For a second there I thought I was still in WI. I’d entered the Driftless Area of Iowa at Lansing and continued on to Waukon. Here I sit at the Robey Memorial Library in Waukon thinking what a lovely building and friendly people I have encountered. I didn’t need a library card to access the net nor did I need one to use the research section. It seems Iowa has taken free public libraries seriously.
I’m here today because I brought some Amish friends down to this community. I left them at the Bulk food store and bakery on Miller Rd. Looks like the community started here in 2007 with 21 families coming from MN, WI, & OH. I am always amazed at how adventurous the Amish are. They seem to have no difficulties pulling up stakes in one area and moving to the next, getting themselves established in short order.
Just last week I learned of the 8 families that lived in Tripp, SD for about 10 yrs and are now moving on. Some have gone to the Gregory/or Burkes, SD area while others have left SD completely. I know of one WI family strongly considering the Gregory area and have begun land negotiations. This particular family will be greatly missed when they leave our area of WI. I asked what prompted the idea of moving. Parts of the answer he gave were fewer people in the community, a good church district, and the thought that he needed to slow down to a pace that would allow him to enjoy raising his children and passing on the Amish ways to them. He seemed to feel in our area the community was becoming more modern, busier, and less interested in remaining simple. I can see where he might feel that way with the hustle and bustle of the Englisher customers in the Ridge places of business. It is not unusual to have several lined up cars on the roads due to the parking areas being full. It is also known getting into the bulk food stores is difficult on Friday and Saturday with all the Englisher traffic.
My day will turn out to be leisurely with me having the chance to take life a bit slower and enjoy the area I am visiting without having to rush or meet a time frame. I have till late afternoon to do my wandering and exploring.
My next stop will be thrift shops, then St Pat’s church.
Bit surprised, pulled the doors at 2 Catholic churchs… locked up tight. I’m not used to that.
Good but spoty rain has fell today. My hope is home received good rain as
In the "Wilds of Wisconsin & Cornfields of Iowa" 