Iowa City to Minneapolis/St. Paul

Hi;

Digressing abit, when we left Plains, GA a couple of days ago we crossed the Stateline into AL and came upon a National Historic Site of interest. Due to time limitations we did not stop so I did a little research. The site was former Confederate Camp Sumter, or better known as the infamous Andersonville Prison of Civil War days. Built in 1864 to accommodate 10,000 Union prisoners of war it quickly grew to an inmate population of 40,000 men. It became a 'hell on earth' ravaged by disease & malnutrtion. Inadequate water supply, unsanitary conditions, exposure, overcrowding, and food shortages took a toll of 13,000 men within a year's time. At the Historic site is a reconstruction and within the grounds is a military cemetery with headstones representing all the soldiers who lost their lives there. It was a very moving sight to see.

As we progressed toward the Twin Cities, beginning in southern IL from KY the land flattened creating vast farm fields and continued through IL, IA, and into southern MN. There it changed to more hilly terrain with numerous lakes. The wet season experienced the the mid-west was evident with swollen lakes and rivers and water standing in the fields. I expect the crop yield will be down this year forcing food prices to rise.

We arrived to the enthusiastic welcome of Pat's son, daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildren. The motorhome is parked in their driveway, an accommodation much appreciated. The birthday party is planned for 5 o'clock today with rain predicted to begin at 5!! They are set-up in the garage so we will go over to move the mh this afternoon.

Depending on what we do over the next 10 days this blog will be sporatic.

Dick