23 October 2016, Sunday

We leave Jackson, Minnesota driving east and then southeast to Pike’s Peak State Park in Iowa. Yes, that’s Iowa, not Colorado, but it is the same Zebulon Pike. He was sent to scout out a location for a fort along the Mississippi in 1805 and chose these high bluffs. The military, however, had other ideas and chose the eastern shore of the river for the fort instead. O and I are pleasantly surprised by this park. The bluffs are high above the Mississippi, just across from where it is joined by the Wisconsin River. There is a path along the bluff with several overlooks. We chose to camp here because the park is close to Effigy Mounds National Monument, site of numerous prehistoric Woodland Indian mounds. The campground host tells us that there are many mounds within the state park as well.

O and I set up the tent and then prepare a mid-afternoon dinner. After eating, we walk along the bluffs and take in the view at Pike’s Peak. Signs along the trail inform us there are mounds nearby, but we fail to recognize any from the path.

We return to camp for dessert. I think we will turn in early. It is breezy and cool and the tent looks very inviting!