I’m currently in a Corps of Engineers park on Rathbun Lake in Iowa. I love these Corps campgrounds. So far they have always been beautiful, well maintained, and cheap. With my lifetime federal pass I’m staying here for nine dollars a night. Now, while I do have electricity to the camper I don’t have running water or sewage. I have to walk to a toilet (clean and comfortable) and drive to the shower. The shower is usually clean, with hot water.  Not as convenient as a KOA, but a lot cheaper, and a lot nicer.  The last campground, in Kansas had a lot of geese. I just heard some flying over. Haven’t seen them here yet.

Tomorrow will be an attempt to use my inflatable kayak. An attempt because I’m not sure the air pump puts out enough pressure. Also want to get out on the bike. That will be good exercise as it’s pretty hilly here.

After tomorrow I hope the next campground will be in Indiana. We’ll see if I make it.

I am camping at the Slough Creek campground run by the Corps of Engineers at Lake Perry, Kansas.
I’ll be here through Saturday and then onto Missouri.

On my way in here I bought some groceries and ice.  When I started setting up I found that ice water had gotten into the bag of bread in the ice chest.  I put the soggy bag on the tailgate of the truck and forgot about it.  Last night about two in the morning something rocked the whole camper. I figured either a bear or a raccoon had found the bread. Later I could hear something rattling around in my collection of recyclable cans in the bed of the truck.  Much too small a space for a bear.  Tonight the noise started earlier and I was able to shine a flashlight out a window and see two good sized raccoons playing around on the tailgate.  Guess they couldn’t find anything to eat as there is no noise now.

Today I unfolded the bike and went for a ride.  Actually got in three rides today.  One of them I used to find a geocache.

Tomorrow will cleanup day. A trip into the nearest town (Perry) for laundry. If there’s time I’ll go looking for something interesting or another geocache.

Eclipse was a dud. Clouds moved in and blurred my vision.  Couple of times saw the sun with a chunk out of it.

My work on leaks didn't work.  There was a severe (scary) thunderstorm last night and the leak just poured.  Now, this evening there's another thunderstorm with rain and a leak.  Storm is not as severe (yet) and not as much rain, so not as much water in the camper. The only good thing is that the leak is over the stove and sink and not my bed.

Yesterday while I was out on the bike I met a couple of ladies from Minnesota in an Aliner Sport.  Had fun talking to them and may have inspired them to try geocaching.  I would like to meet more people.  Few people seem to want to do more than say good morning or hello.

There were thunderstorms all night.  Significant rain and there don't seem to be any leaks. Guess my application of marine Goop did the trick.

Two more days and I'll be on the road again.  I guess I'm just a nomad at heart.  I was hoping that Atlasobcura.com was going to provide me with plenty of interesting places to visit.  Unfortunately the Omaha area doesn't seem to have much.

Time for a bike ride.

Two days until the eclipse. Then I start almost random travel.  I'll be headed east, geocaching along the way while looking for interesting places to stop.  I may swing north and visit Canada, just because I can.

Since we had the thunderstorm and rain there has been no precipitation.  So, I have no idea if my waterproofing has been successful.

Thursday I got the bike out and unfolded it.  Felt good to go for a ride around the park.  I'm trying to go for a ride every day now.  Really need the exercise.  I do try to wait for late afternoon so the temp has gone down a little.

I am in a KOA in Gretna, Nebraska.  Plan on being here until after the eclipse.  This is the second KOA that is so close to a major highway that road noise is constant and annoying.  On the way home I think it's going to be mainly state parks.

There are times when I think the trip is jinxed.  Car trouble and camper problems.  Last night we had a thunderstorm with lots of rain.  Turns out the roof was leaking.  Tried fixing it today with marine goop. Here's hoping.

Tomorrow I may take a trip south to Kansas just to do a geocache or two.  Found one here today.  First one for Nebraska.

The mosquitoes here seem to be smaller and in less numbers than in Maine.  But, when they bite they leave a huge welt.  Must be a different chemistry than I have adapted to.

Currently in a KOA in Casey, IL.  Trip has been just one trial after another.  Started a day late because of brake problems.  Roof in the camper is starting to come apart.  Refrigerator quit working.  I've gotten lost three times because I didn't do what the gps told me to do.  Stupid.

I have enjoyed the drive.  The White Mountains are always a joy.  The mountainous country of New Hampshire, Vermont, and upstate New York was beautiful.   Now I'm in farming country with huge fields of corn and stuff I can't identify.

Including the one I'm at, I've stayed at three KOAs and three parking lots with free parking.  I've signed up to this site that has a database of free or low cost overnight stays.  It also includes places where you can't stay.  Very handy.

Tomorrow I'll head for some place in Iowa.  Probably a freebee stay and then Tuesday I'll be at the destination in Gretna, Nebraska.  That's where I want to be during the eclipse.  I hope the weather cooperates so I don't have to go chasing clear skies.

I haven't had a chance to do any geocaching.  Maybe tomorrow on the way out.

Twenty five miles from home had to turn around.  I think a brake is dragging.  I'll be at the mechanics when he opens in the morning.  Maybe I'll be able to get started sometime tomorrow.

On the road again.

When I finish this I am going to close down the computer, climb into the truck and head west. I have a reservation at the KOA in Gretna, Nebraska where I’m going to watch the eclipse. The first couple of stops on the way will be Walmarts or the equivalent. Then a day or two in Ohio before getting to Nebraska.

After the eclipse there no plans other than geocaching in different states, and looking for interesting places. I’m planning to use the site “Atlas Obscura” to find odd places. No idea when I’ll head home.