I made a quick trip on Interstate 35 this weekend. Driving home I compiled some short observations from the journey:
1. Exit 22 in Minnesota is for the towns of Hartland and Geneva. The exit sign going south lists them as Geneva Hartland. That will be my pen name if I’m ever in need of one!
2. This heartland area was glowing in the late afternoon light. The soybeans are yellowing, the corn is drying, and with a bit of a haze in the air the area was beautiful. I’m thankful for all the food this country produces.
3. The red lights on each of the wind turbines all blink off and on at the same time.
4. It’s an eerie sight to see combines working in the dark in the fields.
5. It’s disconcerting to hear bugs splatting on the windshield right after dusk, especially so many bugs!
6. Sometimes luck is on your side, but you have to recognize it and act on it. I made a quick stop for gas and food at Clear Lake, Iowa (home of the Surf Ballroom – the location of the last show by Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper in 1959). As I looked down the road I saw the potential for a beautiful sunset. With my GPS I could follow just the right roads to the lake and found a beautiful park with sand beaches and a perfect view to the quickening sunset. Many of the people who were out walking, biking, and/or fishing stopped to take in this sunset. It was worth the extra 30 minutes out of my drive to enjoy this bit of beauty.
7. Family is worth 16 hours on the road!
lindastaatsphoto.com 
Beautiful Linda, I’m glad you went out of your way for us to get this great picture 🙂
Thanks Tammy! Always think of you when driving through Madison County, Iowa!
Hi Linda,
Thanks for posting that lovely sunset. We are having some incredible ones here because of all the smoke generated by the wildfires in eastern WA. Your blog also brings back memories of fall in the Midwest, my favorite season there. We are headed for the Mt Baker region on the weekend. Had five entries accepted in the Puyallup fair. Hope that you take more short sidetrips.
Doris
Glad to hear you’re enjoying some color (and summer weather too!). And congrats on your entries at the fair – that’s a feather in your cap for sure!
I too enjoy road trips. The best ones are from WA to MN. The days on the road for 12 hours and only 200 miles tells it’s own story. MN lakes are awesome.
Love the 200 miles in 12 hours Joani; that’s the very best way to travel. Sometimes we just need to get away to remind us of how beautiful our surroundings are, and just how lucky we are – no matter what time of year!
Spectacular! Loved your comments too! Glad you were able to make the quick trip down there–yes, family is worth it…
Thanks, Linda. Sorry I missed seeing you Sunday night, but I’ll look forward to catching up with you real soon.