Were I taking a class on Map Reading, I would be taking remedial classes in summer school. Today was to be a pleasant, short ride to a town called Dyresville. Despite no urgency, I was still on the road by 8 AM.

I had looked at the map, and today's ride was simple. Just stay on Hwy 13 until I get past Elkport. So I could relax, enjoy the scenery, and not be concerned with directions until later. This area is very hilly, with a number of long, steep climbs. After an hour and a half, it was time for a break. Elkport must not be too much further.

Breaks are when I check the map, see what the next towns are, check mileages, figure out where to have lunch, etc. In perusing the map, I discovered that the highway going through Elkport was not Hwy 13. I was supposed to turn off of 13 a long ways back. So much for my map reading skills. The thought of going back and re-climbing all those hills was not appealing, but might be necessary. Even though I was way out in the country, there was a farm implement repair shop across from where I was resting. What were the chances it would be open?

It wasn't. But an employee was there working, so I asked him to look at my map, and advise me as to whether I should turn around, or forge ahead, finding a new route. I could see from his expression that neither choice #1 or choice #2 were good ones. Clearly I was way past where I should have turned.

I tried to make him think like a bicycler (only with a good sense of direction) and that settled his mind as to his recommendation. He urged me to go further on Hwy 13. There was another big hill ahead, but once past it, the topography became more level (perhaps less hilly would be a better description). When a non-bicycler thinks that hills are long and steep, you can bet they are. The thought of having me go back over those hills again helped him come up with Plan B.

It started with going to the next town, Strawberry Point, then turning this way then that way, etc. There were going to be more miles than I originally scheduled, but probably no more than if I turned around. I decided to go to Strawberry Point, then get directions from there. It was 7 miles down the road.

What a cool town! With a population of 1,500, it had a vitality about it. One fellow I talked with said it hasn't changed much in 40 years, and I think that added to its charm. I asked a man for directions, and his reply ,actually made them sound simple. Perhaps my reputation had preceded me, so he was trying to talk down to my level. But the directions were: Go straight on 13, turn left on Hwy 20. It goes right into Dyresville. Mileage was 37 or 38 miles.

Outside the grocery store, a man was cooking hamburgers, hot dogs and brauts on a grill. I bought a braut. On the other side of the door was a little boy selling lemonade for 50 cents a glass. I bought two.

The next town, Manchester, was even more bustling because of a larger population base. At lunch, I got advice on following old Hwy 20 instead of the new (read that as busy) Hwy 20. On the way out of town, I saw an old movie theater featuring "Finding Dory". Every town prior to this had converted their theater into something else.

Finally, Dyresville, 12 more miles than I had scheduled. Its Catholic Church has a Basillica, built 125 years ago, with a seat for the Pope when he visits. It is the only one in Iowa. The Pope has not got the message of its existence yet, but the church is ready when he does. It is quite an edifice. I went inside, but there was a wedding going on, and me without my tie.☺ I left.

During the day, my curiosity got the best of me. The corn was so tall that I thought it had to be 5-6 feet tall. I parked the bike, walked into a cornfield to see how it measured up to my 6'3" frame. It was way taller. At least 7 feet.

We are two days away from the turning point east. It is called Muscatine, and I will take a day of rest when I get there. Tomorrow, the temperature will rise over 90 degrees again. An early departure would be helpful. Instead of attending church, I will listen to the recorded sermon from North Creek Presbyterian.