Des Moines, Iowa

---

On Tuesday, August 21st, I left Rapid City heading for the “Life on Wheels Conference” in Des Moines, Iowa. Once I had left the Black Hills area there isn’t an awful lot to report about South Dakota. The scenery is quite blah! I stayed overnight in Salem, South Dakota, a weather front came through during the night and it was drizzling a bit while I was packing up, but nothing too serious. The drizzle turned to rain around the South Dakota/Iowa border—then the rain turned to downpour and by the time I got to Sioux Falls I was in a deluge. Fortunately about five miles later the Iowa Welcome Center appeared and I sat there for about 30 minutes thinking “welcome to Iowa.” Fortunately I ran out of the rain, but from the weather forecast I knew it was following me. I had booked a site for the night at the Bob Shetler Corps of Engineers campground just north of Des Moines and managed to get set up before it started to rain and rain. What a beautiful location. There are several campgrounds around Sailerville Lake which was built by the Corps. I was in the campground beside the sluice gates. There has been a lot of rain in the Mid-west and the noise from the volume of water coming through the gates was deafening. Still I enjoyed my evening there but because I am allergic to rain I didn’t get to take any photos! Thursday morning it was still raining and I was lucky to dodge the rain and get to the conference without delay.
A “Life on Wheels Conference” is held in locations all over the U.S. every year. I had chosen the one in Des Moines because the timing and location was convenient. At the conference every subject regarding the RV life-style is covered, whether a person is full-timing (like me), just a weekender, or hasn’t yet bought an RV, there is a seminar to suit their needs. I decided to go to a lot of the technical presentations; Wally took care of that side of keeping our “home” in good shape so I am lacking in that knowledge. I am so glad I took the plunge and attended. I know how to do a whole lot more than I did a week ago! If the opportunity arises I would certainly attend another. AND I met several folks that I hope to be networking with. For me it was an enjoyable and very successful experience. Gaylord Maxwell organizes the conference and will not allow vendor presentation, nor will he allow any promotion of a particular product, so I got quite a bit of unbiased opinion. One of the courses I attended was about towing systems. The instructor just happened to be a representative for the Blue Ox tow bar system, which I have. Part of the presentation was a hands-on hitch and un-hitch procedure. He did it so easily and I really fight my tow bar, so I asked him to show me how to use the tow bar correctly, on his; I didn’t have to fight. He came over to check my tow bar, and recommended that I return to the factory in Pender, Nebraska to get it adjusted to where I can operate it easily and with confidence.
So here I am! Never thought I would be back here. The last time I was here was October, 2006 when I bought the Suzuki to the Blue Ox plant to have the tow plate configured - it snowed! I can honestly tell you that Nebraska and Iowa are a lot more attractive in the sunshine! There is a lot of organic soy bean farming around Pender, so the place smells very “healthy.” Got the job done and am heading to Kansas City where I am going to leave the motor home for a week while I go and visit with Debbie, Bobby and kids.

---

Photos

Corn Fields
If we all eat one ear of corn/day for the next year I don't think we'd put a dent in the harvest. The petrol/gas in the mid-west contains ethonol so I know a lot of this corn is going in that direction.

Mormon Bridge
This bridge spans the Missouri river and marks the border of Iowa and Nebraska. It's a toll-bridge but I didn't feel like trying to ford the river rather than pay the $1.50

Omaha
Nebraska is the 16th largest state in the U.S.covering 77358 square miles but the population is only 1.7 million people. This the is skyline of Omaha, Nebraska.

Des Moines Area Community College
This was the first time I have ever parked (camped) in a field without any hook-ups at all! Quite a learning experience.

Missouri
The landscape changes quite a bit from Iowa where every inch of land is cultivated to northern Missouri which is heavily treed.

Comments

[Beverley]

Safety first!
As much as I'm enjoying your blog mother, I must speak to you about all the "behind the wheel" photos. I know someone who would not approve :) It is stressful enough knowing that you are driving a 33 ft long home AND towing another vehicle.... Let's mount you a tri-pod on the dash or something! Be Careful! Love you!

[JosephRatnish]

Tow bars
Hi, It's really very interesting blog. I also have some knowledge about Tow Bars.