Today was a busy day. We are traveling with two couples who we have travelled with in Europe, Roger and Gayle and Rick and Elaine. Duke went to High School with Rick, Elaine and Roger. Our first stop this morning was the cemetery in West Union where some of Roger’s ancestors are buried. It is a beautiful cemetery. I was particularly struck by some of the tombstones that were carved to look like trees.
From West Union we went to Montauk Historic Site near Clermont. Montauk is a stately home built in 1874 by Anne and William Larrabee. William was the Iowa Governor from 1886 until 1890. The historic site is 46 acres. Although we were too early for a tour we had fun exploring the grounds.
Site
It started to rain while we were there so we sat on the front porch for a while and talked.
From Montauk we went to St Olaf for lunch. They have a bar that is known for its pork tenderloins. Duke and I shared their giant pork tenderloin. oh my was it wonderful!!
Our next stop was the Seed Savers Exchange in Decorah.
“Seed Savers Exchange conserves and promotes America’s culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants. “
The heritage farm has wonderful gardens and an interesting visitor center. I really enjoyed exploring it all.
From Seed Savers we went to the Toppling Goliath Brewing Company to do a bit of beer tasting.
The endless green field of corn and soybeans make Iowa beautiful this time of year. Driving through such beautiful country and enjoying it with friends made today a great day.
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