RV Rallies in Amana, Iowa and Gadsden, Alabana

We left Golden, Colorado on October 2 and headed for a Forest River Owners Group (FROG) RV rally in Amana, Iowa.  Along the way we had 2 one night stops.  One in North Platte, Nebraska and one in Gretna, Nebraska.  When we were nearing the West Omaha KOA in Gretna we saw a glass walled church from the highway.  After getting set up for the night we drove over to investigate the church.  It turns out it was not a church, it was Holy Family Shrine. Inspiration from the Holy Spirit led the founders of the Shrine to create a place for travelers to have a place to pray and have peace.  It is indeed a lovely, peaceful place.  The landscape surrounding the chapel and the glass walls and ceiling surround visitors with natural gifts from God.

Sidewalk to the Visitors Center and Chapel

The Chapel

Stations of the Cross at the bottom of the hill

Plants and butterflies along the sidewalk to the Stations of the Cross

Simple Stations of the Cross with kneelers for praying

View of the Chapel from the bottom of the hill

Inside the Chapel

The next day we continued on our way to Amana.

We passed a lot of STINKY cows on the way...

...and many scenic farms

The area must have had a lot of rain before we arrived because near the RV park we passed a river that had overflowed its banks...

We have arrived...

We were in Amana a year ago but not during Oktoberfest.  Amana is the largest of 7 colonies.  The villages were built and settled by German Pietists who fled persecution in Germany.  They settled in Iowa in 1856 and for 80 years maintained an almost completely self-sufficient local economy.  Today, the 7 villages are a tourist attraction known for its restaurants and craft shops.

The village was festively decorated for fall.

John with his 32 oz grosse stein wearing the pretzel necklace I made for him.

My petite (16 oz) stein.

The official beer keg was paraded from Millstream Brewery to the Fest Halle.

People who walked over with the keg stood in line for a free glass of beer.

We danced for many hours!

We sang the Schnitzelbank song.

Many people were out and about even though it was a cloudy day.

Because Oktoberfest was going on in town, the RV rally planned only 2 dinners and a cornhole tournament.  Partners were picked in a blind draw.  My partner and I were out in the 1st round.  John and his partner won second place.  The prize was a solar powered frog yard light.

The yard light John won.

On October 7 we headed to another FROG rally, this one in Gadsen, Alabama, scheduled for October 10-14.  This time we had 3 one night stops before reaching Gadsen. one in Rochester, Illinois, one in Santa Claus, Indiana, and one in Smyrna, Tennessee.

We stayed at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort in Santa Claus.  It had wide, long sites and was located next to an amusement park that was closed for the season.

Santa Clause is aptly named because there are Santas everywhere in town!

The Springfield KOA, located in Rochester, Illinois, was a few miles from the highway, down a tree lined country road.

For the Gadsden rally we stayed at River Country Campground.  It is located on the banks of the Coosa River. There was a walking trail along the river and around the campground along with benches and swings for sitting and relaxing.   I'd like to go back and spend time fishing.

Our site backed up to the river and walking trail.

Lovely sunsets on the water

Rally activities included a cornhole tournament (John and I lost in the second round) and blacklight putt putt (we lost again but had fun).

We went with some FROG friends to visit Noccalula Falls in Gadsden.  Two years ago when we attended the Gadsden rally it was held at Noccalula Falls Park and the falls were dry.  This time we were happy to see water flowing.

The falls are 90 ft tall.

Above the falls is a 9 ft bronze status of Noccalula, a young Cherokee woman, who, according to legend, plunged to her death after being ordered by her father to marry a man she did not love.

 During group campfire John used his Star Walk app 

to find and follow the International Space Station.

 It was a fun rally but it's time to move on.  Next stop is Chattanooga, Tennessee for 11 days.

Colorado September 23 - October 2

On our way to Golden, Colorado, we stayed one night at Robideaux RV Park in Gering, Nebraska.  Near the RV park is Scotts Bluff National Monument, an important landmark on the Oregon Trail and Mormon Trail.  There are hiking and biking trails to the top.

View of Scotts Bluff from the campground

We had a lovely sunset that evening.

While in Golden we are planning on sightseeing and visiting with cousins, some of whom I haven't seen in 25 years!  My cousin Billy and his friend Kristina took us to Red Rocks Amphitheater, a rock structure located 10 miles west of Denver.  It is an open air amphitheater sitting at 6,000 ft elevation, where concerts are held.  It seats up to 9,500 people.  Since most concerts are held in the evening, during the day until 3:00 pm the public is allowed to visit.  We saw people walking on the grounds, sitting and enjoying coffee, and some people running/walking up and down the 70 rows of seating and the 380 steps. We so enjoyed spending time there that a few days later we went back with friends Eric and Julie, whom we met on the Alaska tour.

Looking down on the stage

A police cadet class running across and up every row

Walking UP the ramp from the visitors center

Next was a drive up Lookout Mountain to see Buffalo Bill's grave.  The site attracts 400,00 visitors annually.  The drive up the mountain was winding, narrow, and beautiful.

View of North Table Mountain (North Table Mountain and South Table Mountain parks with biking and hiking trails to the mesas at the top)...

Buffalo Bill's grave

It was VERY windy at the top

Later in the week John and I drove over to nearby Mt. Evans, elevation 14,260.  It was a beautiful sunny day with temps in the high 60's.

37 at the top!?

Echo Lake with a nice trail around it

Golden Aspen trees

Along the way to the top we stopped at Mt. Goliath Nature Center to walk through the area and enjoy the sights.  The center contains 160 acres set aside for the protection, study and enjoyment of Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine.  These trees are the oldest single living organism on earth, capable of living for thousand of years.

 The trees grow twisted for a stronger foundation

against extreme winds.

Views from one of the center's trails...

Onward to the top!

Many sharp drop-offs.  Not too scary on this side of the road...

but now that I'm riding on the edge of the road, its a different story!

Summit Lake

We passed this senior citizen a few times biking his way to the top.  He's almost there! 

At the top

At the base of Mt. Evans we took the road to Juniper Pass and we were not disappointed!

The view from scenic overlook

Close-up of leaves turning yellow on aspen trees in the valley

Interesting rock formation above the valley

In addition to sightseeing we had a wonderful time visiting with our Colorado cousins and meeting their children.  I am so lucky to have such a considerate, loving extended family.  We look forward to our next trip to Colorado!

The sun has set on our fun time in Colorado.  Time to move on.  This time to an RV rally in Amana, Iowa.