Letter to the Editor: Our trip through Decorah--"Memories are made of this!"

"Hibernating from COVID-19 has changed our travels. This past Saturday we left our house and took advantage of everything Decorah has to offer. There have been strong hints of strangers invading the area, but they have been taken lightly.

Total surprise! The downtown seemed like it had returned to normal. There were few empty parking spots and many unknown people. Water Street led us to the Whippy Dip for a treat. We sat in the car and watched the crowd--none of whom looked familiar.

Time to continue the tour, so we went off to Dunning Springs. The old springs were sparsely inhabited, but not now! The parking lot by the river was full. Vehicles on the road stretched back to College Drive. We wondered if we were lost.

"Where are you from?" we asked.  They answered, "Des Moines, Solon, Mason City, Davenport, Dubuque, Central City, Cedar Rapids" and on and on.  Our comment, "We live here." "You are so lucky" they said with smiling (and jealous) faces.

Walking up the curving road to the waterfall and the new unique bridge was like a one-time event. Water gurgled down the stream, there were fallen leaves, and a day so perfect it was indescribable. People were in a transforming mood. The cares of the world disappeared that afternoon. And right here in Decorah.  Memories are made of this."