Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Off to Iowa We Go

Day 16 - November 15, 2015 (Great Lakes Region Trip)

We didn't want to go. Family gathered in the breakfast area to eat and say their goodbyes. The leaving went in waves, but it was finally our time to head out. We talked with Arlene and got lots of hugs and kisses from the girls and their families. Arlene was going with Heather's family to Green Bay for a week before going back to Texas. 

We followed the directions to the other cemetery where other family members were buried. Finally, we found the Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Arlene had told us where the family graves were located, but we were unable to find them. We drove around the cemetery and found the office. We didn't think they would be open since it was Sunday; however they were and gave us a map and plot locations. We headed back to the same area Arlene had told us, but went to the left instead of behind the statues area. 

First, we found Robin's grandmother, Vera Gumbiner. Robin was only 14 when Grandma died. Unfortunately, we did not get to see much of her since she lived in Indiana. One of Robin's memories was Grandma spending time with us at our farm in New Port Richey. 

Next, we found Robin's aunt and uncle, Madell and Clarence "Bud" Schweitzer. Robin had forgotten that Uncle Bud died 1 month after Robin's father. We loved to spend time with Aunt Dell and Uncle Bud, but again, they lived in Indiana. However, Aunt Dell loved to sunbath so they frequently came to Florida to soak up the rays. She and Robin's dad were very close. 

Before we left the area, we found several of Arlene's family, Kors. They were buried in the same section as Robin's relatives.

We were very glad we had taken the time to come to the cemetery, but it was now time for us to leave Indiana on our way to Iowa. We found ourselves on U.S. Route 30, also known as the Lincoln Highway. We had seen so much about it at Studebaker National Museum and here we were driving on it.

Staying on U.S. Route 30, we quickly slipped into Illinois. We stayed on U.S. Route 30 until it met I-80. Then we stayed on I-80 through Illinois until we arrived in Iowa. Today would be a 3 state day.

Again, we saw wind turbines. This time we were closer to them and stopped for gas. As we drove, we saw farm land with large silos. We didn't realize there were so many different kinds of silos. Just after we crossed the Mississippi River, we were in Iowa. 

Our first stop in Iowa was at the World's Largest Truck Stop. We knew we wanted to stop there so we could add to our collection of "World's Largests," but had no idea how big and how famous it was.

This truck stop was amazing. There were so many levels to it and so many facilities offered to the truckers. Not only was there a food court, but there was a sit-down restaurant as well.

Elevator/Stairs to all of the
different facilities

Half level down from main floor was print shop
 and truck supplies (gifts & clothing on main floor)

Large laundromat
(also showers and sleep area)

Large television room
(also small TV room and theater)

Barber shop
(also a chiropractor and dentist)

Old Oldsmobile truck hanged from the
ceiling in the stairwell area

There was also I-80 Trucking Museum on the property. It was pretty good size. Of course, we had to go inside and check it out.

There were some really unusual trucks. Robin had to admit, some of the trucks were really different.

There were additional items of interest, mostly gasoline pumps of all different shapes and sizes. 

We remarked to the gal at the gift shop how windy it was outside. She told us that Wolcott is known for its windy days. In fact, she told us they had just replaced the flag flying outside within the last week. She said to look how frayed the edges had already gotten within that short of time. It was pretty amazing! Robin took several pictures within about 2 minutes and saw the flag in many, many different furls due to the wind.

As we drove on to reach Coralville (about 45 miles), our destination for the evening, we saw more farm land and silos. The sky was beautiful, cloudy but lots of colors. 

We checked into our hotel and relaxed a little bit. It was a nice room with a separated bedroom and living room area. We love this room design because it is usually quieter being farther away from the hallway.

After awhile, we headed to a restaurant in town recommended by the front desk. We were told we could get good Italian food there. That sounded good to us.

We enjoyed the food, but the entertainment was quite special for us. Normally, when you go into a restaurant that has several televisions, the channels are usually set to different sporting event, e.g., football, basketball, auto racing, or baseball. Not in Iowa (or at least this restaurant). All 3 televisions were watching wrestling. 

When we got back to the room, we had a good laugh in the hall. Guess what was next door to our room? It was the Fitness Room. It was RIGHT NEXT DOOR! It was calling, but Dean was successful in ignoring its voice. We couldn't believe it was actually open since that has been an omen of our traveling.

However, Robin wanted to throw a load of laundry in at this point while traveling. Guess what? It was the Laundry Room that was out of service this night. Too funny! Laundry would have to wait until the next stop.

After some laughter, we settled down for the night. It had been a driving day of about 250 miles. We were tired and took the opportunity to just relax before going to bed.