Day 11

The Bridges of Madison County is cheesier than a bag of Doritos, sure, but I always was smitten with the luscious scenery. The covered brdges are straight out of another, simpler time and even the name of the town, Winterset, conveys an old-time feel. So after stuffing our bellies with barbecue and all the trimmings in Ames, Iowa, and cruising straight through Des Moines, I saw the bridged on the atlas and we made a beeline for the interstate exit.

The air was thick and hot and dusk had nearly arrived, the perfect weather for a walk back in time. One of the bridges fell victim to arson a few years ago and a replica has been rebuilt, but the authentic structures are where it's at. We passed through town, where live music was playing in the courthouse square and a renovated church serves as a bed and breakfast (sadly it was full when we asked), stopped at an old castle-like tower on the side of the road and drove past the most amazing 19th century cemetery and a tiny rodeo before taking in our second and final bridge. I could have curled up and slept inside it all night long.

Iowa is nowhere that I'd take up permanent residence, but it was soothing to my soul for a day.

Just add Meryl Streep with a funny accent.