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A Happy Accident

6/29/2020

A month or so ago I was notified that several people I know were going to be camping at West Overlook campground on the Coralville Reservoir this week. By that time, all of the sites down by the lake were taken so I picked one in a small loop at the top of the hill. There are just five sites on this loop shaded by huge old pines and overlooking a wooded ravine. It is absolutely lovely.

I managed to back Agatha in without rolling down the hill, and with friend Bob's help, got her somewhat level. I am very grateful for the AC (and the shade) since the forecast for today is 90 with high humidity and the rest of the week doesn't look much better.

Last night, two other couples who ended up on this loop shared their fire for grilling and we polished off our meal with watermelon, ice cream bars, and cookies. One cannot have too many desserts when camping. We had a nice visit after and I had a great night's sleep. It's a dog's life.

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Ghost Campers

6/20/2020

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One of the reasons I decided to write a series of mysteries that take place in campgrounds is the unique nature of your contacts with others there. You are in fairly close proximity to a number of people that you don't know and when you spot unusual activity, you tend to wonder and perhaps make up reasons to explain that activity.

I have been at Cherry Glen Campground on Saylorville Lake near Des Moines since Thursday. What has me perplexed (and making up plots) is not the activity at several campsites near me, but the total lack of it. There is a travel trailer across from me with a tow vehicle and not a soul out since Thursday. Next to it is a fifth wheel--no tow vehicle by that one, but again, no sign of life since I got here. Next to me is a motorhome with California plates, and the first night a man was out covering bikes against the expected rain, but not a glimpse of anyone since then. Granted, I have been gone a few hours each day, but when I am here, I have spent a great deal of time writing at my nifty little desk built into the dash with a great view through the big windshield of the surrounding area. Farther down the road, there is a lot of activity--kids out throwing a ball, people in lawn chairs, etc. But these three--i just don't know. If Frannie was here, I'm sure she'd check it out.

Meanwhile, I have been enjoying my time with family, especially my two great granddaughters, Olivia and Jordyn. Today we will be celebrating both of their birthdays with a small gathering. Their mother, Brooke does great birthday parties, and this one will feature an ice cream truck! Yesterday, Olivia, almost 4, came to visit my camper and was totally enthralled. She particularly liked the electric bunk over the cab and cartoons on the outside TV. Last night, when I went to their house for supper, she wanted to know why I wasn't in my camper. But as long as I was there, she led me on a tour of her Legos and directed my part in a drama involving her stuffed animals. Little Jordyn, just turned 1, is the exclusive focus of their two dachshunds, which explains O. J.'s rotund shape.

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A Glamping We Will Go, II

6/14/2020

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Although a touch on the warm side for my northern blood, we have been blessed with beautiful weather here at Pleasant Creek. Yesterday morning, I did a book took on The Time Travel Trailer. The group had great questions. Then in the afternoon, Carla's husband Jason talked to us about wheel bearings--very informative.

Last night we had a luau supper for the whole group: pork loin, Hawaiian rice, etc. Leis were provided as well as tropical drinks, with a campfire afterwards and a few lies being told. Decor included a palm tree and road signs. A wonderful evening finished with a beautiful sunset.

This morning we will pack up and head home to get ready for a visit from my boys who plan to finish the work on the pergola. Later in the week we will journey to Des Moines where I will camp at Cherry Glen and family will celebrate great granddaughters Olivia and Jordyn's birthdays. Busy times. I hope Agatha keeps up the good work.

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A Glamping We Will Go

6/12/2020

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This weekend Agatha is making her glamping debut at a small gathering of the Midwest Glampers at Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area near Cedar Rapids. This is the view from my writing spot this morning. We never camped at Pleasant Creek before, although Butch and I drove through it a few years ago and said "We should come back here." But we never did.

So now my long time friend Joanie and I are here with the Midwest Glampers. The Glampers are the women who inspired me to try and go it alone. It's a small group this time but lots of laughs already. Saturday night, they have a luau planned with a potluck for those who choose or bring your own meal for those who prefer that. Joanie and I did not come prepared with the appropriate costumes and we did discuss weaving grass skirts for the occasion but we are afraid the park rangers would frown on us cutting the amount of grass necessary. We walk over to the other loop after our supper last night to join the campfire. Lydia's adorable daughter roasted (read 'burned') marshmallows for everyone except Carol, who was waiting for a one toasted "golden brown." I don't know if she ever got one.

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Travels with Agatha

6/4/2020

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Trip No. 2 with Agatha (named of course for Agatha Christie) is now in the books. We opted for a mid-week stay at Tailwater West, a Corps of Engineers campground on the Coralville Reservoir, a little over a half hour away. It was my first driving venture on an interstate and, wouldn't you know a south wind was hitting me broadside at what seemed like 80 miles an hour. A bit of a white-knuckle experience. But overall, I am pleased with the driving ease of this lady. I managed to back it in to the campsite with only a little help.

It was probably not the best week for a trip. The beautiful 70 degree weather of the previous few days turned into 80s for our Monday arrival and 90s by Tuesday. I was slated to work the primary election back in West Liberty on Tuesday from 2:00-10:00 plus had an eye appointment on Thursday morning. Harriet also had to return on Tuesday to donate blood. She drove her car to the campground on Monday and I rode home with her on Tuesday, picked up my car, and drove it back to the campground after the polls closed. That meant for yesterday's departure we had five vehicles (and fortunately five drivers). Letha graciously drove my car back to town.

But it was a good trip and more valuable learning opportunities. The wind died down Monday night in time for a nice fire. Tuesday of course I missed the fire, but Wednesday morning we hiked the trail along the Iowa River and checked out the flow through the exit chute. We visited with a former student of mine who is also looking for a smaller camper and came out to look at mine. I got in a nap after lunch and we had a nice campfire in the evening.

The Wednesday night campfire got a little wild. We had had a visitor, Ricky Raccoon, the previous two nights, and he was back with a couple of friends. Toward the end of a very still evening, a sudden gust of wind stirred the fire and forced some shifting of chairs. It apparently also blew a small container containing a few pumpkin bars off the table. Suddenly we heard frantic growling as Ricky and his friends skirmished for the treats under Vince's truck. Meanwhile, Chloe, Ottaways' dog circled the fire stretching her leash right in the flames between her and her mistress. We noticed it just in time to save the leash. There was another incident with Letha that doesn't bear repeating in a G-rated blog.

All in all, a good trip. I learned how to dump the grey and black tanks, hook up fresh water, and got some more driving and backing experience. I also learned that I need to take along checklists for set up and tear down.

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A Happy Accident

Ghost Campers

A Glamping We Will Go, II

A Glamping We Will Go

Travels with Agatha

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