July 9th

Our day began early with a startling clap of thunder that shook the ground at 6am. As we settled back to sleep, a pounding on the roof and building caused us to jump from our beds to the window in time to see golf ball sized hail pelting the hotel and ground. Tried to get pics but it was too dark. Ted has two lovely `character` dents in his front fender and Dave has a dent in his trailer to go along with the scratch from the low flying duck that hit us last week. The damage was minor compared to the numerous front and back windows of vehicles that were smashed.

We hunkered in until the torrential rains passed, then suited up and hit the road. As we drove, the skies cleared and eventually we stripped down as the temps hit high 80`s.

Sadly - we are heading east toward home and the end of our 2009 adventure.

Stopped in Madison County to check out the bridges from the movie `Bridges of Madison County`. There are 6 covered bridges and we saw all of them. Was disappointing to discover each bridge was the same, only the location was different. But great to see them and read all the postings people have written on walls over the years.




On to Butt F?"/$* Iowa for the night, checking the weather and hoping to miss the severe storms passing thru tonight and tomorrow.