We Like COE Campgrounds

from near Hampton, IL at the Fisherman's Corner COE Campground   (Click on Pics to Enlarge)

Wow, what a difference a day makes.  In yesterday's blog I wrote that we decided to wait out the nasty weather before heading to our next destination on the Illinois-Iowa border.  I am certainly glad that we did, as today was a beautiful traveling day.  The skies were clear, the roadway dry, and the temperatures moderate.

We're currently staying at a COE campground called Fisherman's Corner.  It's located right on the Mississippi River just across from Davenport, IA.

One side of the campground is mostly "walk ups" and the side we're on has reservations.  I'm amazed how full the campground is already in the middle of the week.  I have a feeling that it will be full by the weekend.  The CG has electric connections only with water bibs available throughout the park.  The dump station is well positioned and very clean.

The CG boasts a riverside amphitheater in which presentations are made during the weekend days during this time of the season.  I'd really like to sit in on some of the talks (if the mosquitoes aren't too bad).

The roads inside the CG are paved and the sites have concrete pads.  Our site could accommodate a 45-foot rig, but it would be tight.  There are both longer and shorter sites available.

One of the main "draws" for this area is the Mississippi River, of course.  We are situated just north of Lock and Dam #14.  The lock is closest to the Iowa shore.  Public tours are given during the weekend and we'll attempt to get it on that.  I did read, however, that no cameras, bags, or cellphones are allowed during the tour.  No pictures for that part, I guess.

Our side of the river has a long jetty leading out to the dam which is popular with local fishermen.  Another activity we'd like to do while here is bicycling. Right in front of the campground is The Great River Trail. This is a paved rail-trail which stretches for 60 miles from Savanna to Moline along the Mississippi River.  This should afford us a great opportunity to use the road bikes which we haven't ridden for a bit.

For any fans of the American Pickers television show on the History Channel, Mike's shop named Antique Archaeology is only 2.5 miles north of us on the Iowa side of the river in St. Claire, IA.  We'll probably drop over there and play tourist.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!

Discovered Another Advantage to the Fulltiming Lifestyle

near Clinton, IN

We were due to leave the Thousand Trails today and head toward our next stop near Moline, IL.  It has been raining, windy, and downright nasty outside throughout the nighttime hours. By this time tomorrow, the weather is again supposed to be decent both in our current, and in our destination area.

Back in our pre-fulltiming days (meaning when we were still working), we would have to pack up and get going no matter the weather.   I HATE packing up and setting up in rainy weather!  Not only am I soaked by the time I get everything put away, but most of the items I place inside the rig are wet as well. I don't really mind driving in the rain, but I dislike getting the coach all filthy if I really don't have to.

Therein lies another advantage to the fulltiming lifestyle. Hey, we really don't have to be at our next stop today.  We've decided to just wait the storms out another day and we'll pack up and move on tomorrow.
Now I definitely consider that an advantage!

Safe travels to those who must travel, but we will not be included among those folks today.

ON EDIT:  For those of you who followed the blog concerning My UPS Rant, I'd like everyone to know that I received my package Monday. It took quite a trip after only beginning two hours east of my present location.  Oh well!  All is right with the world again.

Thanks for stopping by to take a look!