June 15, Wednesday, West Bend, Iowa

Enjoyed a picnic lunch at U.S. Grant's home in Galena.     Route 53 was mostly construction but little traffic.  Galena's rolling hills and trees were a nice change of scenery after miles and miles of farmland.  Route 20 in Iowa was truly endless acres of sprouting corn.     My first overnight stop in West Bend to see an amazing grotto which took over 40 years to create.  Check out www.westbendgrotto.com.
Campground right behind church and grotto for $10 a night.  Only one other camper w/ tent.  Had a chance to talk with a few locals during evening stroll.  Town is only a few blocks squared and everyone smiles and says hi.