The Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa contains a large number of artificial earthen ceremonial mounds built by Native Americans over 1000 years ago. The Americas were the last large areas of land to be inhabited by humans. The first Americans crossed over the Ice Age land bridge from Asia to Alaska at least 15,000 years … More Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa

[NOTE: I’ve blogged all these how-to posts before, but am gonna re-run them on occasion, since folks may have missed them, and many of them have been updated or expanded since they were first posted.] Van dwelling is a very cheap way to live. Or, more accurately, it can be a very cheap way to … More Life in the Van: What’s It All Cost?

This is a nice park just outside Des Moines. There are walking paths and a dedicated campground. Some photos.

This is Iowa’s official state history museum. Some photos from a visit.

Iowa’s State Fair is best-known for silly photo-ops with politicians and corn dogs. But being an eastern city-slicker, this was a whole new world for me.  Some photos from a visit.

[NOTE: I’ve blogged all these how-to posts before, but am gonna re-run them on occasion, since folks may have missed them, and many of them have been updated or expanded since they were first posted.] When most people think of “RV camping”, they immediately picture the advertising images of people sitting in lawn chairs next … More Life in the Van: Keeping Warm and Cool

Is there anything more relaxing than looking at Water Lilies? No, I think there is not. Some nice relaxing photos.

Join me for a nice relaxing walk in the botanical garden. A great place to spend an afternoon. 🙂

In 1917, the US Army opened its first Officer Training School for African-American soldiers in an old cavalry fort in Des Moines, Iowa. When the United States entered the First  World War in 1917, it had virtually no military force to speak of, and was completely unprepared. In an attempt to build an army in … More Fort Des Moines National Monument

[NOTE: I’ve blogged all these how-to posts before, but am gonna re-run them on occasion, since folks may have missed them, and many of them have been updated or expanded since they were first posted.] If you are going to be living and traveling in a camper van, then selecting the right vehicle for you … More Life in the Van: Selecting a Van