Summer travel and exploration has come to an end – for this year. For me, wherever I travel, I run and whenever I run anywhere away from home, I take the opportunity to explore.

My event schedule at National Senior Games in Iowa left me with some relaxing opportunities to see what I could of Iowa. Putting on my tourist hat, I got a strong flavor of this Midwest State.

What I Saw and Did When Not Running

• A search for the (6) Bridges of Madison County, although we abandoned the search at the fourth bridge.

• John Wayne Home and Museum in Winterset was the early childhood home of John Wayne. The museum is a retrospective of his career and life.
• City Park – While in the Winterset area, we stopped by this multi-use park. We took a 2-mile (out and back) hike with about 800 feet of elevation. This castle built by the descendants of a pioneering couple is a bit of a puzzle. Why a castle? As a granddaughter of pioneers, I can attest they were not the kind of folks who went in for castles. But, hey, it has a great view and a great show of admiration for previous generations.

Reiman Gardens – I spent hours in these beautiful gardens, situated adjacent to the Iowa State University stadium in Ames, Iowa. There are multiple areas to sit and relax, a butterfly room, and

incongruously the largest gnome in the world.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park on the outskirts of Ames is a beautiful, peaceful, passive park. I visited one morning where a smattering of visitors were sitting on the shore fishing or walking the trails. I was so taken with it, I returned with the brother and SIL Dennis and Vicki who came to Ames to support me during track events.

Iowa Arboretum and Treehouse Village located in Boone County near Des Moines is a gem. You will find acres and acres to flowers, trees, prairie trails and a treehouse village built into the environment.

What I Didn’t Do But Heard Good Reviews from Other Athletes

State Capitol Tour in Des Moines – I was told by friends that it is the most beautiful state capital, but clearly they have not visited Pennsylvania’s state capitol building .

Field of Dreams Several athletes and their families made a visit. Since I had considerable time behind the wheel traveling to Iowa, several more hours driving to the Field of Dreams wasn’t on my to-do list.

The Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend, Iowa was inspiring to those who visited. It required an early morning drive of several hours for those who attended, but was well worthwhile.

What did I miss?

All those pretty, small towns across Iowa. Get off the interstate and stop into one of their downtown diners and quirky shops you won’t find anywhere else. It will be worth the extra drive time.