Sunrise was lovely over the lake this morning and the fog over the lake made sure there was a good layer of condensation over everything. I got going and packed my stuff up wet anyway for expediency's sake. I stopped briefly at the DG in Onawa for bars and then rolled away from town on gravel, which began as soon as I left the town grid. The first few miles were very flat, but once I climbed up into the Loess hills the climbing was on. Nothing too severe at first but several miles in, once I got to some super straight grid roads, I encountered really steep hills. 11-13% gradients were common and I saw 14% once or twice. It was actually a blast and really refreshing after so long spent in the flat prairies. Most of the landscape was fields of corn and soybeans, with big white windmills dotting the rural skyline. By the time I came to the small town of Schleswig, I was pooped and in need of more fluids. The day was getting pretty warm, nearing eighty. Not much wind thankfully. To my relief there was a gas station where I grabbed snacks and a soda. I rode up to the park to take a little break. I am continually becoming reacquainted with the pleasures of taking a break in the middle of the day. Lots of days I put it off, saying to myself that I'd rather just push on and get to where I'm going. But especially when it's even the least bit hot I really benefit from a break. I just feel rejuvenated and can ride a lot harder. The town park was excellent, nice shade, water and unlocked bathrooms and you could even camp there. I really enjoyed the remaining hills, and they were steep as well. I finally turned onto a rail trail on the way in to Carroll a few miles out. I met two ladies out for a ride and found them walking their bikes. They said they were just walking out a cramp. I asked if they needed anything, and they were almost out of water so I gave some of mine. I always carry emergency water so I had like three liters more than i needed. We chatted about riding a bit and then parted ways. I pushed on, eager to get to town and camp. After an eternity in the grocery which included an embarrassing moment where I knocked over two bottles of wine (it was a really stupid endcap, I barely brushed by it), I finally left town and rode the trail to the state park. After a bit of confusion I found the tent area and set up underneath a canopy of nice oaks. There are a lot of campers here but seem pretty quiet so far, and no highway nearby thank goodness.