Month: August 2023

We had a rather lazy morning and shortly after we were on the road, we made a stop at a “historic” site. Known as Iowas 80 – world’s largest truck stop. Everything a trucker could ever want as well as souvenirs and gifts and lots of food options. If you wanted fast food, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen or others or a sit down meal, you could have it here.

We arrived at our stop for tonight before 5. It was in a small town south of I80 just before we got to Nebraska. The staff was still working – this is normally a self checkin park. However, one of their camping areas is being upgraded and the area with paved sites was full. That left the grassy sites and the park staff was concerned the grass might be too soft for us. – they had 5” of rain yesterday! When he heard we didn’t need any hookups, he offered us a spot at the gate for no charge since we just wanted to stay overnight. They also have a compound with buffalo here so we had our first viewing, but behind a fence. Tomorrow we head to spend a few days with cousins.

Driving through Chicago is never fun and although the traffic wasn’t bad, the roads sure were! We’ve never had cupboards in the trailer come open when we are driving but today we did and a couple of vitamin bottles fell out and opened. We had little capsules all over the floor and under the slides – fish oil and vit. D so made for a bit of a mess when they got squashed! It could have been worse and nothing was broken. Our plan was to spend tonight in a casino parking lot. However, upon checking the location for truck parking it was going to be right beside the Interstate so on to plan B. I found a public campground along the Mississippi River with electric hookups for $20/night. Much more peaceful and still had sites available. We also changed time today so we’re now on Central time. Have to remember when we call back home. The weather has been warm – 28 degrees today and at 9 pm it’s still 24 degrees with a low forecast at 19 degrees. A brief shower went through here before we arrived and tomorrow’s rain has been cancelled according to the forecast now. Should be able to keep the batters charged tomorrow and run the fridge off the power of the sun!