Monday, October 31, 2011

New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon
New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, October 29, 2011

Success!!! When I finished the New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, October 29, 2011, I completed my quest. I now have finished both a full marathon and a half marathon in each of the 50 states plus Washington D.C. For the race the weather cooperated nicely as the temperature varied from 52 to 58 degrees and the skies were clear and sunny. There was a strong wind the varied between 15 and 25 miles per hour with higher gusts; however, for most of the course trees and buildings shelter the participants from the strongest breezes. As would be expected in New Orleans, the course was flat and featured famous sights of the city such as: the convention center, the Superdome, Audubon Park, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and the beautiful mansions along St. Charles Street. Water stations were located approximately every two miles and had plenty of enthusiastic volunteers to take care of the needs of the participants. Surprisingly there were not many spectators along the route except at the start and finish lines. The course was completely closed to traffic and each intersection had one to four police officers to ensure the safety of the participants. The third installment of the New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon had approximately 2100 finishers and was a very well organized, fun event to do.
The brace that I wear on my left knee once again allowed me the complete the half marathon with minimal discomfort until mile 11. I think I will wait until after the Holidays to have my knee replacement surgery; after which I plan to stop competitive race walking.

Sunday, October 23, 2011


One of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Made famous by the Clint Eastwood - Meryl Streep 1995 film

Roseman Bridge, built in 1883


One of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Made famous by the Clint Eastwood - Meryl Streep 1995 film

Cedar Bridge, built in 1883


One of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Made famous by the Clint Eastwood - Meryl Streep 1995 film

Imes Bridge, built in 1870


One of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Made famous by the Clint Eastwood - Meryl Streep 1995 film

Holliwell Bridge, built in 1880


One of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Made famous by the Clint Eastwood - Meryl Streep 1995 film

Cutler-Donahue Bridge, built in 1870


One of the Bridges of Madison County, Iowa

Made famous by the Clint Eastwood - Meryl Streep 1995 film

Hogback Bridge, built in 1884


Winterset in Madison County, Iowa, Northside Cafe


Winterset in Madison County, Iowa, Northside Cafe


Winterset in Madison County, Iowa, Northside Cafe


Winterset in Madison County, Iowa, Northside Cafe


Winterset in Madison County, Iowa, statue of John Wayne


Winterset in Madison County, Iowa, birth place of Marion Robert Morrison who is better known as actor John Wayne, born May 26, 1907


Madison County, Iowa, One room school house


Boone, Iowa, birth place of Mamie Doud Eisenhower, wife of President Dwight Eisenhower, on November 14, 1896.

Saturday, October 22, 2011


Iowa Turkeys


Iowa Pheasant


Iowa Bison


Iowa Bison


Dows, Iowa making apple butter and apple cider at a small house originally occupied by a family of 12.


Dows, Iowa Train Station


Dows, Iowa Train Station


Dows, Iowa Train Station


Dows, Iowa Blacksmith Shop


Dows, Iowa School


Dows, Iowa School


Iowa Blacksmith Shop built in 1883 and still in business


Guthrie, Iowa


Guthrie, Iowa


Guthrie, Iowa


Guthrie, Iowa


Fort Dodge, Iowa


Fort Dodge, Iowa


Fort Dodge, Iowa


Fort Dodge, Iowa


Fort Dodge, Iowa

Friday, October 21, 2011


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Farming Scene


Iowa Scene


Iowa Scene


Iowa Scene


Iowa Scene


Des Moines, Iowa Governor's Mansion


Des Moines, Iowa State Capital


Des Moines, Iowa Scene


Des Moines, Iowa Scene