Clark's Ferry Recreation Area near Montpelier, Iowa

In trying to stay off the interstate, we wandered on some back roads and came across historic Illinois Route 66 and some gorgeous country side. We found the Magic Coffee Bean Cafe off a town square for an unexpected latte with surprisingly delicious home made banana nut and morning glory muffins. We found our way to the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and crossed over into Iowa stopping at the Clark's Ferry Recreation Area for the evening. The park was nestled between the river and the railroad tracks. We had a great spot on a marshy section of the river with no neighbor on one side. It stayed unbearably hot at 94 degrees until sundown so we chilled out in the air conditioning of the Cutie for happy hour. We did another one pot stir fry with a cabbage broccoli mix and ham over Japanese noodles for dinner. We were amazed to see several tugs pushing 9 barges up the river. The frequent trains were noisy but otherwise a peaceful spot.

Barge traffic by the campground

Another cutie down from us

Skillet breakfast with a cinnamon roll pancake side dish

Stopping at the historic Galena Library