Bait Motel

Like John (Cougar) Mellencamp, I was born in a small town. So, I am rarely shocked by the quaintness of small town Iowa. However, even I was surprised this weekend in Guttenburg, IA. At the last minute we decided to spend the weekend with Scott's parents who have a houseboat on the Mississippi River. Because the boat was full with other family members we sought out lodging in town. The hotels were full. Upon advice from someone who shall remain nameless (you know who you are) we called a local bait shop owner who also runs a campground and has some "cabins" for rent. Upon check-in we were told only the "roomy" cabin was left and walked around the bait shop to check out our accomodations for the night. Pictured above is our "cabin". The cabin consisted of two sets of bunk beds, 3 plastic lawn chairs and a lawn table. Notice, I did not say that a bathroom was included. There was one public restroom shared with the campground. Luckily it had running water...LUXURY!!! The cabin is as deep as it is wide so we affenctionately describe it to others as a plywood square. I've seen many motels in small town Iowa that resemble the Bates Motel made famous in the movie Psycho. But I have to say this is my first encounter with a Bait Motel. May it also be the last.