We finally get moving...

After so many false starts, we finally get underway on Wednesday, August 24, 2011.  Senior Chief is in the jam-packed Dodge van, while I drive the motor home, towing Pete, the Saturn wagon.
 
We get only 20 miles or so before he pulls over;  the van is handling badly and making an awful noise.  So what do you do?  Call AAA, only to be told they won't cover a tow on the van, because its a loaded cargo van. So, who knew Triple A had these little restrictions?!  Pure steam is coming from my ears by now...

$97 tow fee later, the mechanic says he believes its mostly a problem with the (overly heavy) load on the van.  Shift the weight forward, he says and most of the problems should disappear.

And so they do.  Its getting to be late in the afternoon, so we get across the bridge to Dubuque, IA and pull off into the Miller Riverside Park for the night.

Right on the riverbank of the Mississippi, with a pleasant breeze and quiet neighbors. 

Happy hour seems to be in order for these two tired full-timers!