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.
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.
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.
RSS Feed