Day 13: Ames to Home

After a gourmet breakfast at the Diesslin's, Bill gave me a tour of the EHS building and other sites around campus.  Bill played an integral role in designing the EHS building there, equipped with a "state of the art" waste handling area.

Charging in Independence, IA

My original intention this day was to travel to Dubuque, and camp there overnight while charging.  I headed off, and got my supplemental charge in Independence, IA. As typical, I took that time to review the local sites and get some walking in. 

Unfortunately, the mill was not open to the public yet.  You can also see that the water here is high as well.  The antique "boulder picker-upper" (my name) pictured here would have been pretty handy on the farm I grew up on, as it seemed we were always picking rocks!

After writing in my blog at the local library, I headed back to the car and left town.


My plan was changed on the fly, when I found out the campground in Dubuque was underwater.  The next campground was about 35 miles away, near Platteville, so I headed that way after calling to confirm I could use a charger and camp overnight.  The phone connection wasn't clear, and she never did answer my question on cost.  When I arrived at about 6:30pm, the campground operator told me the charge would be $45 for camping and plugging in.  At that point, I determined I would only need about 3 hours of charge on a 50 amp circuit to get enough miles to make it all the way home, so that's what I did.  We settled on $15 for the electrons, and I parked for the next 3 hours.  I spent that time walking about, making my dehydrated meal for supper, and then settling down to watch a Netflix movie I downloaded before I left.

After charging, I had 167 miles on the car, with only 130 left to go to make it home.  I made it home easily, and arrived at 12:10am... glad to head right to bed.

I am so glad I took this opportunity to cross this adventure off my bucket list, and am looking forward to taking a similar (albeit shorter) trip in June with my great-nephew, Arlyn.  Till next time...

Day 12: 5/3/19 Norfolk, NE to Ames, IA

I stayed with my cousin Connie overnight, and the next morning we headed to Perkins for breakfast, then out for a walk around a local lake.  After we got our morning exercise, I took off heading east.  This particular morning, the wind was from the south... 10-15 mph, so not too bad.

My first stop was in Jefferson, IA (182 miles from the start), where I planned to get a booster charge at the HyVee store.  I plugged in, had some lunch, and then headed out to explore the local area.  This is the part I love about this thing I've begun to dub "slow travel."  The need for speed is GONE, and one is definitely limited by the distance one can travel, and sometimes have limited options for places to charge.  If possible, stopping in small towns and exploring the area on foot has proven to be one of the most enjoyable things about this trip.

On my way into Jefferson, I saw a sign indicating "Jefferson Gardens" ahead.  Making my way on foot toward downtown, I suddenly heard bells... following those bells, I came upon the town Carillon Tower, located in the town square.  The carillon officially opened to the public for the summer on May 4, so I was a little early.  However, upon checking the door... it was open, and inside were two docents (in training) who were more than happy to share their knowledge about the town and the carillon:

• Only one of four carillons in Iowa
• Town was named after Thomas Jefferson, admired by the founding fathers
• Name was quickly changed to "New Jefferson" after they learned there already was a Jefferson in eastern Iowa (this happened quite frequently when towns were being newly established); after the "first Jefferson" dissolved, the name was available again, and claimed.  

Looking up at the stained glass window 

in the rotunda ceiling

Replica of wooden plow, parts of it made

of walnut trees from Monticello

I was encouraged to walk through the nextdoor County Courthouse, which indeed was beautiful.  Crossing the town square, I spied the Thomas Jefferson garden,



so I made a beeline over there.  A docent came out of the building to tell me all about the gardens, and provide an impromptu tour.  The docent also directed me to "Sally's Alley," a remake of a previously unattractive alley into a walking tour of bird pictures.

After an hour or so, I got back on the road toward Ames.  I found a wall charger fairly close to my friend Bill Diesslin's house, and plugged in there.  I enjoyed a lovely evening with Bill and his wife Brenda... had a lovely supper and we went for a several mile walk around a local lake.  Also got to get a ride in Bill's mid-life crisis car, an Alfa Romeo he purchased from a friend.  I never knew he was a "gearhead" and could fix anything until now.

Day 11: 5/2/19 North Platte to Norfolk, NE

I had anticipated one more night's stay in my trip to Norfolk, but I think I can get there tonight... due to the charger locations along the way.  I verified my trip plans with Connie and Joe (cousins in Norfolk), and my buddy Bill that I'm seeing in Ames, IA.  Originally had planned to be at Bill's on Saturday, but now will arrive on Friday.

I'm looking forward to seeing my Aunt Leona (mom's sis).

 

After 100 miles, I stopped in Kearney, at the City Hall for a little boost, and took a little walking tour of downtown.  First thing first, I went to Kitt's Coffee Shop for an espresso and worked on my blog.  Then, I headed downtown, and found the Museum of Nebraska Art... free (or donation) to look around.  A good display of student artwork, and an exhibit of sandhill and whooping crane art that made it a good stop!

The outdoor sculpture garden had a sculpture that "called me" over to it... a young gal skying above a boy with a basketball in her hand.  Now, that's a good image!!

From Kearney, I headed to a fast charger in Grand Island... near the freeway.  After hooking up, I realized the charger wasn't working.  All of the card swipers were inoperable.  I called Customer Service, and they tried to reset the units a couple of times, unsuccessfully, and then gave me a complimentary charge (worth $18).  I took some time to do a little birdwatching along a nearby river, before departing.

  

From here, I drove about 50 miles to Columbus, for a quick boost, and a chance to catch a bite to eat and stretch my legs.  This 220 charger had a rate of $0.25/hr, with a $1 minimum.  Soon, I was on my way to Norfolk.

Connie picked me up at an RV campground on the outskirts of Norfolk, where I had permission to plug in overnight.  Unfortunately, the charger interrupted itself a couple of times.  After the second time, we moved to the Convention Center's RV plug, where the car happily charged the rest of the evening.  Thank you Connie, for your patience and shuttling me around.  The charging interruption has never happened before, but I've since learned that some RV parks don't have appropriate wiring for the 50-amp outlet, and that can cause the car to stop charging.

Connie got some of my cousins together for supper, so it was nice to see everyone.  After that, we went over to The Meadows, and did a little singing and visiting with Aunt Leona. 

Day 10: Happy May Day!! Denver to North Platte, NE

This is a travel day, but started the day with the comfort and familiarity of old friends, Pat and Wendy.  I was able to give Wendy a quick hug before she hustled off to work around 6am.  A little later, Pat and I watched the beginnings of the Congressional committee's questioning of William Barr.

I left Denver around 9:30am, with a full charge (courtesy of the Kohrt-Wischmann NEMA 14-50 receptacle in their garage), AND using my new adapter!  My GOM was reading 209 miles.  My original plan involved camping this evening... however, I decided to once again use a hotel.  I hadn't intended on "winter camping," and the weather forecast has been cold, snowy, and/or rainy.

I got a charge at the West Orchard fast charger (out in a farm field), and put my $20 in the jar beneath the charger.  Doesn't look like anyone is at home today, but I had already met the wind farmer on my way to Denver a few days ago.  During my charge time there, I just walked up and down the adjacent road... cold (41 deg) and windy, so it wasn't appealing to walk too far.

After my charge, I got back on the road and headed toward North Platte (about 110 miles), where there's a Fast Charger in a Walmart parking lot.  I hooked up and went in to Walmart to walk around a bit, while I was getting my 80% charge.  It was expected to take about 36 minutes.  This charger costs $0.30/minute, and as with all Fast Chargers, only will provide that high voltage charge up to 80% of your battery's capacity... any more, and it could damage the battery.  When the 80% point is reached, the charging slows to that of a 220-amp charger (however, if you kept it hooked up to the charger, it would keep the same $0.30/minute rate... so UNHOOK it after 80%).

When I was unplugging, a woman walked over to me, and started asking questions... then another person joined her.  They had never seen anyone use the charger before, and had LOTS of questions... I was happy to answer them, and pique their interest even more about electric cars.  I told them it wasn't that unusual not to see someone using them, as you'd likely only have your car hooked to the charger for 30-60 minutes, depending upon the charge you needed.

After the charge was complete, I headed to a Japanese restaurant for supper (outstanding Japanese food... in the middle of Nebraska!), and then went to Pals Brewing Company... no American Porter, but they did have an English Porter and a red ale.  I tried little 5 ounce pours or each, and chatted up a local during my short visit.

Finally headed off to my Motel 6 to check in.  That place was fairly clean, but allowed animals.  There were multiple times during the night when dogs barking woke me, so I was happy to get up and start my day at 5:30 the following morning.

Day 9: 4/30/19 No Travel Day

Woke up and had a leisurely breakfast with Pat, while Wendy scooted out early to work... ah, I remember those days!  There were some contractors coming to the house, so after they arrived, I left to find a Starbucks, and get some exercise.  It was a 5-mile there and back, so got the exercise piece in for the day.














After a snow yesterday, it was still cold, but most of the snow had melted.  The contractors were done when I got home, so Pat and I decided to take a little trip to an outlet mall.  Lots of looking around, but no purchases!  They have these special spots for electric vehicles, which I took advantage of... just because I could.

When we got home, the news was breaking on the William Barr, so we watched that quite a while to see what was up... meanwhile, I am continuing the slog through the Mueller report.  It will be interesting to listen to Barr's testimony before Congress, and am hoping that I can get a public radio station as I start my drive across Nebraska again tomorrow.

After Wendy got home, we left for supper at Mehak, a good Indian restaurant.  It's been awhile since I've been out for a good Indian meal... it was YUMMY!

Day 8: 4/29/19 Sterling, NE to Denver (Pat & Wendy's)

Woke up early after a good night's sleep, and walked down to see what the Super 8 had out for breakfast... not so super if you're trying to eat a little lower carb.  Ended up having a couple containers of yogurt and calling it good.

Today was a relatively short travel day, and I had about 45 miles to travel to the fast charger in the Walmart parking lot.  Pulling up to the fast charger, I was the only one there, and multiple stations were available.  Charger was easy to navigate if you followed the instructions.  Once going, I headed inside to maybe find coffee/espresso.  No luck there, so I just hung out for about 40 minutes while I got to an 80% charge.

Now I have plenty to make it to Denver easily (can even use the heat).  Still looking for coffee, I found a Starbucks a few miles from where I charged... headed there to work on my blog and enjoy a good espresso!!

I made it to Pat and Wendy's "Little Dig" about noon.  Pat was there (Wendy was toiling away at work)… went for a good 5 mile walk around their subdivision and nature area near their house.  Again, good to stretch my legs!  After Wendy got home, we went out to Famous Dave's for supper... then more studying the Mueller Report in the later evening.

Day 7: 4/28/19 Kearney to Sterling, CO

Sherlock's GOM this morning remembers the tough day against the wind yesterday, and only promises 197 miles (more realistic, given the high winds).  After picking up my car in Kearney, Pam took me out for breakfast and she drove Sherlock around the block to get a little idea of how she handles.  Then we said our goodbyes, and I headed west.  My original intent was to camp tonight in Ogallala, Nebraska's McConaughy Lake area.  But it remained cold and storms were coming.

I stopped in a little town (Gothenburg) to see an original Pony Express station.  I was surprised to learn the Pony Express was only in existence for 18 months.

After 150 miles with a SE crosswind, I pulled into Ogallala having 47 miles on the GOM (pretty good!).  I charged at the downtown police station for a couple of hours, and took the opportunity to walk around and stretch my legs.  I thought about breaking the bike out, but it was too cold and windy for my taste.  Since it's Sunday, there's not much open except for restaurants and gas stations... was hoping to visit the local library, but closed.  From this spot, it's about 240 miles to get to Wendy and Pat's in Denver.  My plan has shifted from camping to a hotel.

While walking about in Ogallala, I took in a tour of the downtown area, neighborhood streets, and ended up in a museum near where I was parked.  Found a pictures of Samuel and Harriet Gast, who ran the Ogallala House (hotel and restaurant) in 1876.  Not sure if they are relatives or not...

From here, I continued west 44  miles to find a fast charger.  The charger was off the beaten path a bit, and powered by a wind turbine.  Unfortunately, the gentleman's (Jeff's) turbine had been broken since last fall, so he asked for $20 to cover the charging.  Happy to do it (for you mileage nerds reading this, it would been worth about $12 at a conventional fast charger run by Electrify America or ChargePoint).  In the picture below, you can see the turbine on its side in the field.  Jeff came out and chatted with me for a bit before going in to make his supper, and I had mine (cold pea soup... thank you Marybeth).

 

All around me, clouds were gathering and it still windy and getting colder.  I was increasingly glad I had decided not to make a tent my home for the night.  From starting my charge with 83 miles on the GOM, and charged up to 80% of my battery's capacity in about an hour.  At 4:30, I left for Sterling, CO (~50 miles) where Barb had reserved a room for me at the Super 8.

The motel was warm and pleasant enough.  I took a drive downtown and walked about the town for about an hour, taking in the local sites... then paused at a library to read another few pages of the Mueller Report.  Yes, I am trying to slog my way through that report... on about page 130 of about 400+ of Part I.  Eeek!

My thought was that I would charge at an RV park in the morning, enough to carry me the last 100 miles to Pat and Wendy's.  Here's where I discovered a mistake that I made.  When filtering results on my PlugShare app, which I use to find charging stations, I had mistakenly been filtering out charging stations that cost $$ to charge (though several of the ones I've used have required remuneration). Once I saw that, I flipped it back on to find that there was a fast charger in Fort Morgan, about 45 miles from Sterling located in a Walmart Superstore parking lot.  Yippee!  I'm headed to Walmart in the morning (I don't say that every day)!