Saturday turned out to be another day with several unexpected surprises. After breakfast, we loaded the bikes and Chloe's little rickshaw in the trucks and drove to Howell Station, a Corps of Engineers campground below Red Rock Dam. It's a large campground with nicely spaced sites and has the added plus for biking in our estimation of being fairly flat. The bike trail also goes through it so by the time we road over to an area by the dam, back to the campground, traveled every road in the campground, and followed the trail through a shaded area, we felt sufficiently exercised to justify some treats in the afternoon.
After a little cleanup and lunch, we journeyed to Pella, intending to visit the bakery and a quilt shop. Lo and behold, a large classic car show was going on downtown. Note to my kids: this is what your dad would like for Christmas. We did get to the bakery and a great quilt shop, where I got sucked in to another project.
This is a Hupmobile with a rumble seat and an engine cleaner than my kitchen. Several blocks were lined with beautiful cars on both sides of the street and down the middle. We were so overwhelmed, we had to stop for a gelato.
Then to Tassel Ridge Winery, east of Pella. On weekends they feature two special tastings: wine and cheese and wine and chocolate pairings. We opted for the cheese and tried four Iowa cheeses with four Iowa wines and pretended we knew what we were doing.
On the way back to the campground, some very ominous clouds were building and we barely made it in time to stow the lawn chairs and a few other things before the deluge hit. And it poured. Not much wind, fortunately, but a lot of rain in a short time. Afterwards, we mopped up and proceeded with supper: grilled chicken breasts, shrimp scampi with pasta and salad. Not sure what we will do today other than smashed potatoes and sausage gravy for breakfast. However, we have all agreed that we are a little short on naps and reading time this weekend so I'm sure we'll get a little of that in.
On the way back to the campground, some very ominous clouds were building and we barely made it in time to stow the lawn chairs and a few other things before the deluge hit. And it poured. Not much wind, fortunately, but a lot of rain in a short time. Afterwards, we mopped up and proceeded with supper: grilled chicken breasts, shrimp scampi with pasta and salad. Not sure what we will do today other than smashed potatoes and sausage gravy for breakfast. However, we have all agreed that we are a little short on naps and reading time this weekend so I'm sure we'll get a little of that in.
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