“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.” – attributed to Mark Twain

The fabulous Driftless Region of the USA is a big area of the country between Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It's beautiful. Steep, dramatic, forested ridges, deeply carved river valleys, spring-fed waterfalls, and cold-water trout streams. There are even underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves. It's a big area, nearly 24,000 square miles, and includes the upper section of the Mississippi River.
My lovely bride and I explored two square miles of this terrain while driving through. A little town named Decorah, Iowa. They have a trout hatchery and a lovely trail around the city right next to the river. While walking, I spot my first bald eagle in the wild. Big bird! She is no dummy because with the fish hatchery right there, it has to be like living next to a Golden Corral all-you-can-eat-buffet. Good ROI for a big bird.
We stayed at a renovated hotel next to the Steyer Opera House called the Hotel Winneshiek. It was originally built in 1905 and completely renovated in 2000. Giant windows, big heavy doors, a fancy bubble tub. Tiny TV. We procure goods at the local establishments and enjoy some of their food provisions before driving on.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I only have a few minutes today. We're at the wedding of my nephew and I'm being put to work. I'll tell you more about it later.
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