Welcome to Iowa!

12 Jul 2008
Clear Lake, Iowa

Wow, today was a fun day. We pulled out of the Steele County Free Fair grounds about noon, and headed south. Iowa has been one of the few blanks in our list of states visited (it had a lot to do with tornado warnings 3 years ago when we came through the upper Mid West) - but today we remedied that problem.

The wind blew from the west the whole way, at about 25 miles an hour. But the nasty front has supposedly gone through. Sure.

See the welcome to Iowa sign!

 The big red barn is the welcome center for Iowa.

The funnest part of the day was at the rest stop just into Iowa - we stopped for some maps and brochures and were impressed with all they had to offer, as well as the beautiful big red barn, and the friendliness of the staff. We helped explain to people why they were passing hundreds of motorhomes heading north along the freeway. (While we were going south...) And I photographed some cute gourd ideas in their gift shop.

As we were about to leave, I turned to find Chris, and there was a familiar face - besides his, I mean. I seldom really look at people because I never see anyone I know, in the remote places we tend to wander. It was another Chris! My Idol and Guru of Computers and Satellites and Blogs Chris. As in Geeks On Tour Chris. I've followed her stuff and instructions for a couple of years - ever since the Kerrville DataStorm rally. I almost hugged her, but restrained myself.

However, when she came out at the same time, and walked to her RV parked next to our RV, I couldn't resist. I begged a photo opportunity. She dutifully dragged Jim and Odie the dog out for the formal portrait! What a nice person!!! And thanks for all the help, Chris - I signed up as soon as possible for their new membership help service. (Check out all their fantastic instructional stuff on computers and Picasa and blogs.)
 
Chris, Jim, Odie and Chris

Tonight we're in a terrific campground near Clear Lake - with sites measuring 35' by 140' - no, that isn't a typo. Wow! With grass, and picnic tables, and concrete pads outside the door. Even of more interest, after 10 days of no sewer, they have full hookups. All for $25 a night!!! I managed to complete 3 loads of washing before bedtime. And most of them got dried. I did drool just a bit over the new motorhomes with stacked washers and driers, instead of our combo., But I love my combo! I'm not complaining. I don't have to go to the laundry room...