! Its like eye candy, so much to see, so much to photograph. I see the photographs in my mind as I'm passing, thinking "that would have been an awesome shot".

Somewhere along the line, I passed the turn for Estherville. I recall seeing the sign that said "Estherville 25 mi" and the road kept going, and going and going. I finally arrived in Spencer Iowa and knew I had done passed my turn!! . After having stopped a moment and snapping a shot of a church being elevated off its foundation, I pulled over and observed my "old fashioned" map and determined the map had screwed up again. I ended up going the long way to Estherville by passing it and going through Spencer, Lake Okaboji and then through Spirit Lake to hit Hwy 9 going East when I was supposed to arrive in Estherville from the South West.

Highway 9, between Estherville and Spirit Lake is interesting. I passed two abandoned trains and a field of mules, yes, mules maybe they are burros, I don't know but I hope to get a picture of them. The Super 8 in Estherville is not a great looking motel, nor does my bed look comfy, its old and I'm looking across the street at a much newer "Sleep Inn" thinking "why am I not staying there"? They have an indoor pool and a whirlpool! My peers who arrive tomorrow will probably move across the street, I might even join them.

I freshened up a tad when I got here and decided to head back to Spirit Lake for some shopping, dinner and photography. I checked out Hill Avenue and its many shops, my favorite was "A Piece Of Work" Art Gallery ( I might return for a little something for myself later). Dinner was "Charlie's Barfly Saloon" and they had the most excellent 1/2 lb. Mushroom and Swiss Burger. While there I asked the owner where there was a good place to photograph the sunset and it just so happened that he also owned some condos on Spirit Lake and he gave me directions and said I should sit between the condos for a good shot.

I arrived long before sunset and I crashed a couple getting ready to have themselves a campfire, they had just come in from skiing. I chatted with them a bit and they made me feel welcome but I decided since it was their last night on the lake before heading back to Nebraska, I should leave them alone. I took some shots and departed, I think their privacy was more important than me capturing a shot of the sunset (I already have over 400 sunsets in my database). Even if the Owner called the sunsets on the lake here "Iowa's Maui". What I did capture was beautiful enough for me and that moment.

So ends the journey to Spirit Lake. Tomorrow I work and hope for a better experience.

Peace
Liz