I was definitely fooling myself when I thought that the Iowa post could be squished into one post. I don’t like to write that way, and I don’t want my readers to have to read that way. So, I am expanding on my trip and drawing the posts out.
Let me tell you about Des Moines, IA. It is the capital city of Iowa and about 198,000 people live there. I know, for the most populated city in Iowa, that’s not a lot. However, that’s part of what makes Iowa so awesome. Everywhere you go (yes, even Des Moines) will give you a small town feel.
Like I said, Des Moines can be pretty awesome. My cousin got married in a part of Des Moines that I have never gotten to see before, which was pretty awesome. She got married at the Rollins Mansion. This place was beautiful.
The ceremony was in the courtyard, and the reception was on the terrace. While it was a very different wedding from the one I attended in Cody earlier this summer, it was totally amazing and beautiful in its own way. My family and I took a few pics (below).
Sadly, and very obviously, my 15 year old little brother is taller than me. 🙂 It’s definitely a weird feeling when your little siblings grow up. I couldn’t even count how many people called Carson (the little brother) Dalton (the older brother). They don’t look that much alike, but Carson has grown so fast that a lot of people don’t recognize him.
Back to the wedding- it was a beautiful day out. While it was a little overcast, it was perfect weather. The sunset over the mansion was so neat. Sadly, I was enjoying my time with the family too much to snap a photo 😦 However, I think that it was probably more important to spend time with everyone than to run around with my camera.
My next favorite part of my trip was fishing the river with my dad and little brother. While both of them made me look like a chump and outfished me like 14 a piece to 2 fish, I still had the time of my life. We went out around 7:00 a.m. and finished up around 3:00 pm. Then, we went and got ice cream. Who could complain about a day like that? (Pics below)
Carson also caught the biggest fish of all, save the ugly Carp that my dad caught. Figures that Carson would beat us all. He’s always the tall tale telling, story changing, competitive, has to win one of us. Well, when it comes to fishing anyways.
This same night, Carson and I not only went and visited our Grandpa, but we also shot bows together. I learned a lot from my grandpa (what’s new) and also learned that my lil bro is wayyy stronger than me.
Like what?! When did this happen?!!! I couldn’t even draw his bow back, much to my dismay. That being said, below is a pic of us shooting our bows together. However, I am using a bow that I shot in 4th grade. How embarrassing!! 😂 The picture is super blurry (Thanks, Mom!) but it has become one of my favorites of us.
Just for fun, I’m also going to add a picture of Carson talking to my grandpa, because he’s the coolest old man ever. Moving away really shows you those that you took for granted and who’s important to you.
As you can see from the above pic, just about anywhere in the country in Iowa is quite beautiful.
Another favorite thing about Iowa for me has to do with food. Every time you go to a new place (or are returning to said place) you have a list of places you want to eat. The funny thing for me is that, when I go back to Iowa, the places I want to try are always hole in the wall bar and grills or somewhere that outsiders would never even know about.
Yes, I had a list of food place when I went to Iowa. However, this is how the list went: Doc’s, a tiny little bar in Clarksville, IA (best cheeseballs and double cheeseburgers ever), Cedar River Pizza Co. (Best pizza ever, in a tiny carry out only place in Charles City, IA), Casey’s BBQ Beef or Breakfast pizza (yes, Casey’s is a gas station), The Musky Lounge (bar that serves mainly fish in Clear Lake, IA), and Hickory Park (massive restaurant in Ames, IA, cheapest home cooked meal AND best Blue Bunny Ice Cream ever).
If you aren’t an Iowan, you have probably never heard of any of these places! Honestly, that’s partially what I love about each and every one of these places. Iowa has some of the most unique restaurants, people, and lifestyles.
While I am happy that I moved away and am doing something on my own, I’m glad I have a place like Iowa to go back and visit from time to time. Iowa people are a different breed. If you watch the Iowa vs. Iowa State football game on the 14th, I have a feeling you will figure that out for yourself.
As I have reached the end of this post, I am happy to say that the Iowa Trilogy will continue and end with a third and final post next week. After that, I will probably stick to my local wonders for a little while. I’m hoping to camp Yellowstone again this fall, and maybe a couple other places. We will have to wait and see.
After the final installment of the Iowa Trilogy, I will have a post about the Billings Rimrocks, so keep your eye out for that! You may be more inclined to wait two weeks for that post if you’re tired of the Iowa subject matter.
As always, Happy Hiking. I hope everyone had an awesome first week of September, and, if you’re anything like me, you’re ready for fall! 🙂
Wonders of the West 