Here I am in the Charles City library. The Charles City Library people were vastly underprepared for the number of people who might like to come in and use their internet connection. So, I'm typing this up first, and then will post at some other free WiFi spot.
Last night in Clear Lake was interesting. After jumping in the lake, going to the Methodist church for a big pasta dinner and pecan pie, and wandering around town for the wily, yet nonexistent in Clear Lake Margarita, I headed back to camp to maybe read quietly and go to bed early. But in camp there was an Irish band. They were pretty good-the fiddle player was decent, but everyone said that their show was the same as last year. That's not cool.
After trying to read and relax a bit, I figured it was pointless, so I hopped on my bike for a little adventure. I found a really nice bike path and went about 10 miles. Then, I risked my life crossing a major intersection and went for a cheeseburger at a restaurant whose name escapes me, but they had something called a butterburger. After eating one, I still remain mystified as to what a butterburger is-do they butter the bun first, or what? Asking any of the shellshocked teenaged employees gave me no insight. It will remain a mystery.
I got back to camp in time to throw my laundry bag onto the laundry truck. This is literal. The best part is that on the first throw, I wildly overestimated the amount of force needed to chuck my bag onto the truck, and overshot the thing by several feet-in plain sight of everyone. It was pretty spectacular. The second throw was successful.
About 15 minutes after I turned in for the night, all this music came blaring in from the campground speakers. It seems that someone thought it was a good idea to broadcast the concert going on downtown into the campground. I wasn't interested in the band, which is why I didn't go. But I was still assaulted by their music. Then, the fireworks started! I had organized my tent so I could watch the fireworks without getting out of the tent-clever, eh?
About an hour after falling asleep, a giant storm came. It was very close, too, and I became vaguely worried about getting hit by lightning. But not so worried as to stay awake for very long.
In the morning, I was proud to note that while several of my neighbors had flooded, my trusty Eureka Apex came through with flying colors. But, there was this one guy who was sleeping on the sidewalk by my tent, only with no tent of his own. Did he just not bring one? It was strange.
The biking was fine today-very easy, actually. Only 56 miles total. I was done and set up in camp by noon. I did crank it out pretty hard, but my quads are starting to pay. I don't think I've got too many jump lunges in my legs this afternoon.
I stopped for breakfast at the Girl Scout burrito stand. They are saving up to go to the national conference. Plus, they gave me Thin Mints as a little breakfast dessert. Awesome!
The first town of the day was Swaledale. It was by far my favorite. While they didn't have any real kind of theme, everyone was super nice and enthusiastic. Plus, there were all these great old machines labeled with droll signs "First Wind Powered Car", etc. They has a sense of humor. I hope they did well today.
The next town was Rockwell. There wasn't anything too special here, except for a nice Veteran's memorial. There was also a girl trying to raise money to go to Carnegie Hall with a regional choir. Go get 'em!
After Rockwell was Cartersville. This wasn't really a town, but kind of a side street. But it was home to the best rope swing ever. Part trapeze, part diving board, the rope swing took you about 15 feet out over a pond. It was excellent. This is another little place I hope RAGBRAI did well by.
Then onto Rockford. What's with the rock towns today? This was nothing special. But there was a great garden about 2 blocks off the main drage that I spent about a half hour at. I talked to the guy who designed it and his wife. It's been featured in many magazines. There were a big variety of plants, big rocks, nice pathways, a beautiful pergola. I'm glad I went a little off the path to see it.
I got to Charles City and found the campsite. It's a big one today, and i've made an effort to find a spot near shade and away from people. We'll see how that goes. Now I'm off to see what Charles City has to offer.
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