October 5, 2014. Southern Iowa

CAMPGROUND:  Lacey-Keosaqua State Park.  Another Iowa State Park gem.  Electricity, water for tank, nice bathrooms, wooded sites.  4 stars out if 5.  $11.  We realized that the prices of the parks state-wide went down after October 1.  What a deal!

LOCATION:  Southeast Iowa, near Keosaqua and Fort Madison. 

WEATHER:  Picture perfect fall day. Sunny. Highs in 60s

We left Lake Ahquabi mid-morning and drove about 150 miles southeast to the far SE corner of the state.  

Again, we referred to our book "10,000 Places To Go Before You Die" for guidance for places to visit in southern Iowa.  It mentioned Fairfield, Iowa to see the Maharishi University.  On the way, we saw a sign advertising American Gothic House, so we decided to swing by to see what it is.  We found that it is the house featured in Grant Wood's painting.  

It is a very nice center. There is a museum showing the history, including all the parodies that have been made over the years.

They encourage visitors to put on the costumes and pose in front of the house with the pitchfork.  We didn't do that, but did get a snap with the cut-outs.

We stopped along the way to phone some folks we missed in Iowa.  Betty Green....if you are reading this, please know we are sorry we missed you.  We stopped by the Truro Library, but later learned you are recovering from surgery.  Take care!  While we were on the phone, we pulled to the side of the road to talk.  A kind couple in a camper with Iowa plates stopped to see if we needed help.  People are so kind everywhere we go. 

Fairfield is a town of about 5,000.  About 40 years ago, its financially struggling small liberal arts college was bought by a famous Indian meditation guru, and Maharishi University was established.  It is a college and also offers short-term seminars for transcendental meditation. There is a village with communal gardens, temples and an observatory.  There is also a famous spa called Raj there where people go for massages, cleansing and healthy eating.  All very interesting in this small Iowa town.

Our guidebook suggested visiting the small towns of Van Buren County. So, we stopped in this campground that we will use as a base as we explore the area over the next few days.

The weather is 100% perfect for camping. We crunched through the fallen leaves and made a roaring fire.

DINNER:  For a break from the Iowa meat we have been eating, I fixed a shrimp dish instead.  It had a Japanese flair with soba noodles. I sautéed shrimp, onions, garlic and leftover zucchini in sesame oil, added some soy sauce, and served over the soba.  Oushikata!