Amana, Iowa

I stayed at the Amana RV Park and Event Center for two nights for two reasons.  First, it was a convenient base from which to visit my parents in Cedar Rapids.  Second, It was cheap ($18/night) with my Passport America discount card.  However, I probably wouldn’t stay there again.

The campground is a huge, flat Iowa field with many campsites laid out on a grid of gravel roads.  There were some amenities.  I did laundry.  I took advantage of the flush toilets. I took a couple of showers.  There were three showers in the men’s bathroom:  one was out of order, and another only had cold water.  I gave up being politically correct and took a quick, hot shower in the accessible stall on my last day.

I had a nice visit with my parents  We visited the newish Cedar Rapids City Market and also the Czech Museum.  I didn’t know it before, but I’m apparently part Czech on my Dad’s side.

One night, I dined on sauerbrauten at one of Amana’s German restaurants.  It was very flavorful, although it seemed a little mushy to me–just on the wrong side of tender.  Maybe that’s just because of the lengthy marination time.  I had a dunkel beer, which is a dark lager.  It confirmed for me that I like hoppy ales better than mild lagers.

After about a six-week trip, I’m almost home and will camp at Pike’s Peak State Park on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River for my last stop.  Callie and I are both ready to do some hiking, and the state park should have some good trails.