Sioux Falls, SD to Panora, IA – 8/14/2016 – http://fulltimetimeshare.com/blog

August 14, 2016 (Sunday)

Spent the night at a Microtel. Got it off Priceline for $66.15. It was okay but it was supposed to be a non-smoking room and it had a very strong odor of smoke everywhere (even the pillows). Didn’t have the ash on the floor like the other hotel had in Helena, Montana, but still was a disappointment. We managed to sleep in and finally left around 10:30 AM.

We feel like we’re duplicating our blog but we so enjoyed “Falls Park” last time we were in Sioux Falls that we decided to go there again. We did a drive-thru for breakfast at a Burger King and then headed towards the park. It seemed different because there was a lot more construction going on, and some apartment buildings we didn’t remember. It’s a beautiful park and was pretty full today with people and animals.

As we left the motel there was this fountain a long block away. They must have zero water issues in Iowa. It is a wonderful and extravagant display of water. — As we left the motel there was this fountain a long block away. They must have zero water issues in South Dakota. It is a wonderful and extravagant display of water.

A sign says the falls have been in their current location for about 10,000 years. All the trees were brought by pioneers.

They sprawl and gently step the water down it's pathway. — They sprawl and gently step the water down its pathway.

We left Sioux Falls and headed to Panora, Iowa (about a 225 mile drive). We stopped for gas and were about twenty miles from our turn towards Panora, Iowa when Michael and I decided to just go ahead and see the Nebraska State Capitol instead of “doubling-back” to see it later in the week.

It was about fifty miles out of our way but we were so glad we did. What an absolutely beautiful Capitol. We were lucky enough to join a tour and the guide, Dan, was excellent in explaining and answering questions.

Dan, a soft spoken man that compels you to listen carefully if you want to hear what he is saying.

It’s one of those places where to see it in person is so much better. It’s an art deco style building built in the 1920’s. It’s huge (14 stories tall to the base of the dome) with gorgeous tile work, artwork, woodwork, doorways, marble, etc. We even got to go and sit in the Nebraska Supreme Court public section.

The wall lights represent the three branches of government.

We loved it and were so glad we took the extra time and effort to go. Michael was like he was at Disneyland or something. You could just see the excitement in his face.

From the first distant sighting, I knew we were in for a treat, unlike any other we have seen. — From the first distant sighting, I knew we were in for a treat. Unlike any other we have seen.

I just loved the lines. I have always been drawn to Art Deco style. — I just loved the lines. I have always been drawn to art deco style.

Many carvings with thoughtful words inscribed.

A Nebraska Professor of Philosophy was tasked with developing the themes to guide the architect and artist in the build.

Every arch and mural tell a story of Nebraska's history. — Every arch and mural tell a story of Nebraska’s history.

The floors have fantastic tile mosaics full of symbols of nature and history.

The main one, representing Mother Earth.

Surrounded by others representing animals, current and past.

Murals representing the work of the mind, heart and hands.

On the 14th floor there aro outlooks and a central area with wonderful murals and passageways to the four corners. — On the 14th floor there are outlooks and a central area with wonderful murals and passageways to the four corners.

Under the murals is written: "With malice toward none: with charity for all: with firmness in the right as god gives us the see the right: — Under the murals is written: “With malice toward none: with charity for all: with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right:

let us strive on to finish the work we arte in: to bind up the nations's wounds: to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan: — let us strive on to finish the work we are in: to bind up the nations’s wounds: to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan:

To do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." A Lincoln — To do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” A Lincoln

Stainless steel wire kept us in and safe.

Many busts of famous Nebraskans. This is General John J Pershing.

It was hard to leave and make our way to the resort.

Sights to delight the eye everywhere I looked.

We really like the sound of Nebraska politics, no nonsense! Unicameral and nonpartisan senate with no house. They meet for 90 days in odd years and 60 days in even years. They pass a budget for the 2 years for 2 years ahead of the meeting year. — We really like the sound of Nebraska politics, no nonsense! Unicameral and nonpartisan senate with no house. They meet for 90 days in odd years and 60 days in even years. They pass a budget for the 2 years ahead of the meeting year.

We drove back towards Panora, Iowa and stopped at a Cracker Barrel for their special Sunday chicken dinner. So good. Michael finally got his turnip greens. We were both so full.

August in Iowa, no fire at Cracker Barrel.

Edie likes biscuits and I take the cornbread.

We also got another book on tape by Tom Clancy and listened to it for the three hour drive to Panora, Iowa. The drive was beautiful as the weather today was in the 80’s with blue skies. There were so many corn fields everywhere. Michael and I were surprised at how lovely Iowa was.

Really lovely with rolloing hills here. — Really lovely with rolling hills here.

Iowa has corn fields like California has vineyards.

On the drive I was excited to see a sign for the Iowa State Fair, which is going on until August 21^st. I want to go. Hopefully we’ll find the time to see if it’s any different than the other State Fairs we’ve been to.

We got to Panora around 8:00 PM. What a lovely resort on a golf course and lake. The front desk was closed but a nice lady helped us to get the keys and told us where our home was. Michael and I were both tired but are excited to finally have a home for a week. We unpacked the car and will go grocery shopping tomorrow.

Standard bath, except for the small pool in the corner.

That was our day. Hope yours was great!