Just 40 miles or so west of Davenport, Iowa, we had to stop at Iowa 80! Billed as the world's largest truck stop, it has parking for 200 or more trucks, shopping, truck parts and repair services, and almost every accessory known to the trucking industry. We chose to park waaayyy out in the boonies.
The parking lot was getting a bit crowded, so we got some coffee drinks at Caribou Coffee inside the truck stop and took off.
One hundred and eighty four miles later we ended the day in Altoona, IA, at the Adventureland RV Park. I had an appointment for some hearing aid work in the area, and we knew of several good restaurants, so it was a no-brainer!
D's brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Linda, drove down from Minnesota to visit us for a couple days, so the evening we all arrived in Altoona called for dinner at Jethro's. The place was hoppin' when we arrived, but we decided to stay anyway and enjoy the food.
BnL needed some time to chose from the extensive menu.
Check out the story of Jethro's:
On Thursday, October 8th, we all piled into the car and drove to the John Deere Tractor and Engine Museum in Waterloo, IA. After all, it was only a 105 mile drive….one way.
An interesting comparison between "horsepower" and "man power" caused Bill and I to wonder where our strength had gotten to! Bill gave a mighty pull and generated 1/2 horsepower. I, on the other hand, gave a mighty pull….and then gave up.
Here are the Three Musketeers, Bill, Linda, and Donna!
The Museum, as you would expect, contains many early John Deere products. All but two of the artifacts on display are owned by private individuals and are on loan.
Some of the early experiments were pretty scary!
This is the only existing copy of the John Deere All Wheel Drive tractor from about 1918. It was found abandoned in a field in 1961, restored, and exhibited at county fairs for awhile. It even spent some time on exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. This is one of two company-owned artifacts in the museum, and was fully restored in 2013.
The museum has a huge number of items on display.
Including a plaque with all the JD logos from over the years.
Donna found an engine used to power combines that is the approximate size of the one in the motorhome!
On Friday, the 9th, we stayed close to Altoona, doing some shopping and such, but mostly enjoying the company of our family! We did manage to find time to squeeze in a lunch at Jethro's!
Today, Friday the 10th, we left Altoona after saying a sad goodbye to BnL. Two Hundred and thirty seven miles later we are planted in the parking lot of the Super Wally in Harrisonville, Missouri, about 30 miles south of Kansas City. It's a quiet, well-lit lot, but a little short on amenities! We have enjoyed some leftover BBQ and spending time watching college football. It's early to rise tomorrow for the next leg of the trip!
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