It was a day full of them.
First time in Iowa. We decided to drive most of the trip off the interstates and highways. We knew we wanted to meander along the countries backroads, traveling on as many as the old roads as possible. We found ourselves on Rt. 30, the Lincoln Highway, a beautiful stretch of blacktop through Iowa that is lovingly maintained and clearly signed by an organization of history buffs. Small towns with quaint main streets, gently rolling hills of corn stalks and weathered old barns are the visual reward for taking the slow road.
First people we talked to. I want to take photos of all the people we meet and befriend. I figured that would make an entire photo book. I had no idea our first day would be filled with them and so I wasn’t prepared to do the asking yet. The Cricket seems to be a conversation starter. Everyone is curious to see inside of the quirky shaped camper. Donald and Martha were traveling from Detroit to Cedar Rapids to see museums and the Herbert Hoover Monument. Don had travelled all over the country in a VW bus as a youth with their four kids. Ed from Clarence, Iowa stopped us on the street and asked to take our picture and welcomed us to his town. Joe Hunt approached us in a store parking lot and asked to see inside the cricket. He runs an adventuring company, gave us a few tips, and asked for my blog link. Carmen and Sherrie stopped at our campsite and shared that they were here for their son’s wedding which was taking place in the park the next day. Carmen kept teasing us that our beer better be under 5%ABV, Park rules! Everyone is super friendly here in Iowa.
First Campsite. Ledges State Park. I’d done my research for our first stop and this was the oldest state park in Iowa(1924) and a bit of anomaly. Iowa is relatively flat but Ledge’s contains a sandstone gorge carved out by a tributary of the Des Moines river. There are some cool stone bridges and buildings built by the CCC(Civilian Conservation Corps) in the 1930’s. And at least 5 miles of hiking. Starting with baby steps.
First Gin & Tonic. First of many. Enough said.
First Outdoor Meal on the Road. Score!! Mark likes to say I’m really good at patting myself on the back and indeed I am. If not me, who? Tonight I prepared peach glazed bone-in pork chops, sautéed squash and red peppers, and fresh picked Iowa corn on the cob we purchased at a roadside stand(one of the benefits of those backroads). I gotta say, it was outstanding. Made better by the fact we were eating outside in a beautiful park on our very first day of our trip.
First official sleep in the Cricket. I wondered how this would actually play out. I hadn’t thought through the specific act of sleeping outside in close proximity to others doing the same. The bed in the Cricket is great, made comfy with an egg crate mattress and a futon. As I lay there listening to the group of young people across the way laughing and the little kids shouting and playing, it hit me. This is the first of 90 nights on the road. WoW. It seems like a long time. Each night I lay my head down will be a different place and a different experience. I’m so used to the safe haven of a warm bed in the comfort of my home. I’m pumped to challenge myself to be uncomfortable and be ok with whatever comes my way. Mark: another story. The guy doesn’t sleep well under the best of circumstances and I’m a little freaked out that he is gonna bail. He’s making no promises.
So finally, First Day of 90. In the books. And it was a keeper.