Occasionally, full time RV’ers change their ways, park the RV and jump in the truck for fun! We recently did exactly that with fishing on our minds. Heading to Northeast Iowa, we packed the cooler, grabbed the fishing poles and the charcoal grill in anticipation of having a relaxing blast.
A few miles from our starting point, we spotted a Golden Eagle. My attempt to get a picture was not a success. Although, at the time, we did not know that we would encounter a Bald Eagle later on the trip.

After spending years in the desert, snakes are not unfamiliar to us, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy encounters with them.
Imagine, driving a slow speed on a dirt road on a beautiful sunshiny day. Being faced with no immediate responsibilities of the day, allowing your mind to be free and relaxed. Sitting next to your best friend, your windows are rolled down so you can enjoy the breeze as you are intently seeking any great photo opportunities of wildlife. You have already gotten many peaceful views of the local deer grazing in the fields and a wild turkey. With lunch on your mind, you are looking forward to grilling a nice lunch when you locate that perfect fishing spot. Immediately! a timber rattler is eye level with you!
Yikes! That is exactly how it happened.

That big guy was resting on a rock ledge as we slowly rolled past. I know there was no reason to, but I rolled up my window anyway! I felt as if he was an arm’s reach away from my face and that is too close!

Once I recovered from the snake experience and we located that perfect fishing spot, we did get to enjoy lunch. As full time travelers we are always prepared with the cooler, charcoal and grill. This is one of those GypsyLife’s moments!
Wherever we go, we explore old buildings. This church was built in 1914, the original church that doesn’t exist any longer was founded in the mid 1850’s. We do love history.


When we came across this road sign, I got a little confused where I was at and where I was supposed to go. I have to admit, I have never seen so many choices of direction.
While driving the winding country roads we seen many tractors cruising the highway. It seemed as if there was a mile-long tractor parade loaded with happy farmers. We were later told that they do this every year but I never did find out what organization it was but it sure was enjoyable to watch them have so much fun.

Enjoy a few photos of Tye playing hide and seek and spying on Dad.



Besides great fishing, we found the rolling hills in Northeast Iowa to be quite different than any other part of Iowa that we have explored and enjoyed the wildlife and beautiful views.










During our few days in the Dorchester area, we caught 14 to 16-inch brown trout in Bee Creek.
Ahhh…TheGypsyLife!