The simplest routine journey can sometimes bring unexpected delights. One just has to keep their eyes open for sudden, and very often pleasant, changes in the routine.
I have traveled back and forth on Iowa I-80 from Illinois to Des Moines
many times for (dare I say...) about 30 years. My family and I have a tendency to stop at the same places, same foods and same rest stops. There is something to be said about the comfort of routine and knowing what to expect for your accommodations, yet thinking outside the box can sometimes bring new experiences in an otherwise routine journey.
 |
| "It has Iowa written all over it" |
On my last trip from Des Moines, after visiting my Mom, my husband & I stopped not too far from Iowa City at a rest stop near Tiffin Iowa. The rest stop was quite nice, as far as rest stops go...and was renovated to reflect a "writing" theme. First on the sidewalk by the entrance is a giant fountain pen. Inside, are stories about famous writers that are in one way or another are affiliated with Iowa. Also included are interesting and famous quotes about writing and living in Iowa-both topics of which I have experienced first hand. Quaint little details I found everywhere including a stone-relief picture of a type-writer (circa 1975) made to look "ancient". Funny how the presentation of an image can give it the essence of an antique!
.JPG)