Today the countryside changed dramatically. There were not as many fields of corn. It was trees and hills and hills and hills and beauty in all directions. It reminded us of the Texas Hill Country. By the way, you have seen some pictures of the Superior Hawgs after riding and going to the downtown parties, but you have never seen THE SUPERIOR HAWGS IN THE MORNING AFTER A BUSY NIGHT!
Our first town was Protivin, a Czech town which had a community chorus in the native language. What enthusiasm!
Composer Antonin Dvorak came to the United States and settled in Spillville where much of the inspiration came for his 9th Symphony, "From the New World". We saw the church where he practiced and also his home, which was in the upstairs of an ornate clock factory, the Bily Brothers Clock Factory. The church is presently restoring the original pipe organ. We were able to watch the workers put the pipes in place.
Our next stop was Fort Atkinson, the only Fort built by the US government to protect Indians from other Indians. In the town of Fort Atkinson, there was the Fort Atkinson Community band, directed by Art Huber. Thanks to Martha Littlejohn, a trombone player who gave up her horn, Norm and I were able to play a few tunes with them.
In Randalia, there was a very interesting Ice Cream Maker which had an antique engine providing the power.
After a short pedal, we were in our next host town, the small town of Fayette. Although Fayette is the smallest host town on the ride, possibly in the history of the ride, they were ready for us today! I bathed in the Volga River. Here's a Raggae band playing in the street. These folks were awesome! Our uploading host this evening is Marty Kraus. She is an avid gardener and is very proud of her flower garden. Team Carabeli, a group of dental students from the University of Iowa is providing the foreground.
