The last day of August! We woke up to intermittent rain – which John braved to unhook the water, then take GoGo to visit the dump station and refill the water tank. In spite of it all, he was a happy camper driver (professional, you know!) — see above.

We headed out for Iowa and Iowa City – about a 3 hour drive if you go direct. BUT! We decided to stop in Le Claire to visit “Antique Archeology” — better known as home of the American Pickers TV show. It’s right along the Mississippi River – just sitting there, waiting for the pickin’. (Have to say that every time I hear/say Picker/Pickin’”, I think of the Seinfeld episode, “It’s not a pick! It’s a scratch!”)

Just two buildings with some treasures outside and many more of all varieties inside. Mike Wolfe is the owner/picker — his longtime buddy/partner, Frank Fritz, died in 2024. But Mike has continued bravely on. Lots of interesting stuff – but I wonder who really would buy most of it? The really cool stuff is expensive and needs just the right spot to show — as do all the littler things. Here is a sampling of some of the pickin’s.

Regardless, it was a really fun stop!

We drove mile after mile along green and lush farmland – mostly corn that was a lot stumpier than the corn we see in NC and PA. Maybe it’s a different variety? But “The road is long, with (absolutely not) a winding turn…” Yes, that old ribbon of highway.

We had about an hour to go to our evening’s destination, and I was too starved to make it the whole way without lunch. (John had gotten a very tasty egg/bacon/cheese croissant from THorntons when we stopped for fuel, so he was not hungry.)

Well, just waiting for us was The Largest Truck Stop in the World on I-80. No kidding. I really believe it! There was a restaurant, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Starbucks, a huge store with food and clothes and snacks and drinks and souvenirs and things for your truck/car, plus lots of automotive “art” to enjoy. I think it was a less frenetic version of a Bucee’s, with more of a definite trucking theme. Next door was the Trucking Museum. It had the intended impact on me: I stopped to think about all the driving that truck drivers do, how long they are on the road with few comforts of home, and how they are responsible for moving a sh*tload of goods all across the country. We should give them some gratitude everyday! (Except when one of them side-swipes your tow-car…but I’m not bitter…)

Here are a few photos to give you a feel for the place. I really had a blast checking in all out.

John expertly carried us the rest of the way to I0wa City, where we fueled up at Casey’s, got a few supplies at Hy-Vee grocery store (really huge and well-stocked, with friendly staff.) Our final stop? The Highlander Hotel, one of the Harvest Host places that lets RVs park overnight for free. We had the huge parking lot pretty much to ourselves and it was nice and level. We had supper at their Lucy’s Restaurant, which used to be a “Supper Club” in the 60’s and 70’s. We ate at the bar (we were the only ones there) and visited with Verne, a really nice bartender/server. She came to Iowa from Jersey, studied music, and just loves Iowa.

As you might guess, we went back to GoGo, played with Max, watched more of The West Wing (we’re now in Season 2 again), had some popcorn and shut it down. Of course we remembered to have our last words before sleep be, “Hare, Hare!” since it’s the last night of the month. And hopefully the first words out of our mouths tomorrow will be “Rabbit, Rabbit!” so we’ll have a lucky month.

SATURDAY we visited the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) with our friends Karen and Mark. I expected to be wow’ed. I did not expect to be so touched, so inspired, so sad, so connected, so safe, so valued, so nostalgic, so hopeful/hopeless simultaneously. I could not do this blog on Saturday because I had to process all that we had seen and experienced, remembered and shared.

Everything about the OPC was extraordinarily and thoughtfully planned, constructed and delivered/presented/shared. The campus includes fruit/vegetable gardens, a public library, playground, wetland walk, picnic/cook-out space, a basketball court, wellness rooms, the Democracy in Action Lab, an auditorium, a cafe, restaurant, shop. Everything is physically and all-senses accessible. Bus lines and Chicago trains stop there. The staff are all friendly, knowledgeable, personable, upbeat — and they both radiate and speak freely of how much they love their jobs and being part of this extraordinary “heart of America” place.

Reflected throughout the structures, the exhibits, the public indoor and outdoor spaces, and the staff are the values that the Obamas hold dear and live: respect, hope, empathy, community, connection, grace, possibility, positive energy. authenticity, service.

There are four floors of exhibits that progress from the context of what shaped the Obamas’ lives and values, through the presidential years, the joyfulness of the White House and finally, what remains for us to do to help shape and protect our democracy. The floors are named: Toward a More Perfect Union, Working for the Common Good, The People’s House and We the People.

Each floor has videos, text/photos, art, and artifacts. We first learn about the Obamas and changemaking. Then we have a solid lesson on civics/democracy and Obama’s policy priorities: healthcare, economic reform, US connections/diplomacy, defense policy and counterterrorism. When he took office, Obama told the world that the US will “extend her hand if you will open your fist.” He dealt with school shootings, other mass shootings, the remnants of The Great Recession. And he did it all with a clear sense of working on behalf of the people of the US — native-born and immigrant — and people around the world. The values cited above were at the core of his work — and that of Michelle as well. Next we see how the Obamas truly considered the White House “The People’s House”, and how they made it welcoming, inclusive and joyful. Finally, they nudge us to do something in our own lives to help our country continue to evolve.

Above the exhibit floors is the Sky Room: the top of the tower you see in photos, where one wall of cut-out letters communicates the words of Obama’s Selma speech in 2015. It really summarizes his view of our democracy, the people, and the strength we have shown and still show. The ceiling is an artistic smattering of the same words, “meticulously hand-stamped,” word by word, layer by layer, to create an awesome effect. (The words are shown in the photo above.)

The tower Museum building is breathtaking from afar and even more as you get closer: massive granite panels, stained glass windows, angles, texture, presence. At first glance many people think it’s an ugly stone edifice. Ah, but look a bit closer and it is just magnificent.

John and I have been rewatching The West Wing as an end-of-the-day remedy for the dreadful news in the real world most days. Immersing ourselves in the OPC was much the same: we felt comforted, energized, inspired. But also very sad and dispirited to see the stark contrast of those years and where the US is now – and how much we have had stolen from us, all that we have lost.

Yet still, the Obamas’ refusal to give up, to have anything but hope and belief in the possibilities for change, and their unextinguishable love for and commitment to all people rose back up. And they challenge us to “bring change home,” to find ways small or large to build good in the world. If they can do it — with all the immense obstacles and provocations they have faced/still face — there’s absolutely no reason we can’t do our part, too.

There’s so much more I could say, but mostly I say go visit the Obama Presidential Center. Plan on a full day or more so you can really immerse yourself. And whether you go alone or with friends, you’ll find yourself in the company of other visitors and a staff that will all feel like family — a shared time of remembrance, closeness, hope and YES WE CAN.

Then we all drove back to Bullfrog Lake to pick up Max who had been hanging out by himself (and doing very well — no accidents!). Then we got back in the car and drove up to the Ukrainian village area of Chicago. We went to John’s favorite deli and got bread, varenyky (perogies), borscht, kielbasa to bring home. And dinner at our favorite restaurant, Tryzub (“trident”), where we had a wonderful supper out on the patio (Max was welcome!): Fried varenyky, dumpling varenyky ( potato and cheese, beef and beet, spinach, pork and sauerkraut), borscht, and cherry verenyky for dessert. And I tasted kvass for the first time — a rye bread, lightly fermented drink, non-alcoholic. I shall be getting more at home. It tastes kind of like ginger beer. You can also get kvass made from beets, honey, or white bread. Very very nutritional and yum.

We drove Karen and Mark back to their hotel and headed home to Bullfrog Lake. Chilled a bit, watched a West Wing episode, then off to sleep. A FINE DAY!

SUNDAY we returned to the OPC briefly for lunch in Tarafi’s Kitchen (high quality, affordable, delicious food inspired by Obama’s White House chef) and to shop in the store. Both places had huge lines the day before and we absolutely wanted to partake! So back we went!

It was a rainy day and our first idea of going on the Architecture Boat Tour on the river was doomed. Instead, John suggested we ride over to Oak Park where there is a Frank Lloyd Wright Historic district. This turned out to be a goldmine of wonderful houses — not just those of FLW, but other styles as well. All stately and beautiful. Unfortunately a house tour was not available today, but we really enjoyed driving by and admiring his vision and style. It was a perfect way to end our in-city Chicago time with our pals.

Then home we went for more Ukrainian fare from Saturday, a bit of West Wing, and called it a day before we hit the trail tomorrow.

We absolutely love Chicago (except the traffic and roads). Of all the big cities I’ve been to, it’s the one I’d like to come back to again and again. And maybe get a job at the OPC? Pure heart filling joy that would be!

Had a super night’s sleep and woke up to a beautiful cool morning at Kamp Indy. Max and I went for a long walk around the pond/lake and even visited the dog park — he got a good run! Here’s where we went and a fun sign.

Quick breakfast and then off to get fuel and head to Chicago area. A straight shot up I-65, with a time zone change expected as we crossed from Indiana into Illinois. We saw incredible wind turbines while still in Indiana. So graceful and HUGE. Mesmerizing, even if not much wind today.

We got to our destination around noon – – Camp Bullfrog, one of the many areas of Cook County Forest Preserves. We’ll be here until Monday AM – our outpost for traveling into Chicago. (About a 45 minute drive, and the closest campground to the City.) These preserves are pretty amazing – 350 miles of trails, 70,000 acres, six nature centers, five campgrounds, 40 rivers and lakes, and 10 golf courses. We had no idea!

Our campground is a mixture of tent/camper sites, with a huge lake for fishing and kayaking. We’ve got electric hook-up and are using our own water/refuse tank. Our site is just across the street from the lakeside path, and we have lots of families in tents around us. It’s a truly happy neighborhood! Max and I have already had a couple of good jaunts. Definitely a nice place to chill.

And chill we did after lunch! All three of us sacked out for a bit of recharge and it was nice not to be on the run with a long drive today. When we woke up, John had the hankering for pizza and we headed out to Falco’s Pizza & Pasta, about 15 minutes away. What a cool place! We expected a regular pizza restaurant – WRONG! As soon as the door opened, we heard and saw that we were in a wowzah Friday night, rockin’ (can you say LOUD!), cozy, after work Chicago pizza bar/joint. It was tremendous! So many happy people – with laughter, beer, pizza and pure joy just filling the place. You order at the counter, get your own drinks from the bar, and they bring you your food. I got a little mozzarella, tomato slices and basil pizza. John got a sausage (delish) and mushroom pizza. We both added a side house salad just to be a bit healthful. I loved the thin, crispy crust. If we lived here, we’d make this a regular go-to on a Friday or Saturday.

After dinner, came home to sit outside and listen to the nature and family fun sounds, and take in the campfire aromas. A most wonderful end to a really nice day. Think we’ll sleep with the windows open tonight – heavenly!

PS Max is being really, really good. Has taken residence on the front dash, observing everything that happens. He’s doing well in learning not to bark at everyone/everything. He is such a smart and fun pup. He’ll probably add his two-cents to this blog in the next couple of days.

Above you see GoGo, ready to roll this morning around 11. Sunny, 76 degrees. So the big question is: what kind of a day will it be? Is it “Third Time’s a Charm” (A good day!) or “What happens twice, happens thrice?” (another uh -oh day!). If this were a TV commercial, you could place a Kalshi bet and maybe win millions! Read on to see how it all plays out!

The plan for the day is simple: drive mostly on I-75 from Kentucky through a bit of Ohio and in/out/into Indiana. Destination: Kamp Indy (or “Lake Haven Retreat”) in Indianapolis. Should take between 3 and 4 hours max.

So…almost a half hour into the trip, there is a sign for “The Ark Encounter.” John had heard of it and said let’s go check it out. I was clueless – no idea what this might be. Well, as we say in the South, “Butter my butt, and call me a biscuit!”, it’s actually an ark built to the Bible’s specs and crafted mostly by Amish carpenters. It’s 510 feet long, 85 wide and 51 high (I’m not sure of the cubit dimensions, but I think they used about 20 inches for 1 cubit, and it’s supposed to be about 300x50x30. Also, a cubit is the measurement from your elbow to the top of your middle finger – so it varies from person to person. But you already knew that, right?!?)

The Ark was built in 2016 and cost over $100 million: $62 million in bond money and $36 million in private donations. It is the vision of Ken Ham, who is a creationist and takes the Bible literally – he debated Bill Nye (the Science Guy) in 2014 at Ham’s “Creation Museum.” A great percentage of the Ark Encounter is exhibits putting forth the creationist philosophy and other conservative Christian ideas. [Note: it was a bit much for me, and way too much for John, but we still found the whole thing fascinating, and the ark itself is magnificent. The top floor is the living quarters for Noah and his family. The second floor has the various workshops. The first floor houses animals and storage.

There also are relics from Biblical times, recreations of the Dead Sea Scrolls and pages from the Guttenberg Bible. I was most awestruck by Sebastian Adams’ “Classic Time-Line of World History: a Chronology of Ancient, Modern and Biblical History.” It is an accordion style fold-out 23 feet long and over a yard tall, and first published in 1871! I bought one of the reproductions just to share with grandkids and church pals and history buffs — and to pour over (yes, it folds out the whole 23 feet!) . It goes from 4004 BC to 1870 and US President Hayes.

If you ever are near Williamstown, KY, and you get the chance and are curious, we recommend you GO! It is the largest wooden structure in the world and really incredible. Check out these photos and see a bit for yourself!

That last photo is Max waiting in the window of GoGo for us to return from the Ark. It didn’t take 40 days and nights, but it did take almost 3 hours!

So! Happy to report that we had no mishaps today! Just another serendipitous diversion to a really interesting place! Then got to our campground, had burgers on the grill and fresh corn (yes, there’s a Kroger here!), watched Ted Lasso, and turned in. And so there was morning, and there was evening on the third day…and it was good.

Today turned out to be wacky, wacky, wacky. A five-hour drive turned into a ten-hour drive. Lexington became Georgetown. There is an actual birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken and we went there. Poor Buskaroo has been skuffed up pretty bad. Construction crews can work miracles. Corbin, Kentucky has nice cops. There are no mosquitos in Georgetown, Kentucky in the evening if you want to sit a spell outside. Tennessee and Kentucky have nice interstates. Too much to tell – here’s an executive summary of the highs and lows.

We started the day with beautiful NC and Tennessee mountain scenery. Amazed at the miracles the highway construction folks are doing post-Helene to rebuild I-40 yet again. Awesome, even if it means major traffic slow-downs. And you can get Moonshine at a regular gas station near Knoxville.

Traffic slow-downs also happen in Kentucky! Slow-enough on I-75 to take Max out to pee without having to pull over! And yes, slow enough (3 mph) to have a truck try to wedge into our lane and apparently not see Buskaroo being towed. A bummer of a crash – and we became a slow-down on top of a slow-down. But the Corbin police were very nice. (Did you know that in Kentucky you don’t have to show your driver’s license to the other driver!?!?!)

But! The silver lining was that in our slow-motion drive, we saw a sign for the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken and the Colonel Sanders museum. Pretty darn cool! And, maybe because it’s the original site of the original secret-recipe KFC, the chicken was the best ever. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Pure yum. And that Colonel was quite a man — not only did he choose the perfect 11 spices, he was the champion of the pressure cooker. Who knew? The whole place was a serendipitous piece of Americana. We loved it!

And after all this — the good, the bad and the ugly — we opted to forego our original plans to stay at the Waveland State Historic Site in Lexington (it closed at 4 and we were way past that). We moseyed onward to Whispering Hills RV Park in Georgetown, just the other side of Lexington. A beautiful park, and we got a 60′ site with full-hook-up: sewer, electric and water. Only fitting after our bizarro day. My primary take-away of August 26? John Lytvinenko is amazing. No matter what came our way, he handled it. Same as he did yesterday. Look up HERO in the dictionary and you’ll find his picture. I am one lucky woman!

Now we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings…

And we’re off! Remember that old joke/story–good news, then bad news, then ya-da-ya-da? Well, that might be today’s theme!

We started out the morning at home, everyone getting ready to roll: that’s good news!

Uh oh – bad news! Doc called in prescription too late last night and so we had to wait for the pharmacy to open! Delay!

Good news! Pharmacy hurried and we were able to hit the road by 10:30! A beautiful day – temp 76, nice and sunny!

We had beautiful scenery to/past Siler City — and stopped in Greensboro for a take-out salad lunch — which we ate in the comfort of our own house car. Then back on the road, headed west.

Bad news at 1:30 PM. We lost turbo power and couldn’t accelerate over 30 mph or so — looked like a hose problem that was repaired after our last long trip. Or so we thought. We needed to find a diesel engine place quickly!

Good news! Google maps showed us a place just 10 minutes away.

Bad news! The engine was so hot they couldn’t get to the problem. Had to wait about 2 hours. Good news! It was still great weather, so John unhooked the car (Buskaroo) and we drove around Kernersville for a bit. Found a nice park where Max could explore and do his own business…

Great news! The work was done at 4:45 and we got back on the road. A super work team that really knows their diesel engines! They said the folks who did the original repair did not do it correctly.

And I’m happy to say, the rest of the day’s journey was all good news: nice ride to the mountains (see photo at the top of the page), GoGo made it up the Old Fort mountain all the way to the Continental Divide with no problems at all. Then just a bit more of a drive to our home for the night: Cracker Barrel in Asheville. A nice home-cooked (kind of) meal, then back to GoGo, where Max was sleeping away. And we all tucked in for the night – cool enough that we could turn off the generator/AC and just have the fresh mountain air and night-sounds lull us to sleep under a pretty full(ish) moon. An adventurous first day!