Adventure day #4

Addendum for last night...

It stormed for hours. Lots of thunder and lightening.  Add that to the tick I found in the tent, and I didn't sleep fantastically.

Woke up at 6 to rain.  According to my trusty weather app..the rain would be stopping around 7.  Back to sleep for me.  Up again at 715.

Packed up the tent.  Shoved it unfolded in its bag.  It was wet and needed to be propetly dried and folded. Not happening this morning.  Maybe later.  Really didn't want to sleep in it again wet.

First stop, Gas.  Where my coffee was free when I got gas.  Nice start to my day, and good coffee at that.

Now across into South Dakota.  Much better roads immediately.  Iowa and Nebraska have some crappy roads.  

Stopped at The Corn Palace in Mitchell.  There was renovation of the actual structure going on, so it wasn't all covered in corn.  So needless to say I was not impressed.  But it was the first major town I'd seen in 2 days.  Walmart, Walgreens and a Mc Donald's all in the same place.

On the highway to Wall, and famous Wall Drug.  I don't even have words to describe it, but anyone who's driven on I 95 on the east coast... I liken it to South of The Border.  But better.  Way more atmosphere, nicer shops.  But sadly... No flying sombrero ride.  They even had the signs along the road for over 100 miles.  And there were bikes galore in town on the way to Sturgis.

I got a free bumper sticker.

I also made a hotel reservation for later from here.  I knew I was gonna end up near Sturgis... And this week is "the" Sturgis week. Hotel acquired in Keystone.  So on I drive.

Keystone.... Also packed with bikes.  But kinda cool.  Because of the time change, I had time.... I was early enough to go hit Mount Rushmore.  It's faces carved in the rock.  Huge.  Strange.  Really.

Then onto the hotel.  Which is decent.  More expensive than I wanted, but when it's Sturgis, and you book same day... I think it's fine.  Dinner acquired, back to he hotel after driving through torrential rain, sitting at a rest area with about 200 bikers waiting for said rain to lessen, for over an hour.  Walk into town, less than a block... Bought some t-shirts, and back to the hotel to do my laundry (free!!) and dry out my tent with my room airconditioner!  Now time for bed.  

Adventure day# 3

Up and out of Clear Lake early.  First stop was the memorial at the crash site where Buddy Holly was killed in 1959.

 

Today was mostly a driving day.  However I did manage to stop and see the worlds largest popcorn ball along the way.  

Tried to see the Castles in Ida Grove, but I had zero cell service, no google maps, and had no idea where to find them.  I realize that I could have just stopped into any open business and asked for directions, and I probably should have.  But I was feeling a bit off today, irrationally anxious.... Although I have no legit reason as to why.  I just didn't feel like interacting with people.  So I went along on my way.

GFB texted and made me feel a bit better, and not so anxious, but the feeling persisted.

Needless to say I was very happy to get to camp tonight.  Google maps gets a big fat booo over its directions to said campsite.  It led me seriously astray.  Like onto stone/dirt roads into nowhere. 

While retracing my route, I randomly passed a sign for the state park.  Otherwise I might still be driving.  

The tent sites here are seriously isolated. From eachother and everything else.  There are 16 tent sites on a 3 mile loop.  And my site is so far off the road and downhill I can't see the parking area or the road from my site.

If I didn't have other places to go, I'd consider staying here another night. It's really picturesque, and pretty.  

Adventure day #2

Started the day early.  Like 0545 early.  Woke up to a very wet tent.  Not inside, but soaked on the outside.  It didn't rain, but the fog on the bluff was thick enough to cut with a knife.  

Packed up camp and was on the go by 630.  Went to town for breakfast, and say with a very nice group of seniors at the local diner.  Finished my to go coffee while looking at this.

Not a bad way to start the morning.  

Drove into Dubuque, and got a good look at the Mississippi.

Didn't ride the train at Fenlon place.  I just drove to the top. Not particularly impressive.

Next stop... McGregor and the first Pikes Peak state park.  Fantastic views!

On to Effigy Mounds state park, where there's a bunch of lumpy mounds that aren't really much to look at from the ground.  And the hike to the point was all uphill.  Very glad it wasn't blisteringly hot out.  But it was a pretty walk.

This little guy was nice enough to pose for a photo.

Back in the card or the short drive to Decorah, and the Ice Cave.  It really is frozen in the summer!  Cold enough inside to see my breath in the air, and you could feel the cold air coming out of the cave before you got to the entrance.  I only went in as far as you could go standing up.  I could've gone farther if I was willing to crawl through a tiny tunnel, apparently it opens up again into a larger cave with more spectacular ice.... But I wasn't willing to crawl an unknown distance in the pitch dark. (The entire cave is dark, but I had a small headlamp)

For those of you who know me well, you know I don't do small spaces, so you probably aren't surprised.  

Still in Decorah was Dunning's Spring Waterfall.  A small falls by my NY standards, but still pretty.  I chose to climb the falls in my bare feet to get a shot from the top

The water was ICY!

After my feet thawed enough to feel my clutch I started the drive to Clear Lake.  Clear lake is mostly known for being the site of the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.

Snagged a campsite at the state park, and was set up in no time.  With the door of the tent facing the right way this time.

Went for a swim in the lake, which I frankly think was misnamed.  The water is definitely NOT clear.  But it was warm enough to not shriek when going in yet cool enough to be refreshing after a hot sweaty day.

After my trip to town for dinner (cold hot dogs because I was too lazy to start a fire, an apple, and a mini box of wine) 

I chatted up the gentleman across the way about his car.  A 1926 model T.

Which he admits is not a perfect restoration, but it suits him just fine!

Clouds are rolling in and thunder in the distance tell me I may get rained on... But after this morning, at least I know the tents waterproof.  

Adventure day 1

 Well, day one is in the books.  I'm having a great time. Long drive through some really pretty country.  First stop, Eldon Iowa..... Home of the American Gothic house.  And yes.... I got a goofy picture taken.  Those that know me via FB can view the picture. It is genuinely goofy, and I'm again reminded why I'm never IN the pictures.  It was only a brief stop, but definitely worth the time and miles.  

Second stop... Columbus Junction Iowa, and Lovers Leap swinging bridge.  

It does indeed swing when you walk on it.  Even more so when other someone's are walking on it in the opposite direction.  

Last stop of the day... Bellevue State Park in Bellevue Iowa.  I happened to snag the last campsite when I arrived just after 5.  Lucky me.  I say this seriously yet at the same time with a bit of wry sarcasm.  I like to camp, but until now all camping excursions with one exception (the first time over 15 years ago) have been in the relative comfort of a smallish yet incredibly solid and sturdy popup camper.  I had previously vowed to never camp in a tent again.  Although that may have had something to do with the fact that it was drizzling for 3 days and we were sleeping in a very cozy (read SMALL) tent with a toddler in diapers, who incidentally had some sort of GI bug that weekend. But tonight this campground was a conveniently located and cheap place to stay. At $11.00 for the non water, non electric site, I think it was a pretty decent bargain, even if I did have to construct my bed and actual sleeping quarters. Bathrooms and showers in easy walking distance.  Which was a good thing, because I was seriously sweaty after setting up the tent.  I also did so with the door facing in the wrong direction.  I didn't care enough to take it down and have a do over. It didn't go up quite as easily as it did when BFB instructed me in its setup in our back yard a couple weeks ago, so at this point I was just happy it was up, and in an appropriate tenty shape. (BFB incidentally told me after this when I called from town, that there are zip doors on both sides.  WRONG... There is a zip window in the back, but it does not open to the outside...)

No cell service on the park, and spotty service at best in town, so I called from a clear spot to let BFB and GFB know I had landed at my intended stopping point safely.  I also picked up dome hard cider and done much needed dinner. Up till that point, a soda and a snickers bar, along with a bottle of water had beeny nutritional intake for the day.

So now I'm all showered (pull chain shower with not hot water) and fed... And sitting watching the world go by from camp with a mostly cold beverage in my hand.

I gotta say the view is damn fine. And gratefully very few bugs, and so far none of the bitey kind.

I'll post this as soon as I have a decent phone signal in the morning.

Another installment will likely be available tomorrow might

Good night all

(Addendum #1... I now know why there aren't any bugs.  As it's gotten dark... There is a quite large population of bats.  They were quite elegant whilst catching their dinner, but came a little close for my comfort.  So I have retreated to my tent after one last bathroom trip.)

(Addendum #2... The inflatible sleeping pad is actually quite comfortable.... For someone my size.  I think when BFB takes it on his solo camping trip he might find it a smidge on the small side.  It was also a bitch to get out of the cinch sack, and I have no clue if I'll be able to get it or my sleeping bag back into them.)

(Addendum #3.... I will be stopping at a pharmacy type place or a WalMart tomorrow for earplugs.  I like Mother Nature fine, but in the middle of the woods, She, and the owl in the tree directly behind my tent were quite peepy-cheepy and hooty.)

On the road again

Tomorrow morning I start my trip.  I have a loose plan, a list of things I'd like to see and places to go, and an atlas.

The plan will probably evolve and morph as I drive depending on my whim, mood, weather and the moment.  For a good long while there's nowhere I need to be, no giant responsibility holding me down, and I can be free to do whatever the hell I want.

Don't get me wrong... I'm going to miss home, and BFB and GFB.  And sleeping alone in a tent, backseat, or cheap motel bed isn't preferred to my nice cozy bed at home and morning snuggles. But there definitely is the appeal of not having to do laundry, figure out what's for dinner, or clean the litter box.  This is about spending time with myself.  Putting my needs and wants before anyone else's.  Yes... I'm aware that this is a bit (a lot?) selfish.  Especially in light of the fact that GFB is still in a sling at home.  But I've really never done anything like this and I think it'll be good for me.  At the very least I'll have a bit of fun and get a few good pictures.

Trip planning

Trip planning underway.  Planning on Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado.  Probably be gone about 2 weeks.  No definitive plan, no reservations, just me my smart phone and an honest to goodness atlas.  

Open to suggestions.

Little slice of perfect heaven.

This is how my day started.  After getting up at 0545...

Went to the marina to rent a boat.  Wednesdays is half off day with a coupon, and I'm not ashamed to say I used one!  $75 for an all day 24 ft pontoon boat rental... I'd lay out a coupon for that any day.

Got there first thing because we didn't want to miss a boat because we went too late.  So I went early and then back home to get BFB and GFB.  BFB was awesome and had sandwiches made and the cooler packed, and the fishing gear ready by the time I got home!

(Cooler consisted of Juice pouches, 2 types of hard cider, strawberries and cantaloupe marinated overnight in some peach skyy, Reuben sandwiches, and vanilla Pepsi.). Not bad eats for a boat trip.

The weather was fantastically beautiful, and we all enjoyed the sun.  And will probably pay for it tomorrow.  We all got a bit pink around the edges.

Swimming was great, the waters not more than 40 feet deep, so it was comfortable. Not too cool or too warm.  Just right.

We drowned a few worms and even caught a few fish.

I had a fantastic day, and I even got to drive the boat!