Nebraska & Black Hills

After leaving Iowa, I travled north and west to South Dakota, stopping in Nebraska along the way. I was surprised at the highway system in Nebraska as it was really bumpy for most of the trip - especially in the Omaha area where anything over 55 mph threw things around inside the HH as if the road was angry being put to work.

 

At any rate, I eventually arrived in the Rapid City, SD area where I stayed at the campground at Ellsworth AFB.  The park had recently undergone an upgrade and the site was not only level and clean, but had a great view of the surrounding countryside.  Having it close enough to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and all the rest was an added bonus.  And, as usual, the cost of staying at a Military CG has it's own advantage.

 

My only negative observation, and one I revisted throughout SD and later WY and MT, is that there are a million and one hills everywhere...drove me and the Hula Hut nuts with the transmission kicking in and out of overdrive so much, but, what cha gonna do, eh?

 

Before I get into specifics, let me just be clear on this....the Black Hills were awesome, just amazing, and I was more than disappointed that I didn't have the bike with me for this portion of the trip - more on that later.

 



GEO Center of the United States - (well, not really, but close)

My first day running around the Black Hills included a trip to what was supposed to be the location of the GEO Center of the US.  It turns out that it's close - actually it's located in a farmers field about 3/4 of a mile from the marker - but it was an interesting place none-the-less.  It's located in the small town of Belle Fourche, SD.  Worth the trip, just to say you've been there, but there's not much else to see around there.

My next stop was Sturgis, yeah, had to do it, bike or not.  Since this was my first visit there (and no, it was not bike week) I was really interested to see how the place looked, and how the people acted while there was no real "weirdness" going on...wrong assumption.

Although the drive is beautiful out there, and man, there were bikers everywhere, the area of Sturgis was really somewhat disappointing.  Perhaps it is because of my upbringing in Florida (where fleeching tourists is an art), but I was really disappointed in the commerical aspect of the place.  I'm not sure I was expecting that part, and it was everywhere you looked for 50 miles around Sturgis, it seemed like every business was there to seperate bikers from their money in some respect or another.

One other aspect of Sturgis that I wasn't prepared for was somewhat funny - it seemed like I never ran across a biker that didn't qualify for AARP for the whole week I was in the area.  At first I thought it was just my imagination - yet, even when I was trying to find younger bikers, they were few and far between!  The funniest aspect was seeing bars, resturants, and biker places with "Welcome Seniors" and "Sturgis Bike Rally" signs hanging side by side.     The irony of the whole thing?  If I had had my bike with me, I would have been one of those seniors out there on the road!        Oh my.

One of the places I was really looking forward to seeing was Deadwood, SD.  I'm not sure I can explani the reasoning other then to say I just like historical places where history took a decisive turn at some point.  Deadwood has that with the history of George Custer discovering gold, the indians being pushed out by people swarming in from everywhere, and all the drama that evolved.  The HBO series from a few years ago didn't do it total justice, but it made it entertaining.  The drive to get there is spectacular and the town itself is nestled in this small valley with a river running close by and surrounded by shear mountains and narrow passes.  Beautiful country.

All over town are signs linking it's past to significant events.  How accurate are they?  Who knows, but it makes a nice touch.

There's much more to produce for this part of the trip...but I'm already tardy with posting this, so I'll post this section and start working on the remainder shortly.

Reflections on Vetrans Day Weekend

A friend of mine and I were speaking the other day about life.  On occasion it doesn't quite live up to expectations.  But, ultimately, there is one thing that is certain.

Death.  That thing we all know is coming, somehow, sometime, somewhere.  For some, death came too soon, too violently, too far from home.

Some, myself included, have avoided it on occasion.  But, it was a close thing.  The reason, through luck or divine intervention remains a mystery.  I can say this - without a lot of emotional attachment - it's not as mysterious as it once was to me.  I do however, have some lingering questions...the list keeps growing, but I can wait.  For awhile.

We started on this macabre subject quite by accident.  We were discussing the upcoming Veterans Day and the various people we have known over the years in uniform.  Just as importantly, we began talking about those friends of ours who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and for who we pause, or should pause, on Veterans Day to remember.  In my mind, its far more important to remember the fallen than it is to remember the ones who have survived.

Thankfully my list of fallen friends is far shorter than some.  I take a moment, a bottle, and a quiet spot, pause to remember my brothers, and somehow they remain alive.  Young men, primarily in their early 20's, full of life, full of hope, full of the future.  They will remain young forever. 

I can't dwell on or separate those we lost and never found, those who died defending the bodies of brothers already fallen moments before, or those recovered who died in the arms of those that brought them out. In the end, the dead are simply gone.  The circumstance matter only in the details of their honorable service to our great nation.  But, we MUST remember them.

Among them were leaders who could have shaped the world, future Doctors, Lawyers, Politicians, or perhaps truck drivers, plumbers, or farmers.  Who knows?  Based on their backgrounds, they could have been whatever they chose to be. . . and they would have been successful too.

So, I ask you to join me on this upcoming Veterans Day to pause from your BBQ, your family gathering, or your well earned rest, and remember that there are names, faces, families, and lost futures behind this important moment that we all celebrate.  

My Thoughts on the Election

The Election

I’ve been quiet.  Until now.

First - Get out and VOTE!

I don’t much care who you vote for – that’s a personal decision.  I’ve been described as a conservative liberal, or a liberal conservative.  The reality is that I vote for who I think has the closest values to my own, and I really don’t care what party that person is associated with.  And, by the way, I don’t really care about their gender, color, or religion either.  I only care about what America stands for, who she stands with, and how we apply those values.

Here’s my opinion on a few things that help me decide...

I do believe in the Constitution.  Most of it anyway.  The parts I have trouble with, I’ve learned to live with.  That’s part of being an American.

I believe in Capital punishment.  Although I think the list of crimes is far too short, and I think we should ‘fast track” those people on their way to the next phase in the grand journey.

The Second Amendment.  Read it, it’s simple, but I don’t want my neighbor to have a .50 caliber M2 Machine Gun on his front porch.  Other than that, leave me alone and don’t bother me when the zombies come.

I believe that ALL men are created equal.  Equality means that you gain what you work for and that the Government does NOT have an obligation to take care of you.

I believe that women have the right to choose what they do with their own bodies, and that includes abortion rights.  No religion, Government, nor individual has the right to make that decision for them.  For you guys, do you really believe you’d allow the Government or someone to make a decision like that for you?  Get real.

I believe that women are as capable as men.  But that doesn’t mean I think they should serve in a combat related arms in the defense of this country.  Call me sexist or perhaps just old fashion.  Stick with being President when your time comes.

Rape is a crime.  It’s NOT assault, or criminal mischief.  If found guilty, a rapist should be locked up for life with other rapists.  No pardon, no parole.

Child Molesters, if found guilty, should be executed.

I believe that Lawful Permanent Residents (Green card holders) have entered into a contract with our United States.  If you break our laws you’ve broken that contract and you should be deported.  Regardless of age and regardless of how many family members you have to take with you.  For those “others illegally present” (a thoughtful phrase from the Immigration Reform Act), if found, you should be arrested, prosecuted, and if found guilty, should be permanently barred from re-entering the country after serving a term in Federal prison.

I believe in what the Unions once stood for….but that doesn’t mean that Union members should get breaks that the average person does not get, and the Union is NOT always right.

I hate racists.  All of them, regardless of color or gender.  There’s just no excuse for ignorance.

I believe in the simple explanation of Sheep, Sheep Dogs, and the Wolves.  Everyone falls into one of those categories.  You are what you are, be happy with that, but don’t pass judgment on those of us that choose to fight the wolves.  Even those of us lying on the porch, head resting on our paws, watching the younger Sheep Dogs doing all the work these days.   We are what we are.  Be happy we’re here.

I was Baptized in my youth.  Twice.  My Mother was convinced it didn’t “take” the first time.  As I have gotten older, I think she was right.  I was in trouble in Sunday school while learning the 10 Commandments because I was disappointed to learn there was no asterisk (*) on anything that indicated “except under the following circumstances”  My point is that no one, every time, will get it right, each and every time.   Be flexible.

I know for a fact that War is never nice, and it’s not like you see in movies or on TV.  It should not be entered into lightly, but once engaged, you never, ever, quit, until the other side are either dead or submit to your national will.  Anything less is an insult to the men and woman who have died or bled for this great Nation.

I believe that if you think “so-and-so” lied to get us into a war in Iraq (which I didn’t support by the way), you’re not informed and should read the history of abuse in Iraq leading up to 2003.  I was there, and even I am at a loss for words on what I saw in person.  I believe that the majority of people in that country are better off today as a result, and I shed my blood and left it in the sand for my belief.

I believe that religion is whatever you hold dear to your soul as true belief.  No book, individual, or Government should tell you what religion to follow.  No one religion is the “true” religion in my view.  We’ll all know who’s right when we take that last great journey after this one.  Do we need to discuss “tolerance?”

I believe that who you have sex with, or how many partners at a time, and when, is not anyone else’s business.  And, yes, I have no problem with the idea of two people of the same gender being in a relationship.

Adultery is a word not a crime.  When was the last time you were a virgin?  Don’t ask me for my personal view on this one unless you really want to know.

Marriage, in almost all cultures, is a union of individuals.  Rules or understandings within that union are not anyone else’s business. (See “Adultery” if you still have questions about where I stand on this one)

I believe Global Warming is an outrageous fraud supported by global leaders who make an awful lot of money on the fears of gullible people who mean well and want to feel like they are doing something for the common good.  How about just being nice to everyone you come into contact with and show a little compassion that way instead?

Lastly, I’m very disappointed in so many of you who have taken an extreme position during this run up to the election.  Many of my oldest friends (on both side of the spectrum) have used some of the foulest arguments, the most bizarre stories, and some of the most inflammatory descriptions I have ever seen in an election.     Yes, it’s important, but where is your common courtesy?

Agree or disagree. . .it’s my opinion.  Just vote, and let’s get on with being Americans united as we should be every day.

Iron Warriors - Iowa

The guys in Des Moines really reached out and treated this traveler with style.  Special thanks to "Bug" who made all the arrangements, and a special shout out to Dick who patched me into his special "WWDD" club.   The rules are simple.  What would Dick Do?  It would take too long to explain here.  Trust me.

The Texas Chapter meets the Iowa Chapter!

Famous Dick....yeah, I said it.  WWDD?

Dick was trying to explain why this patch has to be stapled, not sewed, in place.  The reason ?  That's what Dick would Do!

Oh...yeah.



Babes....why is it always babes?

Everyone who knows me, knows I'm just a sucker for blondes, and I'm even worse where redheads are concerned.

So I suppose it's cosmic justice that my heart has been stolen once again by a couple of blonde haired babes in Iowa of all places. . . .

Thank gawd they're not mine, I'd be locking them up for about the next 20 years or so.  Can you imagine, an Olympic hopeful and a future rocker?  I won't admit which one has my hand-me-down harmonica to drive her Daddy nuts.   hehehehe



High Trestle Bridge

I finally went to that little out of way local site called the High Trestle Bridge in Madrid Iowa about 18 miles from my campsite at Saylorville Lake.  Well worth the effort to say the least.

The bridge is an old railroad bridge that dates back further then I can recall.  Yet I remember that it is 2500 + feet long, 13 stories over the Des Moines river and was turned over to private interests just within the last 10 years.  It's part of a 20+ mile long bike path that runs between several of the small towns in the area.

Upon arrival I was the only car in the parking lot, about 3/4 mile from where the map said the bridge was located.  Yet you can't see it from the lot.  Great 8 foot wide concrete path, smooth seams, and golf course trimmed grass along the margins for a space of about 12 feet on each side.  In other words, the perfect place for a Segway.

The bridge is located alongside the original bridge build at the turn of the century and the original bridge abutment is still in place on the riverbank.  When the railroad decided to build a new bridge several miles upstream from the original, they pulled off the cross members and supports and re-cycled them on the new bridge.  Only the original pilings remained behind due to their weight and the fact that they were built 60 feet into the ground on bedrock.  Almost impossible to remove without tons of dynamite.  As a result, the RR decided to abandon the property and eventually sold it to a private interest.  They, in turn, raised funds to build the new decking and made it part of the bike path.

To make it interesting they invited artists to develop a theme.  What they came up with is unique as you can see in the pictures.  If the video comes out, you'll see what I mean.

Before any of you think I studied up on this bridge just so I could bore you to tears let me explain how this came about.  While standing on the old (original) bridge abutment, I started chatting with an older gentleman who arrived by bike.  He spoke, pretty much, for over an hour non-stop about the history of the bridge, the history of the area, the river, the bridge builders, the coal mining operations (13 mines at one point in time), and his grandfathers part in moving coal along the Des Moines riverbank by wooden wagon pulled by mules.   Imagine that.

The man, whose named was Ron Johnson, turned out to be one of the volunteer guides along the path with a special interest in the bridge.  He comes out every night to educate the public about it's history and special meaning and impact on the community.  How lucky was I to spark up a conversation with just the right guy?

The pictures below will give you just a small idea of the size and scope of this project; what a great place to visit on a full-moon night, during a holiday evening...

Brief overview of the Bridge.

Much more impressive in person.

The only way to travel on a 20 + mile bike path!

At Dusk, this solar powed light show starts.  The lights span the river and signify the transition a person going from the surface below ground in a coal mine.  It's pretty cool as it's the only lights around for miles in any direction.



Iowa Part One

I should start with a shutter of remembrance of the drive out of the Chicago suburbs after departing Elkhart.  But, "it is what it is" has become my mantra on this little road trip so I will leave that for another time perhaps.  Let's just say the traffic is not anywhere near normal.

I drove as far as the west side of Iowa CIty the first day and stayed overnight in a nice little shady RV park off the interstate.  After getting the Hula Hut settled in, I drove out for the mandatory exploration, a quick bite to eat, and a side trip to Riverside, Iowa, the future birthplace of Captain James T Kirk of Star Trek fame.  Can you imagine a small Iowa city whose fame is based on a fictional character who hasn't even been fictionally born yet?  Yet the town has banners and sites set up all along the main street (which runs about 400 yards total) and seems to be just the right setting for something out of a Hollywood script.  It's funny how life imitates art sometimes.

My timing could (or maybe not) have been better.  The town was virtually shut down in preparation for it's annual TrekFest which happens the last Saturday of each June.  All the store fronts, streets, even the little Star Trek Museum were shut down while workman scrubbed, painted, and cleaned in all directions.  It was, to use a term, odd.  Despite my disappointment of not being able to get a picture of me and the Segway happily rolling through the (one room) museum, it was worth the drive out to see what it actually looks like in person.  "Roadside America" comes through once again  for it's odd entertainment value.

The drive from Iowa City over to Grimes Iowa, was a pleasant 2.5 hours with little traffic, although I had forgotten that Iowa is not, in fact, the flat farm country that everyone seems to imagine it to be.  The hills, with grades matching parts of the Carolina's were unexpected.

Upon arrival at the National Park Service (NPS) Camp Ground at Saylorville lake, another unexpected surprise awaited me.   While I was checking into the registration office a law enforcement Park Ranger came into the office and asked if I was driving the RV with the OIF sticker?  Yes, and with that he asked how long was I staying, ect, ect...one thing led to another and it turned out he is also a OIF vet and told me he thought he had a camp site that I might enjoy. (There's a side story here that involves a displaced "California Hippie" and a whole other conversation, but I'll save that for when I can plant my tongue firmly in cheek)

Oh my gosh was he ever right.  My campsite in this out of the way place, is right below the dam on the spill way and literally looks down what becomes the Des Moines River basin.  All my neighbors are, essentially, behind me and the only thing that blocks my view are the fisherman lining the banks, and the wildlife that roams through during the early mornings and late evening at dusk.  To top it off, the camp site was 50% off using my NPS access card - wow, really? - something that my budget appreciates to no end.  What a way to spend the 13 nights I expect to be here, and my special thanks to that Ranger who helped out a buddy without even knowing who I was (which to put a point on it, is "nobody special").

I have several reasons to visit the Des Moines area (Saylorville is just to the north of downtown by about 20 miles).  Among those reasons are a visit to several local area museums and tourist sites, a couple-friend of mine who live in the area and I haven't seen in several years, and the local chapter of the Iron Warriors who I've never had the opportunity to meet in person.  This stop has been high on my list of expectations and if this first week has been any indication it's been well worth the journey.

The week has been filled with catching up with my friends and their kids (who despite having grown like weeds since I last saw them, still treated ole Uncle Dan to a dose of the family life - and pulled on my heart strings shamelessly), to jet skiing on the lake, to a night out on the town, sitting around a camp fire under a sky blanketed with stars, to a visit to the birth place of John Wayne, and a little tucked-out-of-sight Military Museum in the hills surrounding Saylorville Lake.  All that, and a few of the Bridges of Madison County (yes, from the movie) in real life.

On that subject, the county of Madison was really not anything I expected.  It's about 35 minutes from my campsite and I arrived before anything was open in the town, so I spent some time roaming the streets on my Segway around the County Courthouse (built in 1836) and had breakfast at the same little diner shown in the movie.  The breakfast was superb and cheap, and the only complaint I could find was that the service kept being interrupted by members of the staff who wanted to chat about the Segway, that in turn, encouraged the normal breakfast crowd to ask their own questions and one thing led to another.....it was a great experience among a bunch of down to earth people.

In addition to the mandatory visit to the John Wayne statue (located on John Wayne street naturally), the visit to his tiny four room home (*), and the county square, there was an Art Festival weekend taking place which I was drawn to without much effort.  Small town America is unlike what I'm used to and I found that people are truly friendly to an out of towner just passing through.  The entire Art Festival could have fit into the backyard of Stephanie's house in Hollywood, yet, between visiting with strangers and poking through "art" of all types and sizes, I spent almost an hour at the place.

So, the week has been joyful and I have another week to look forward to filled with the upcoming 4th of July parade in downtown Urbandale, a bike night with my Iron Warrior friends, more camp fires (in fact I'm sitting at my picnic table with a fire blazing as I type), and a couple of mundane tasks like cleaning and laundry that I just can't ignore. 

I suspect I'll stumble across other excitement during the week as well, or at least I hope so - and who knows, maybe my friend Crissie will come up with another "idea of the week" and send me to another unknown-to-me spot of interest.

I'm adding some new photos to give you a dose of this place, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I am enjoying the experience.

More later!

(*)  Just for the record, I did NOT ride my Segway anywhere near the John Wayne birthplace or museum, much less near the statue of the Duke.  I kept hearing a deep voice in my head saying "no way pilgrim, you tough it out, man up, and walk" - or something along those lines.   No way was I going to have the spirit of the Duke coming after me!

Future Birthplace of James T Kirk

The view from my campsite at Saylorville Lake

That white spot in the lower left corner?  Thats the Hula Hut!

The Duke & his Birth Home/ Museum

The Bridges of Madison County are out in the middle of nowhere!

But well worth the effort.

Madison County Court House built in the 1800's