IOWA TRIP

Thursday, July 12 - Tuesday, July 21, 2009

With the Avanti loaded (the smallest trunk in the world), we headed to our first nights destination - Wendover Nevada/Utah. We had a great room at the Peppermill Hotel/Casino, which happened to be the cheapest lodging of our trip, at $44. Per night.

It took longer than usual for that leg of the trip as we had several delays for highway construction, both in CA & NV.

Started out early the next day - with the sun low on the horizon - and directly in our eyes! Keeping the theme going, we had more road construction through Utah, Wyoming, Nebraska and Iowa.

Our second night was spent in a little motel (the only one in town) - an 1/8 star property (they should have paid us to stay). One give-a-way was the Christmas tree still standing and decorated n the lobby. I’m sure East Indians don’t care much about the U.S. Holidays and Celebration themes.

Now in Nebraska, we detoured south to Minden, where we spent two days touring the Frontier Museum. Well worth the time spent. Motel rate was $55. and included one admission, good for two days to the museum. Paid for one senior admission, which was $11.

We packed up and headed for the SDC International Meet in Iowa. Did I mention the GPS? We used TomTom to guide the way and it worked great, especially since we do not have a working speedometer in the Avanti.

Monday we arrived in Cedar Rapids for 4 days of Studebakers, parts, friends, photos, and more friends (some we were not expecting to see). And good food, fun and entertainment. Room rate $88. Per night, which included breakfast.

After checking out all the cars at the Concourse grounds we headed to Amana, Iowa where we were meeting Betty & Larry Decker, Dick’s sister and brother-in-law. We stayed at a B&B (for $80. Per night), in Homestead, Iowa - the only colony location that was there before the group settled the area adding 7 more towns, which were called “colonies“. We had a good time with the Decker’s and fun touring the area - which in two days we didn’t get to see it all. But we did get plenty to eat!!!

The farther west we went the gas prices kept falling, for a low in Iowa of corn Alcohol subsidized ethyl for $2.09 a gallon.

Sunday after lunch we headed west back home, and the weather was warming up considerably. Each hour the temperature rises a degree or two as California is approaching triple digit temperatures by the time we arrived.

Last night of the trip was spent in Wyoming (at the border of Utah). We were both very tired and cranky. Our last leg will be a push for home. Stopped in Susanville for cold drinks and ice (which they were out of) - arriving home just before dark. A good nights sleep - in our own bed. Slept in and then unloaded the car, started laundry and putting things away.

Dick is busy downloading photos and organizing them.

Mom was glad to have us (me) home, even though we had talked daily. She was in good hands while we were gone.

Southern Oregon -Studebaker - Avanti Style

By Dick & Norma Grove

After returning home after our trip to The SDC International Meet in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dick had a “long” list of things to check or work on to have the Avanti ready for another long trip.

Our friend Steve is a mover & shaker in the No. Ca. CHVA and wanted to caravan to Stewart State Park at Lost Creek Lake. He cancelled, but we were still going.

We were looking forward to getting away - which involves getting a sitter - so we left Saturday and stayed in Shady Cove at a quaint old motel, the Royal Coachman. The motel had a park-like setting and we were able to relax and unwind. We were entertained by the resident black lab. The back of the motel had inviting gardens which led to the Rogue River. They made a sand bar at the rivers edge so you could get right in the water. There were rafters enjoying the swift float down the river with white water rapids along its course. We enjoyed the view from the redwood deck overlooking everything with lush vegetation and tall shade trees.

We arrived at the park early Sunday with other eager show goers. A very welcoming group greeted us and checked us in. The weather was perfect, (both days)! The location beautiful.

There were many vehicles we had never seen before (ask Dick to show you pictures), and the Studebakers there were a good representation of our marque and the S.O.S.O. Chapter. Many other chapter members came to visit and enjoy a great day with beautiful cars.

Thursday October 22, 2009 we drove north on I-5 in the Ford and stayed the night in Longview WA, just north of Portland, OR. Friday morning we continued on to Port Townsend, WA for a weekend visit with Martha (my daughter). We drove I-5, then took Hway 101 up the east side of the peninsula. Martha was coming from north of Seattle and had to take a Kingston ferry.

We arranged lodging at the James House, B&B, which was built in 1889, on the bluff overlooking the bay.

It rained some on the way there and Friday night - but Saturday was a beautiful day, temperatures in the 70”s. Found several great restaurants where Dick could get fish or sea food dishes. Mother was also along for the trip, and although she and I don’t care much for sea food - we all found plenty to eat.

Sunday, after breakfast (the last to be served in the house, as it had been sold to a family who plan to use the mansion as their home), Martha lead the way to the ferry to cross over to the main land and to where she lives on Camano Island. This is the first time we had been to her new home.

We saw grand sons Jeff and Russell - the other kids are not close by, and no doubt busy.

She and her husband Scott took us out to dinner and then Monday Martha fixed Lasagna and salad. That was so delicious!

We headed south after dinner - trying to get ahead of the a.m. commuter traffic. We stopped just south of Portland. After a good nights sleep we were on the final leg of the trip. We had some rain, a skiff of snow over the mountains (the evergreens had a soft white blanket on them), and as we entered California everything was dry and warmer.

The animals were glad to see us, and it was good to be in our own bed.