Oct 8.2019
Day9:

Got awake around 6:00, it was cold about 38 degrees. Decided to lay there for a little longer, fell back to sleep and the woke up around 8:00am. Crawled out of the tent and went and took a shower. Got back to campsite and made coffee, once again I failed, coffee grounds in my cup. this fancy camp coffee press. I am determined to get it figured out eventually. Git everything packed up and took a nice hike down to the water fall. It was quite the hike down this hill but well worth it. The waterfall was really cool, if you know me I spent about an hour here taking selfies and loading my phone up with a ton of pictures. After exploring the falls I made my way back up the hill and decided to take the other trail which took you to an overlook of the river. On my way there found a small snake which had a red belly. Not sure what kind it was. I recommend stopping by Willow River State Oark in Wisconsin.

I got on the road about 10:30am and made my way to Minneapolis, Minnesota . Where I decided to adventure into downtown to a nearby park. Took a stroll and found another amazing waterfall. Minnehaha Falls Flows right through the park and downtown . Lots of water. From there I got back in the car and drove to the Mall of America. The largest mall in the USA with 494 Stores and an amusement park in the middle. What can I say , it was interesting, and you could very easily get lost in there. But they have these kiosk where you can search stores Or food and it will give you directions That was helpful. The stores I browsed were Northface, Carhartt, Merrel, American Eagle, The LEGO Store, Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer. I only bought one item just to say “I got that at the mall of America”. I also devoured a cupcake from Carlos bake shop, so good . One thing I was disappointed about none of the stores had a sales, everything was full price . Other than that it was a neat experience .

I left there and made my way on I-35 South, stopped and found another dive bar in Lakeview Minnesota. The Red Fox Tavern. I immediately ordered an Order of cheese curds and a draft beer Schells Oktoberfest. This was around 1:30pm. The Bar has a few people sitting around it. I started conversation with an older gentleman sitting beside me. I ordered a Bison Burger, tge bison are local in a farm nearby. It was absolutely delicious. Mixed well with the cheese curds. i Finished up eating and began engaged in conversation again with the gentleman sitting beside me . We stopped for a minute had the bartender pour two shots of ginger brandy to toast my grandfather Job it would have been his 89th Birthday. We chatted for about another hour or so , and I realized wow I better get back on the road. It was great being able to just relax enjoy a few beverages and meet a new friend. This is what my trip is all about.

Traveling south on 35 , it was really awesome seeing all the combines in the fields harvesting there corn and soybeans. being in The plains you can see them harvesting miles away. Some fields at three combines in a row all doing one field, just amazing. Got to Love the American farmer. Most of them were John Deere . Hahah .
As I got into Des Moines, IA I smelled something very distinct couldn’t figure it out, but smelled good . After driving I realized there was a large spice manufacturer On the left. No wonder I smelled something. Maybe it was mustard seed? Who knows.

I arrived to my destination in Urbandale, IA at my cousin Kerry and Jenn’s home. It was great to see some familiar faces. And to be able relax and catch up. Night stay here for a few days.