Driving from Iowa
to Illinois, Karen Duquette noticed an interesting water tower. Iowa
80 is the world's largest truck stop, located along Interstate
80 off exit 284 in Walcott, Iowa. Set on a 220-acre plot of land (four
times larger than an average truckstop)—75 acres of which are currently
developed—the site receives 5,000 visitors daily, and features a 67,000
square foot main building, parking for 900 trucks, and 150 fuel pumps,
with each fuel pump also having another dedicated pump for dispensing
bulk diesel exhaust fluid. 450 employees staff the megaplex. Iowa 80
is currently affiliated with the Travel Centers of America chain. The
facility features separate entrances for truckers and regular commuters.
The two RV Gypsies did not need fuel at this time, so they did not stop
there. |
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The Illinois rest area did
not have room for semi's or RVs over 40 feet, so the two RV Gypsies
could not stop there. |
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Hickory Hollow Campground
Office and sign on the door |
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Because it was taking a long
time for Lee Duquette to check in at the office, Karen Duquette took
a couple of photos of the recreation room that was attached to the office,
even though they did not plan to use the recreation room. |
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As usual with most campgrounds,
the roads past the office were dirt/gravel roads, as were the sites.
But beautiful trees lined the outside perimeter of the campground. |
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This was a Good
Sam Park that also offered 10% off to Veterans according to the campground
brochure. It was a nice enough campground but there was some road noise
at night that was annoying. Visitors must register and obtain a parking
pass or they will be charged for a full night's site rental. All cars
must display the pass. No refunds due to weather. Washrooms are open
24 hours a day except from noon to 1 p.m. for cleaning and children
under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Clothes could be
hung off awnings, but pets and clotheslines cannot be hooked to trees.
Generators are not allowed. No bicycle riding after dusk. Pets can not
be left unattended or you will be asked to leave without a refund. Pool
hours 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in season and of course it was closed on this
date. There is a $50 fine for destruction of property including trees.
No parking on any grass. Most other standard campground rules applied.
The two RV Gypsies did not use any campground amenities other than their
own site, as usual. Check-in time was 1 p.m. Check-out time was noon.
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