Well, it would appear that it has been about a year since I wrote in here last. I never intended to wait this long in between posts, but here we are. Between getting a new laptop, Covid occurring, and starting nursing school, 2020 was a total whirlwind! In April of 2020, I moved back to Iowa for a “long summer”. My brother got married in August in Idaho (pics to come). In October I moved back to Wyoming to start school. Lastly, in January of 2021 I started nursing school.
I suppose the start will be to post a little bit about my time in Iowa! As soon as I arrived in Iowa, my sweet little Vizsla puppy, Cree, made his appearance. My parents had gone to another town in Iowa to pick him up. He is the most perfect pup!!
Cree is now 1.5 and is a total ball of energy! We run together regularly to keep him worn out and happy. The dogs and I spent most of our summer 2020 at Clear Lake, IA in my grandma’s cabin (when I wasn’t working). The boys learned that they enjoyed swimming, but Cash decided that he preferred life on land!
Clear Lake is this awesome town that is set right on a big lake in Northern Iowa. Obviously the big season is from May-September (Memorial Day to Labor Day, typically). September is probably my favorite month to be there, as you can still swim, but there aren’t as many people flocking into town.
My favorite places to go in Clear Lake are GeJo’s by the Lake (the best Italian restaurant), Cookies etc. (pretty self explanatory), and Cabin Coffee. All of these places are right on main street with fantastic views. A hidden gem of Clear Lake/Ventura is Rick’s Muskie Lounge right on the North Shore of Clear Lake. The Muskie has the best fried fish special around, and it has outdoor docks that boats can dock on directly off of the lake to come in and eat or get drinks.
Another must do in Clear Lake is ride the Lady of the Lake. The Lady takes you on an hour and a half long ride on the lake (multiple times a day). There is a full bar on board, so you can also have a drink and relax.
Overall, Clear Lake is a major must see attraction, any time of the year, if you find yourself in northern Iowa! One of my favorite things about the summer of 2020 was all of the time I got to spend with my family! My next post will probably be about the Yellow River Forest and Decorah, Iowa. My dad and I went hiking in the Yellow River Forest about once a week during the summer, and it was always breathtakingly beautiful!
As always, happy hiking my friends!!
Wonders of the West 