Drove the family down to lake Rathbun, in southeast Iowa, on Friday night.  Much to our delight the Island View campground was almost empty and they had stopped collecting camping fees for the year!!!  We took our pick of spots and popped the top.  Even more to our delight we found that the camping pads still had the electricity on...wouldn't need the propane on this trip!  Shower houses were boarded up and only the pit toilets were open, but what could we expect for free???  Had a wonderful weekend with highs in the high 40's and lows in the mid 20's to low 30's.  Beautiful sunny days with clear and cold, but very starry nights!!!  Sure made the extra quilts feel nice on the lower bunk.  Woke up Sunday morning to find ice in the dogs water bowl...now this is my kinda weather!!!  Kinda made me want to put a fresh coat of wax on the Fischers.  Needless to say the fridge didn't have much trouble keeping the juice, ham, eggs, milk and Mt Dew icy cold.  Drove home Sunday afternoon and the van ran very well, as it did on the way down.  If anyone's in  the area, doesn't mind the cold and is looking for a free night of camping, they should check it out.

Thanks for readin'!

Rod Woten
'87 Westy
Des Moines, Iowa