Lincoln Highway

August 29-30, 2019

Lakeshore RV Camp, Oelwein, Iowa

Day 76-77

Left Des Moines late to miss the wicked thunderstorm. Initially tried to get out of the city on the interstate, but it was so nerve racking that I got off about 30 minutes later. Thru a variety of county roads, I zig zagged my way thru straight country roads and big sky, up to the Lincoln Highway to Nevada, Iowa. America’s backyard. Gas is now $2.29, I love it.

Now it's a bumpy ride thru miles and miles of county roads. Reminded me of being a kid and saying “ruffles have ridges” into the fan for fun. Really hard to drive over 55 with conditions like this. Feeling like I am riding a horse; giddy up! Aside from the beautiful scenery, I love looking in my mirrors and seeing the Airstream and feeling so free.

I pass lots of corn, soybeans and some prairie. Driving thru cute towns like Independence, Tama and Traer. Surprisingly hilly in some areas. It’s beautiful. The landscape looks right out of a Dutch master painting. Scattered cotton ball clouds are moving quickly over the landscape. I'm smiling at how the green and yellow land meet the blue sky. I'm even in awe when the clouds pass over, and all the color hues change, because they're still in harmony with all the new shades. Mother Nature is something special. Boy do I love this trip.

The Lincoln Highway changes roads all the time here, it’s choppy and not always easy to follow. You can tell in some parts where it was the main road, like when you see a corner gas station right next to the curb (either abandoned or made into a house or shop), but mostly it has been replaced by a fast 2 lane highway nearby. We happen to stop at a Lincoln Highway Bridge park; if you look closely, you can see "Lincoln Highway" spelled out in the railing. I thought that was kinda cool.

It’s around 4:30 and finally arrived at camp. This park is nice - the grounds are well maintained, and the slots are spacious. Plus, it’s on a lake with a beach, and it's clean and quiet. I am told I’m probably the first Airstream they have had in 5 years, and the first solo female in 2 years. It’s a beautiful afternoon around 75 F with clear skies.

Great driving today. Look forward to tomorrow and seeing my brother Will and his family in Wisconsin!