Looks like a great adventure. Couldn’t help but notice the Fin and Feather water bottle. When I lived in Iowa City I frequented that store often. I’m jealous .
I went there 4 years ago on a military honor flight . We had a very tight itinerary and saw what we could, WWII memorial, Korean War memorial, Vietnam Nam wall, Arlington, Presidential memorials, etc. I would like to go back and take my wife and spend a few days and do it justice.
I have killed a ton of birds without a dog. Just walk slow and stop ever so often. Hunting behind a dog is great if you have a good one but a poorly trained dog can ruin a good day of hunting.