*MON AUG 18* *Ladora to Homestead, IA* It was a 16.8 mile route to Homestead. Highway 6 is parallel to the railroad so it was mostly level. At Marengo I chose not to go by Grandma and Grandpa Zahrt’s house. As I remember the last time I went to the location, the house had been demolished and replaced. I went by the Cemetery but I don’t know where their stones are, so I decided not to spend a lot of time in the cemetery. One of the stones readable from the highway read ‘John Zahrt’. I’m sure he would have been a relation of mine! I looked forward to Homestead because that’s where we had our meal for those attending our wedding 55 years ago. The building is still there but it is no longer a restaurant. Homestead is an Amish community and most of the residential area is off from Hwy 6. A fellow that established a community store/produce center hosted us. He let us use his grounds. There were a series of meetings in the afternoon. Gavain returned and indicated his truck is not worth repairing. So we’ll have to find another way to pull the Commode. A new Marcher from Iowa has arranged for his brother to pull it to West Branch. We have a stay-day in Coralville/Iowa City so that will give us some time to find an alternative. (*Did you notice in the picture of the windmill on the hood of Gavain's truck? One resourceful guy! Bet he is in mourning. lz)* I spent my time journaling and setting up the tent. The evening meal was provided for us—a series of casseroles in aluminum pans. It was delicious and nutritious. A neighbor brought some rhubarb—stalks, leaves, and all—and dropped it on one of the tables. I discovered it, found a cutting board and a knife, and ‘dressed’ it up. When Mary (one of our self-described kitchen-maids) came by I asked what she would do with the rhubarb. She didn’t know and asked what I would do with it. I spelled out the steps and she asked me to cook the rhubarb for breakfast. That would mean getting up at 4:30 AM so I went to bed. -- Peace, David