Date of Trip: August 12 – 20, 2006
Getting Started: A False Start
Our plan was to drive half way to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house in Minnesota, camp overnight at a KOA, and finish our drive the next day. The van had been packed the night before. So, our goals for the morning were to eat breakfast, brush teeth, pack the cooler, and start our trip. What could be easier? We started our drive when we realized we forgot an important item. After returning back home to get the tent poles, we were on our way at 9:17 AM.
Saving Money: KOA Camping Instead of Hotel on the Way to Minnesota
We didn’t arrive at the West Omaha KOA until 8:30 PM local time (7:30 PM Colorado). That left us enough time for some of us to play miniature golf while the rest of us set up camp. We generally fill the tent with all the belongings we don’t need to sleep. So, booster seats, van seats, and clothes all go into the tent. We are always excited to go for a swim after a long day of traveling in the car. On this night, KOA’s outdoor pool had an algae problem and was not open.
Mosquitos: Would we get any sleep?
We slept with sheets only because the night time high was forecast at 70 degrees. Outside a cool breeze blew. However, this is mosquito country and we didn’t have screens on our windows. Instead of smoothering ourselves in bug repellent and opening the windows, we decided to close up the van and turn on the air-conditioner. So much for our rugged nature! The air-conditioner didn’t cool the van for long. We all had trouble going to sleep. But, with the help of adrenaline, we all seemed rested in the morning.
The Weather: An Early Morning Surprise
The next morning at 6:30 AM, we heard thunder. So we quickly got up. Before too long, the rain was pouring down. So, when the rain slowed down, we packed our wet tent and things as quickly as we could. Then, we were on our way by 8:30 AM (Minnesota time). I was shocked at how quickly we packed up in the rain. We arrived at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s home at 4:52 PM.
At Home In Minnesota
We had a wonderful visit with Grandma and Grandpa including a trip to Fort Snelling, Como Park Zoo, Island Lake Beach, New Brighton Eagles Nest (3 times), and table tennis with Grandpa (Mom 2 times). We also went on walks to Sampson Park and scoped out new homes being built on Lake Johanna Blvd. Mom and Dad went to see the movie “Scoop”, ate at Chilis, and walked around Central Park. The kids went with Grandma and Grandpa to eat at McDonalds and to walk around Central Park. Although we ended up at the same park, we didn’t run into each other which was a funny story afterwards.
Heading Back To Colorado
On the way home, we stayed over night at the Fairfield Inn in Lincoln, Nebraska. We swam, went to Culvers, played at a park off of 27th street beyond the railroad tracks, and rested in the hotel room. We left Minnesota that day at about 8:30 AM and arrived in Lincoln about 5:00 PM. We may have been able to go further that day, but the hotels in Grand Island were full.
Roxanne
This trip, we learned that Roxanne, our cat, had passed away while we were in Minnesota. We broke the news to the kids while sitting in the bedroom Mom grew up in. Over time, as we mourn, we will realize the impact, Roxanne, our cat had on our life and family.
Ideas for Next Time
* The kids would like to go geocaching in Minnesota. Geocaching is like a treasure hunt using a GPS unit. See the geocaching website for more details.
* Morman Island Nebraska State Park (exit 312) on the East Side of Grand Island, NE looked like a nice camping spot. We could see a beach from the gas station we stopped at.
* For summer travel, we need a scheme for opening the windows without letting the mosquitos in. (Minnesota photos by MDL)