Day three was packed full of adventure! We started out by going to Des Moines (which I learned today means some monks) and learning about the pork industry. I found this to be incredibly informative and interesting. I learned a lot about what it takes to raise pigs for meat, and it really improved my opinion of the industry as a whole. I figured that it would be inhumane, but it really seemed like the pig’s welfare was really taken into consideration.

Second, we went to the Cargill biodiesel factory. That was honest to God the worst smell I had ever smelled and detracted from the whole experience. I could hardly concentrate because I felt like I couldn’t breathe the whole time. I’m not much into science either, so I couldn’t understand a lot of what they were saying. Kris seemed to really enjoy it, though, and that made it worth it. Overall, however, it was not my favorite experience so far.

Last but definitely not least, I got to go to the neighbors’ farm and ride horses with their 13 year old daughter! I got to ride a sweet bay mare named Teeka and she rode Bootsie. Riding with her just felt like home, and I loved feeling free and being able to talk with someone who loved horses as much as I do. We got to run and, even though Teeka let out a few bucks, it was such a liberating experience. I hope that I’ll have time to get to go out with Sydney again soon.