That’s MAYOR Ginger to you, Bub!

It turns out, although I have no independant confirmation, that the duly elected Mayor of Mingo, IA, is Ginger (pictured here). She received three write-in votes which were two more than her nearest competitor. Her age (105) was not an issue, but there appears to be a statute that being of four legs and no arms disqualifies one from public office (how do you sign proclamations, etc.?). Actually, there were no entries on the ballot for the office, but there was one write-in (presumably from an enemy) for someone who walks upright and according to Denny (ginger’s owner) he’s pretty miserable about being an unintentional elected representative. Due to Ginger's age she occasionally takes a nap in the middle of Main Street, but everyone knows to get out, give her a pat on the head and go around.

Spent last night in Adel and next to the campground was a very noisy figure 8 dirt track. Had to check it out and I was able to amuse myself between heats by counting teeth. [it's OK for me to say this - I'm a regular at Stafford Motor Speedway] Passed on the fried Oreos, but did take a chance on the funnel cakes. Oof.

Have spent a few days on some rail-to-trails trails and they’ve been very well maintained and the most pleasant way to get from one place to the next by far (other than downhill, of course). Big ups to the Iowa DOT for making it the most bike-friendly state so far! (www.iowabikes.com)