Des Moines to Omaha

Day 2

Day 2 starts off with a look back into day 1. We started off our trip seeing friends and family throughout wisconsin prior to adventure #2. The days off didn't feel like the trip yet. It hadn't really set in that we were giving this another shot. With a weeks worth of visits out of the way we blazed West out of Southern Wisconsin and started the arduous journey across the corn belt. Illinois came and went and soon we arrived to our first overnight spot for our journey on the road.

Praire Meadows Casino in Des Moines allowed us to grab some parking lot for the night. The casino itself wasn't awe inspiring nor were there friendliness to RV's. We settled in for the night only to be shuddered awake at 1230 am. RAPP RAPP RAPP! "What the hell was that?" Half asleep and in a strange place makes we awaken in a daze. RAPP RAPP RAPP! Katie squeaks the door open and there stands the security guard. "I'm sorry to wake you, but you need to pull in your slides and raise your jacks". He walks back to his little car and waits for us to do as we are told. That's a hell of a way to start the trip.

The next morning was hammer down as the miles of Iowa disapeared under Penny's tires. The sweet song of a big block V8 with long tube headers reverberated through traffic and underpasses. We hit Omaha in the early afternoon and started looking for a place to call home for the night. 
This is where Nebraska starts to fall short to the RV lifestyle. The parks reservation system is an absolute joke. The first place we stopped was first come/ first serve only. No reservations could be taken and nobody to call and ask if they were full. Turns out capacity was stuffed to the brim. Then we turned back east to head to NP Dodge City Park. Guess what? Campground closed due to flooding. No updated information to be found on their webpage. To the wast was another state park. We breathe a sigh of relief as the view of a half empty campground beams through the windshield. Then there was the sign, oh yes, the terrible sign. Reservations can only made online and must be made 24 hours in advance. What? We can't stay? We have money... I want to pay Nebraska to sleep and they won't let us. UGGGHHH! Back to the road and westward bound. Someone at Two Rivers State Rec Area picks up the phone and confirms they have sites and yes they will take our money.

It's already 5 pm as we settle into our spot for the night. They got us for $20 to park with electric and another $8 per vehicle, per day, for entrance into any state ran park or recreation area. This is an expensive camping spot as far as state parks go. Nebraska should really take note. Make it cheap and easy to stay. This will bring money from travelers and boost your economy. We won't stick around this state long, I can guarantee you that.