It just won't quit! The winds have not gone under 20 mph with this last band of storms. I'm tired -- this drill seems to go on night after night! By now, 20-30 mph winds feels almost like a 'breeze' to me! It's really blowing now and the RV is rockin' but it is different during the day when I can SEE what is going on! More storms to come through tonight.
All of the rivers and creeks are out of their banks in central Iowa so I'm not sure where this water will go. In Des Moines, the rivers are so far out of their banks the city sewers are running full and blowing off the manhole covers! We should get some of those oil pipeline guys from Texas to lay a pipeline from central Iowa to Texas -- they can have all of the run off flood water they want!
Bea is resigned to the fact that I will go to Judy's if it gets bad. She has stopped calling to say she would come get me so I could go to HER basement! But believe me, she still calls me when she heads to the basement to make sure I'm up and moving!
The animals are OK -- Holly runs and hides in her hiding place up behind the bed long before the storm gets here. And she stays there until it is all clear! Li'l Bit hides out down by the side of the bed under the old rugs and blankets I have stored down there or at the head of he bed under all of the pillows. Neither of them move until it is clear. I have learned that when Holly leaves her hiding place and comes to bed, it is definitely "all clear."
By now the birds are used to being strapped in under their bankets. I have taken all of the swinging toys out of their cages and at night, when I put themqin the cages, I wrap them up with an old comforter and secure it with bungi straps.
I am either going to be dead or an expert at riding out storms and winds in RVs. I think I'm going to write a book on inclement weather RVing -- or maybe why the hell I haven't moved the RV out of this crap! I need to get back to Rockport so I can REST!
When I was in Rockport, Li'lBit and I used to go to the beach and just set there and enjoy the view and the fresh air -- I'd take a book and thermos of coffee, and in general, I would act Retired & Lazy! In Iowa I nap in the afternoon so I can watch the weather radar at night. When there aren't any warnings, Li'l Bit and I go to bed early and really sleep! I don't even stay in my clothes if the weather is good! See how wonderful things can be! Life is Good!
There is a swing hanging from the tree behind me and that swing has been bouncing and flopping all over. Occasionally, the winds will be so strong, that swing will just be suspended straight out like some invisible giant is hanging on to it. Good thing it is on chains - don't think rope would hold it in the winds.
June 7th was the first night in over a week I actually slept in 'jammies' -- I know that is more that you care to hear! But I wasn't totally 'off guard' -- I took the weather radio and my "get the hell out in a hurry" bag to bed with me. June 8th and I'm back to seeping in clothes with my weather radio and 'escape' bag.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Iowa In June 2008, Part I
June started with a really great weekend -- considering all of the tornado warnings, hail and winds we had the prvious week. Terrific sunny, warm and breezy days. I managed to get most of my plants transplanted, hopefully I will have peppers, tomatoes and some herbs soon....and Holly will have her fresh catnip!
Been in Iowa 2 weeks and still haven't had a Taylor's Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich nor have I had a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich...what kind of Iowa girl am I?
While walking the dog on June 4th, it was damp and getting a little foggy across the field -- all of a sudden, out of the north sky, I heard the honking of a flock of geese -- headed SOUTH!!! Am I missing something here? This is JUNE -- aren't they flying south a little early?? I think there is a wild life area just south of me -- but after all of this crazy weather, seeing a large flock of geese going south did give me pause to think!
The RV is still only 1/2 unpacked. I think that is a good sign I can get rid of some more stuff! This on-again-off-again rain, wind and hail is about to drive me nuts! Raining? Hell, we are flooding! Rivers and creeks are 5 feet above flood stage. Just down the road in Ames, they had to get front end loaders out to get the people out of WalMart, the parking lot was flooding so fast they couldn't get to their cars.
When it isn't storming, the park is really pretty with all of the landscaping and the oak trees. I enjoy the shaded, grassy lots and the open quiet spaces. And it really is quiet considering the old original Highway 30 goes past the front and there is a very busy train track going past the park on the back side. But with it being in such an open area, the sound has penty of place to go so it isn't irritating. And, on Friday night, they have stock car races at the local track just down the road.
I enjoy the sound of the train going by every few hours. But I told my sister that does create a problem -- the weatherman said a tornado sounds a lot like a train - I'll never know what hit me -- the tornado or the train! Well, trains have whistles -- guess I'll listen for that! I do like it here -- just wish this weather would stop being so hazardous. The place is peaceful and I'm looking forward to the summer here.
By June 5th, the storms were back. I watched the weather radar on TV and on the computer until we lost power about midnight. Looked like most of the stuff was going around us, so I went to bed -- in my clothes! Had my phone, wallet, flashlight and keys in a bag right at the side of the bed. About 1AM or a little later, my weather radio went off announcing an identified on the ground tornado in Marshall County (that's me!) -- then I heard the guy next door start up his truck and heat out -- he hides out in town at the concrete block car wash. I'm afraid to go to town at night because the waer runs over the roads so often during the storms. He has a 4x4 truck. My dually isn't a 4x4 -- I have enough trouble seeing at night without trying to do it during a storm.
That night I had to go to the owner's house -- Judy came out knocking on my door telling me to come over -- I had just gone to bed thinking the storm was dying down -- WRONG - tornado spotted in Marshall County was 1/2mile south of us. We went through this drill two nights in a row.
About 1:30 AM I was back in he RV. Winds blew so hard they actually blew leaves up under the louvered windows in the back and I had hem closed! The winds had blown up the roof vent in the kitchen area and I had water all over the floor -- carpeting was wet under the dining table, my laptop was on the table and soaked -- fortunately it was closed and off. I'm sure that is what saved it from really going 'belly-up' on me. Took most of the day to dry out and get back on line and working.
The kitchen counter was full of standing water and the toaster was wet and 'died.' Guess I'll have to break down and get a new one. After all, that is a really expensive Dollar Store $5 toaster -- they don't get much better than that!
Major damage to the outside was avoided. There was just insult added to the 'injury' that the RV sustained in Texas.
On June 6th we lost power for a few hours. Tornado went about 9 miles south. It's really strange -- according to the storm spotters (you gotta be crazy to be driving TOWARD the sorm!) the tornado was suspended, didn't hit ground. Several semis were flipped down on the interestate.
My new nightly routine is watch weather radar, keep the TV on for alerts. Gather up cell phone, wallet, flashlight, keys and put them in a bag so I can have them all handy. Then, when it looks like most of the bad stuff is dying out or staying away, go to bed, but take the bag, the weather radio and leavemy clothes on! I make sure I have both of my power pals fully charged and them them at the side of the bed. This is Crazy!
Li'l Bit and I have leanred to nap during the day so we can stay up for the night sorms. Day sorms are easier for me -- I can see what is happening!
Weatherman was telling us we would get a nice sunny, warm, dry weekend -- well, pitch that idea out! More storms coming for the next 6-7 evenings. Sunny, warm, humid during the day -- rock 'n' roll at night. All of the rivers are way above flood level and many roads are closed. Puking cat, trembling dog, wet carpet, water-logged computer -- Are we having fun yet?
Rivers and creeks are out of heir banks. Cenral Iowa is seeing the worse flooding they have seen since the Big Flood of '93. My sister came out to pick me up so we could grab a sandwich and the water is so high along the roadway, you cannot see the fences or gates in some of the fields. The creek is out of its bank and backed up into the tent area of the RV park.
Severe weather just keeps rolling in from west Texas, coming up through Oklahoma
, Kansas, Nebraska and slams into Iowa - then it just keeps rollilng across the state. TEXAS -- would you keep his stuff down your way for a few days so I can rest!
And they don't spreadout -- one storm right after the other, day after day.
This is the tpical "find
Helen in the RV in Marshalltown" weather pattern of storms that barrel across the state
Been in Iowa 2 weeks and still haven't had a Taylor's Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich nor have I had a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich...what kind of Iowa girl am I?
While walking the dog on June 4th, it was damp and getting a little foggy across the field -- all of a sudden, out of the north sky, I heard the honking of a flock of geese -- headed SOUTH!!! Am I missing something here? This is JUNE -- aren't they flying south a little early?? I think there is a wild life area just south of me -- but after all of this crazy weather, seeing a large flock of geese going south did give me pause to think!
The RV is still only 1/2 unpacked. I think that is a good sign I can get rid of some more stuff! This on-again-off-again rain, wind and hail is about to drive me nuts! Raining? Hell, we are flooding! Rivers and creeks are 5 feet above flood stage. Just down the road in Ames, they had to get front end loaders out to get the people out of WalMart, the parking lot was flooding so fast they couldn't get to their cars.
When it isn't storming, the park is really pretty with all of the landscaping and the oak trees. I enjoy the shaded, grassy lots and the open quiet spaces. And it really is quiet considering the old original Highway 30 goes past the front and there is a very busy train track going past the park on the back side. But with it being in such an open area, the sound has penty of place to go so it isn't irritating. And, on Friday night, they have stock car races at the local track just down the road.
I enjoy the sound of the train going by every few hours. But I told my sister that does create a problem -- the weatherman said a tornado sounds a lot like a train - I'll never know what hit me -- the tornado or the train! Well, trains have whistles -- guess I'll listen for that! I do like it here -- just wish this weather would stop being so hazardous. The place is peaceful and I'm looking forward to the summer here.
By June 5th, the storms were back. I watched the weather radar on TV and on the computer until we lost power about midnight. Looked like most of the stuff was going around us, so I went to bed -- in my clothes! Had my phone, wallet, flashlight and keys in a bag right at the side of the bed. About 1AM or a little later, my weather radio went off announcing an identified on the ground tornado in Marshall County (that's me!) -- then I heard the guy next door start up his truck and heat out -- he hides out in town at the concrete block car wash. I'm afraid to go to town at night because the waer runs over the roads so often during the storms. He has a 4x4 truck. My dually isn't a 4x4 -- I have enough trouble seeing at night without trying to do it during a storm.
That night I had to go to the owner's house -- Judy came out knocking on my door telling me to come over -- I had just gone to bed thinking the storm was dying down -- WRONG - tornado spotted in Marshall County was 1/2mile south of us. We went through this drill two nights in a row.
About 1:30 AM I was back in he RV. Winds blew so hard they actually blew leaves up under the louvered windows in the back and I had hem closed! The winds had blown up the roof vent in the kitchen area and I had water all over the floor -- carpeting was wet under the dining table, my laptop was on the table and soaked -- fortunately it was closed and off. I'm sure that is what saved it from really going 'belly-up' on me. Took most of the day to dry out and get back on line and working.
The kitchen counter was full of standing water and the toaster was wet and 'died.' Guess I'll have to break down and get a new one. After all, that is a really expensive Dollar Store $5 toaster -- they don't get much better than that!
Major damage to the outside was avoided. There was just insult added to the 'injury' that the RV sustained in Texas.
On June 6th we lost power for a few hours. Tornado went about 9 miles south. It's really strange -- according to the storm spotters (you gotta be crazy to be driving TOWARD the sorm!) the tornado was suspended, didn't hit ground. Several semis were flipped down on the interestate.
My new nightly routine is watch weather radar, keep the TV on for alerts. Gather up cell phone, wallet, flashlight, keys and put them in a bag so I can have them all handy. Then, when it looks like most of the bad stuff is dying out or staying away, go to bed, but take the bag, the weather radio and leavemy clothes on! I make sure I have both of my power pals fully charged and them them at the side of the bed. This is Crazy!
Li'l Bit and I have leanred to nap during the day so we can stay up for the night sorms. Day sorms are easier for me -- I can see what is happening!
Weatherman was telling us we would get a nice sunny, warm, dry weekend -- well, pitch that idea out! More storms coming for the next 6-7 evenings. Sunny, warm, humid during the day -- rock 'n' roll at night. All of the rivers are way above flood level and many roads are closed. Puking cat, trembling dog, wet carpet, water-logged computer -- Are we having fun yet?
Rivers and creeks are out of heir banks. Cenral Iowa is seeing the worse flooding they have seen since the Big Flood of '93. My sister came out to pick me up so we could grab a sandwich and the water is so high along the roadway, you cannot see the fences or gates in some of the fields. The creek is out of its bank and backed up into the tent area of the RV park.
Severe weather just keeps rolling in from west Texas, coming up through Oklahoma
, Kansas, Nebraska and slams into Iowa - then it just keeps rollilng across the state. TEXAS -- would you keep his stuff down your way for a few days so I can rest!And they don't spreadout -- one storm right after the other, day after day.
This is the tpical "find
Helen in the RV in Marshalltown" weather pattern of storms that barrel across the stateTuesday, August 12, 2008
America's Main Street
In 1940, NBC Radio introduced a Saturday morning dramatic show, “Lincoln Highway.” Sponsored by Shinola Shoe Polish, it featured stories of life along the highway. It left the air in 1942, but not before bringing the stories of the Lincoln Highway into homes all over America.
The Lincoln Highway is a slice of Americana. As you travel the old highway, there remain some of the eye-catching gimmicks used to attract travelers. Today, in Marshallown, the old Highway 30, going through town, still has motels and diners reminiscent of days gone by. Cecils Cafe still has the chicken with the top hat on top of the building advetising FOOD and the Flamingo Motel sports its nam
esake pink bird in front near the highway for all to see.
esake pink bird in front near the highway for all to see.
Monday, August 11, 2008
May in Iowa - 21- 31 May 08
I arrived to rainy and chilly weather so just did the basic set up -- it was too cold and too dreary to be messing with awnings....I may not need them since I am in the shade. Supposed to be the same all weekend -- I thought I was going to freeze to death! Temps are a little below normal for here but they didn't get rid of the snow until a few weeks ago....long winter for them! I'm really glad I kept the sweat shirts out! Goes into the 40s a night and only to the mid-50s during the day. A lot of Memorial Day plans will be ruined.
Of course all of this sure beats the heat, humidity, hail and wind storms I left in Texas! Oh, but little did I know what was in store for me!
All is well in 'retirementville'! The critters and I traveled quite well -- I slept like a baby the first few nights after the 3-day trip and with the 40 degree sleeping weather! There will be no holding me down now - with a little planning, I guess I can go just about anywhere I want to go -- as long as I can afford the diesel! $4.499 was the most I paid for diesel on the way up -- but that, too, would soon change. Averaged just over 12 miles per gallon on the trip.
Bea and I went out to eat so I could pick up WiFi in the restaurant. Downloaded emails - back to the RV to answer them - back to the restaurant the next day to send and download again. I can see I'll be a regular at Culver's restaurant and Staples parking lots until I can get on the WiFi at the park.
Went to the Alltel phone store -- broke down and ordered the conductivity kit I need to use my cellphone as a dial up modem. Darn thing is cosing nearly $60 but at the price of diesel, I'll burn that much driving back and forth every day to get on the internet. I will have unlimited download for $25/month. Amazing how dependent I've become on the internet since I've been on the road.
I'm not sure what is going to be planted in the field aross the road -- farmers are behind with planting -- fields too wet. I can tell you, however, they were out spreading manure today -- the aroma was quite intense for an hour or so. And I'm sure it will re-intensify when the rains come back. Oh, it's great to be back in the country -- the good ol' smell of "farmer's gold!" My kitty liter doesn't smell quite so bad!
The train goes down the track behind the park frequently during the day and night. It seems I hear the AM and PM trains the best. When I hear one the evening, I'll go to bed -- when I hear the one in the AM, I'll get up -- YUP -- sure saves looking at the clock!
Have had to turn on the furnace in the AM -- these darn damp chilly windy mornings make it really hard to roll out of bed. It's the 25th of May and finally temps getting into the 70s -- but then the thunderstorms, winds and hail will be back when the sun goes down. Welcome to central Iowa in the spring!
I'm anxious to get the bird feeders out and pot a few plants, herbs and flowers.
I really think I'm going to like it here -- there isn't anything to do at the park -- not even a laundry. I'm in the middle of nowhere -- about 3-5 miles from town. Surrounded by fields, woods and farms. Parked in a wonderful grove of bur oaks -- which will lead to another exciting experience as time goes by. The park here is small -- 12 spaces and some tent sites. The town is big enough to have what I need -- WalMart, KMart, a Dollar Store and a Farm Supply -- what more does anyone need! And, since I've visited my sister here many times, I'm comfortable getting around town and finding things.
Li'l Bit and I spend most mornings outside. Getting out flower pots and bird feeders from the under-storage area. If it doesn't rain I'll get my herbs repotted. They traveled quite well in the shower, but I'm going to have to figure a way to haul them in the back of the truck and not have them blown away after they will have all summer to grow.
Also need to look for a sewer hose -- found I have a hole in this one....not sure where I got that.
The tornados must have followed me from Texas -- horrible weather May 25. 50-60 mph winds blew constantly for over an hour -- just horrible sounds. The rear end of the of the RV is pointed west, so when the winds comes blowing across the field, I don't do a lot of rockin'n'rollin' since I'm not taking side hits. A walk-around in the daylight shows all survived but I do need to find some kind of brackets for the back flap on the RV -- those flimsy aluminum things just don't hold the weight of the flap in high winds. I suppose I could just go out and close the flap when the weather gets bad, but then I don't have any light coming in the back part of the RV -- and the thought of his old fat body up on a ladder in the winds and rain really doesn't appeal to me.
I ran from winds and tornados in Texas and the damn windy, hailing , tornado weather followed me. It is the end of May and we are supposed to have crummy weather all week and then maybe some sunshisne NEXT week.
I feel bad for the farmers -- the ground is so wet from the late spring snows and no warmth or sun to evaporate the moisure, the fields are bare -- they can't get out and work them -- wonder if they will manage to get any crops in so there is enough time to grow and harvest them.
Stopped at the garden shop in town to pick up a few things and the lady tha waited on me was from my homeown in Iowa (Maquokea) -- I graduated from high school with her younger sister -- now how is that for making a small world even smaller!
On May 29 I was up at 11PM watching the weather and trying to keep up with my weatherbug radar loops -- tornado, high winds, hail and flood warnings until 3AM -- It has been raining and cold and windy since I got here - maybe I need to come up a little later next ear.
The weahermen have been telling me fibs! They tell me it will warm up and be sunny -- WRONG! 52 degrees at 2PM the end of May doesn't sound like warm and sunny to me. The tornado 5/30 wiped out parts of Attica IA, about 50 miles south of my location -- last weekenda tornado wiped out Parkersburg IA -- about 40 miles norheast of me. Ever since I've been here we have had severe thunderstorms, hail and tornados nearly every evening. I'm spending most of my inernet and TV time watching doppler radar -- I say up waiting to see when it is 'safe' to go to bed -- then sleep with clothes on. Horrible midwestern spring!
The creeks are out of their banks and some of the rivers are 5 feet above flood state. The back half of the RV park is under water. Roads are flooded going into town. Welcome to Iowa!
And more storms are coming........
........AND SO WE GET BLOWN RIGHT INTO JUNE!
Of course all of this sure beats the heat, humidity, hail and wind storms I left in Texas! Oh, but little did I know what was in store for me!
All is well in 'retirementville'! The critters and I traveled quite well -- I slept like a baby the first few nights after the 3-day trip and with the 40 degree sleeping weather! There will be no holding me down now - with a little planning, I guess I can go just about anywhere I want to go -- as long as I can afford the diesel! $4.499 was the most I paid for diesel on the way up -- but that, too, would soon change. Averaged just over 12 miles per gallon on the trip.
Bea and I went out to eat so I could pick up WiFi in the restaurant. Downloaded emails - back to the RV to answer them - back to the restaurant the next day to send and download again. I can see I'll be a regular at Culver's restaurant and Staples parking lots until I can get on the WiFi at the park.
Went to the Alltel phone store -- broke down and ordered the conductivity kit I need to use my cellphone as a dial up modem. Darn thing is cosing nearly $60 but at the price of diesel, I'll burn that much driving back and forth every day to get on the internet. I will have unlimited download for $25/month. Amazing how dependent I've become on the internet since I've been on the road.
I'm not sure what is going to be planted in the field aross the road -- farmers are behind with planting -- fields too wet. I can tell you, however, they were out spreading manure today -- the aroma was quite intense for an hour or so. And I'm sure it will re-intensify when the rains come back. Oh, it's great to be back in the country -- the good ol' smell of "farmer's gold!" My kitty liter doesn't smell quite so bad!
The train goes down the track behind the park frequently during the day and night. It seems I hear the AM and PM trains the best. When I hear one the evening, I'll go to bed -- when I hear the one in the AM, I'll get up -- YUP -- sure saves looking at the clock!
Have had to turn on the furnace in the AM -- these darn damp chilly windy mornings make it really hard to roll out of bed. It's the 25th of May and finally temps getting into the 70s -- but then the thunderstorms, winds and hail will be back when the sun goes down. Welcome to central Iowa in the spring!
I'm anxious to get the bird feeders out and pot a few plants, herbs and flowers.
I really think I'm going to like it here -- there isn't anything to do at the park -- not even a laundry. I'm in the middle of nowhere -- about 3-5 miles from town. Surrounded by fields, woods and farms. Parked in a wonderful grove of bur oaks -- which will lead to another exciting experience as time goes by. The park here is small -- 12 spaces and some tent sites. The town is big enough to have what I need -- WalMart, KMart, a Dollar Store and a Farm Supply -- what more does anyone need! And, since I've visited my sister here many times, I'm comfortable getting around town and finding things.
Li'l Bit and I spend most mornings outside. Getting out flower pots and bird feeders from the under-storage area. If it doesn't rain I'll get my herbs repotted. They traveled quite well in the shower, but I'm going to have to figure a way to haul them in the back of the truck and not have them blown away after they will have all summer to grow.
Also need to look for a sewer hose -- found I have a hole in this one....not sure where I got that.
The tornados must have followed me from Texas -- horrible weather May 25. 50-60 mph winds blew constantly for over an hour -- just horrible sounds. The rear end of the of the RV is pointed west, so when the winds comes blowing across the field, I don't do a lot of rockin'n'rollin' since I'm not taking side hits. A walk-around in the daylight shows all survived but I do need to find some kind of brackets for the back flap on the RV -- those flimsy aluminum things just don't hold the weight of the flap in high winds. I suppose I could just go out and close the flap when the weather gets bad, but then I don't have any light coming in the back part of the RV -- and the thought of his old fat body up on a ladder in the winds and rain really doesn't appeal to me.
I ran from winds and tornados in Texas and the damn windy, hailing , tornado weather followed me. It is the end of May and we are supposed to have crummy weather all week and then maybe some sunshisne NEXT week.
I feel bad for the farmers -- the ground is so wet from the late spring snows and no warmth or sun to evaporate the moisure, the fields are bare -- they can't get out and work them -- wonder if they will manage to get any crops in so there is enough time to grow and harvest them.
Stopped at the garden shop in town to pick up a few things and the lady tha waited on me was from my homeown in Iowa (Maquokea) -- I graduated from high school with her younger sister -- now how is that for making a small world even smaller!
On May 29 I was up at 11PM watching the weather and trying to keep up with my weatherbug radar loops -- tornado, high winds, hail and flood warnings until 3AM -- It has been raining and cold and windy since I got here - maybe I need to come up a little later next ear.
The weahermen have been telling me fibs! They tell me it will warm up and be sunny -- WRONG! 52 degrees at 2PM the end of May doesn't sound like warm and sunny to me. The tornado 5/30 wiped out parts of Attica IA, about 50 miles south of my location -- last weekenda tornado wiped out Parkersburg IA -- about 40 miles norheast of me. Ever since I've been here we have had severe thunderstorms, hail and tornados nearly every evening. I'm spending most of my inernet and TV time watching doppler radar -- I say up waiting to see when it is 'safe' to go to bed -- then sleep with clothes on. Horrible midwestern spring!
The creeks are out of their banks and some of the rivers are 5 feet above flood state. The back half of the RV park is under water. Roads are flooded going into town. Welcome to Iowa!
And more storms are coming........
........AND SO WE GET BLOWN RIGHT INTO JUNE!
The Lincoln Highway comes to Rock Valley and Shady Oaks
I've found the prettiest place in Iowa, and here I'll live and lay my bones." Henry Anson 1851
The bur oaks of Shady Oaks are over 200 years old and through history have welcomed travelers in need of rest.
Long before the Lincoln Highway came to central Iowa, the community Of Rock Valley developed in the area where the Brush Creek merged with Timber Creek to flow on to the river. Before Rock Valley, the Native American Tribes of the area knew it for hunting, fishing and resting. Today the bur oaks of Shady Oaks serve the same purpose -- a rest stop for weary travelers.
First came the grist mill, followed by the Methodist Mission, the community evolved and the school was built. The grove of bur oaks on the stage coach run between Marengo and Fort Dodge was the center of activity for the Rock Valley community -- it was the place where travelers rested for the night, the area where the citizens waited while their grain was milled. It was the center for church and school activities. The bur oak grove would eventually be the first campground and cabin camp west of he Mississippi River and continues today serving those traveling the Lincoln Highway.
In 1851 Henry Anson took advanage of the government land acquired through the Treaty of 1842 with the Sac and Fox tribes. He would build a town between Linn Creek and the Iowa River. With the help of Johnny Green, a Potawatomie Chief, the land was settled, the railroad came and the town flourished. Marshalltown, according to the Lincoln Highway Association's 1916 "Official Road Guide to the Lincoln Highway," was 1,207 miles from New York City and 2,124 miles from San Francisco. Shady Oaks is 3 miles east of Marshalltown. The trip from New York City to San Francisco was "something of a sporting proposition," and would take 20-30 days averaging 18 miles per hour.
The guide suggested motorists buy gasoline and supplies at every opportunity, not knowing where the next food, fuel and rest would be. They were advised to wade through water before fording it with their vehicle and to avoid drinking alkali water which "can cause serious cramps." The guide advised motorists travel with a full set of camping gear and select sites early. Equipment recommended included chains, shovel, axe, jacks, spare tires and inner tubes, a set of tools for vehicle repair. The motorist could expect the trip to cost no more than $5 per person per day.
In 1940, NBC Radio introduced a Saturday morning dramatic show, "Lincoln Highway." Sponsored by Shinola Shoe Polish, it featured stories of life along he highway. It left the air in 1942 - but not before bringing the stories of the Lincoln Highway into homes all over America.
There were few amenities for those traveling the Lincoln Highway in the early years. A few hot cramped hotels in the cities or a camping site along the road. The grove of bur oaks at Shady Oaks was one of those spots. Eventually a gas station and diner would be added.
In 1925 the section of the Lincoln Highway in front of Shady Oaks was paved. By 1941 Shady Oaks Cabin Camp played host to nearly 6,000 travelers. Eighteen cabins, a meeting room building, a lodge, beautiful landscaping and a rock garden greeted visitors. Today one of the cabins is being restored, most are gone. The log meeting building and the lodge remain serving different purposes. Transformed into an RV park, it is Iowa's oldest privately owned campground and has been in continuous operation for over 80 years. In 1996 the stand of bur oaks was recognized as famous and historical trees in Iowa.
The bur oaks of Shady Oaks are over 200 years old and through history have welcomed travelers in need of rest.
Long before the Lincoln Highway came to central Iowa, the community Of Rock Valley developed in the area where the Brush Creek merged with Timber Creek to flow on to the river. Before Rock Valley, the Native American Tribes of the area knew it for hunting, fishing and resting. Today the bur oaks of Shady Oaks serve the same purpose -- a rest stop for weary travelers.
First came the grist mill, followed by the Methodist Mission, the community evolved and the school was built. The grove of bur oaks on the stage coach run between Marengo and Fort Dodge was the center of activity for the Rock Valley community -- it was the place where travelers rested for the night, the area where the citizens waited while their grain was milled. It was the center for church and school activities. The bur oak grove would eventually be the first campground and cabin camp west of he Mississippi River and continues today serving those traveling the Lincoln Highway.
In 1851 Henry Anson took advanage of the government land acquired through the Treaty of 1842 with the Sac and Fox tribes. He would build a town between Linn Creek and the Iowa River. With the help of Johnny Green, a Potawatomie Chief, the land was settled, the railroad came and the town flourished. Marshalltown, according to the Lincoln Highway Association's 1916 "Official Road Guide to the Lincoln Highway," was 1,207 miles from New York City and 2,124 miles from San Francisco. Shady Oaks is 3 miles east of Marshalltown. The trip from New York City to San Francisco was "something of a sporting proposition," and would take 20-30 days averaging 18 miles per hour.
The guide suggested motorists buy gasoline and supplies at every opportunity, not knowing where the next food, fuel and rest would be. They were advised to wade through water before fording it with their vehicle and to avoid drinking alkali water which "can cause serious cramps." The guide advised motorists travel with a full set of camping gear and select sites early. Equipment recommended included chains, shovel, axe, jacks, spare tires and inner tubes, a set of tools for vehicle repair. The motorist could expect the trip to cost no more than $5 per person per day.
In 1940, NBC Radio introduced a Saturday morning dramatic show, "Lincoln Highway." Sponsored by Shinola Shoe Polish, it featured stories of life along he highway. It left the air in 1942 - but not before bringing the stories of the Lincoln Highway into homes all over America.
There were few amenities for those traveling the Lincoln Highway in the early years. A few hot cramped hotels in the cities or a camping site along the road. The grove of bur oaks at Shady Oaks was one of those spots. Eventually a gas station and diner would be added.
In 1925 the section of the Lincoln Highway in front of Shady Oaks was paved. By 1941 Shady Oaks Cabin Camp played host to nearly 6,000 travelers. Eighteen cabins, a meeting room building, a lodge, beautiful landscaping and a rock garden greeted visitors. Today one of the cabins is being restored, most are gone. The log meeting building and the lodge remain serving different purposes. Transformed into an RV park, it is Iowa's oldest privately owned campground and has been in continuous operation for over 80 years. In 1996 the stand of bur oaks was recognized as famous and historical trees in Iowa.
Original cabins from the Shady Oaks Cabin Camp. Visit http://www.bigtreehouse.net/ to see more pictures of the early campground and some of the renovation work being done on one of the original cabins.
Walkway to The Big TreeHouse
Nestled in a tree at Shady Oaks is the Big Treehouse. For Mick Jurgensen, the treehouse is a hobby. For the rest of us, it is an amazing project and story. Started in 1983, this 12-level structure is more than 55 feet high with more than 7,000 square feet of floor space. Complete with music, electricity, telephone, microwave, refrigerator, running water, grill, 12 porch swings, the Shady Oaks Museum, a spiral stairway leading to the top, a security system and much more, this is truly an amazing accomplishment. It has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers and on the Discovery Channel. 
Picnic tables and setting areas in The Big TreeHouse
Pictures of the treehouse from Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce.
Three generations of the Gift-Jurgensen family now own and operate Shady Oaks. Mary Gift, her daughter, Judy Jurgensen, Judy's son Mick and his wife Liz. They ARE Shady Oaks -- they not only maintain the property, but they are the keeper of the flame of its history.
Mary Gift has documented much of the history of Shady Oaks and the area in a book, Quarter Mile Link.
Friday, August 1, 2008
The Lincoln Highway
Just north of the four-lane Highway 30, on the Old Lincoln Highway going into Marshalltown, Iowa and nestled in a large grove of bur oak trees sets Shady Oaks RV Park and The Big Treehouse. This is home for the summer.
As roadways were improving and increasing there appeared no logical plan for naming or numbering the roadways other than a series of colored bands painted on utility poles. By 1925 numbers were being used and the named highways were starting to loose 'character.' The Lincoln Highway Association was also in decline. But prior to going out of existence, on September 1, 1928 thousands of Boy Scouts from the communities along the highway installed small concrete markers with an imbedded medallion showing the bust of Lincoln and the inscription, "This highway dedicated to Abraham Lincoln."
The Lincoln Highway started in 1912 as a coast-to-coast rock highway - a graveled road from New York City to San Francisco -- to be finished for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The highway was the dream of Carl Fischer, the man responsible for the Indianapolis Speedway and the man who turned a swamp in Florida into Miami Beach. Henry Joy, President of the Packard Motor Car Company came up with the idea to name the roadway as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln.
The plan provided that the road would be completed by the communities along the route. The communities would provide the equipment and labor and for their efforts would receive free materials. To raise funds for the road, donations were solicited from auto manufacturers and companies providing automative-related products. The public could join the association for $5. And the Lincoln Highway Association came to be with Henry Joy as President and Carl Fischer as Vice President.
On July 1, 1913 the coast-to-coast highway was officially named the Lincoln Highway. It spanned nearly 34,ooo miles from Times Square in New York City to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. I will not go into the politics of which towns and states were either included or excluded on the route, but as the first road across the US, it was "Main Street Across America."
As roadways were improving and increasing there appeared no logical plan for naming or numbering the roadways other than a series of colored bands painted on utility poles. By 1925 numbers were being used and the named highways were starting to loose 'character.' The Lincoln Highway Association was also in decline. But prior to going out of existence, on September 1, 1928 thousands of Boy Scouts from the communities along the highway installed small concrete markers with an imbedded medallion showing the bust of Lincoln and the inscription, "This highway dedicated to Abraham Lincoln."
In 1992 the Lincoln Highway Association reactivated dedicated to preserving the highway and promoting events along the route. http://www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org/
Heading North - May 19-21, 2008
Up bright and early May 19 -- pulled out of "Camp Wally World" for my appointment at Gatesville Tire. They were ready. New tires all around on the RV -- I'm ready to go -- headed north before noon. A decent start time since I wanted to get through Oklahoma City before rush hour. I hate the way I-35 turns north through town -- seems like they could straighten that or at least make it easier to cut across several lanes of traffic in such a short distance! I probably fretted about that more than I needed to!
Through OK City -- No Sweat! Arrived at the Guthrie OK "Camp Wally World" late afternoon. To the service desk to get permission to park for the nite - picked up odds and ends for supper and breakfast -- WalMart always makes a few pennies off of my overnights! Fed and watered the traveling circus and hit the sack! Not much to do cramped up when the slide is in and on the 12 V batteries. Computer batteries are only good for 2 hours and I save the Power-Pals for the C-PAP -- still not sure exactly how long they will last. I do enjoy several old radio shows I have on CDs -- but other than picking up a local news station to keep up with the weather forecasts, there isn't much to do when spending the nite at Wally World! It isn't like I can get Holly and Li'l Bit in a rousing game of poker or something!
Space is cramped with the slide in -- but I'm sure that would improve if I toss out some more of this stuff! The water pump worked just fine, the fridge switched to propane and held everything frozen or cold.
Pulled out of Guthrie shortly after sunrise. Things are lookin' good! No problems with the first leg -- looking forward to the rest of the trip. After pulling onto the Interstate, I thought the truck was sounding "a little loud." When I stopped for fuel, I mentioned it to the trucker next to me....he laughed and said, "Ma'am, diesels are loud!" But as he listened he thought I might have a little extra 'knocking' and suggested I get it checked when I got where I was going. I thanked him and pulled back onto the Interstate.
Stopped at several rest areas along the way so LI'l Bit could water the grass! Gave me time to check the critters in the RV. I keep a thermometer in there so I can watch the ups and downs of the temps and all is well. The birds act as if the swing and sway is OK with them...usually singing or chattering when I open the door. Holly just takes to her hiding space beside the bed and waits unil the thing stops! Li'l Bit shallows out her sleeping place in the middle of the bed!
Made Cameron, MO at a reasonable hour. Watched the mileage on the truck and didn't notice any loss of milage with the 'knocking.' Again - get permission to spend the nite at WalMart, pick up a few things to munch on and shut myself in for the night.
Much more relaxed now knowing how the Power-Pals are going to work and provide sufficient power thru the night. The batteries in the battery-operated fan and in the radio are holding up much better than I thought. The Power-Pals are recharging completely from the truck's cigarette lighter in just a few hours. WHOOPPEE!! Knowing this makes me one Happy Camper!
The last leg of the trip - the shortest leg -- Cameron MO to Marshalltown IA. If I take my time, I can still be there by mid-afternoon. I sure do appreciate the WiFi hotspots at the Iowa Rest areas! Finally had a chance to download my emails. And those RV decals over the gas station logo signs are a big help when looking for a fuel stop!
I planned on taking 235 around Des Moines (afterall, I had sent my sister out for a test drive and to get me exit numbers) but I missed the exit so stayed on I-35/I-80. Wasn't as much of a problem as I thought -- I didn't hit it during rush hour! Called my sister -- let her know of my progress -- she would meet me at the intersection of the "Diagonal" (Hwy 65) and Hwy 30. I would follow her to the RV Park.
There she was! What a sight for 'tired eyes' - or, in my case, one tired eye! She pulled in front of me and off to Shady Oaks RV park we go. Her friends, Ben and Pat, were there to back me in and help me set up. So here I am in Iowa for the summer -- arrived tired and happy -- these 3 days on the road for an ol' fat lady hadn't been so bad!
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