Day 4 - (08/06) Ashland, NE

Today was a 269 mile travel day.  We made it to Ashland, NE (mid-way between Omaha and Lincoln).  The weather was sunny and hot with gusty winds.  The temperature reached 98 as we approached Omaha.  The route:  US-151S from Amana to I-80W, I-80W to NE-66 (Exit 426), NE-66 to the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.  So much for the clinical description, here's what we felt and saw ...

Our last look at the Amana RV park confirmed that a corn field did surround our little "RV field of dreams".

Corn and soybean fields in Iowa continue to impress us.  They provide such a beautiful blanket across the entire state.  We feel sad for the farmers as they wrestle with drought effects.

We planned to travel to NE today so we could tour the Air & Space Museum at Ashland tomorrow.  Adair, IA held some interest along the way because it was the site of the 1st successful train robbery (by the James-Younger Gang in 1873).  We didn't see a historical marker for the robbery, but did see a neat wind farm experiment there.

One of many wind turbines along I-80 at Adair, IA

We were disappointed when we passed through Council Bluffs.  NE didn't welcome us and IA didn't say good-bye.  We did get a greeting from Omaha, however.

  
We picked the Mahoney State Park because it was reachable by the end of day and near the Air & Space Museum.  The choice was a "home run/lucky shot"!  This park has more services and activities than we've ever seen.  The park entrance fee is $5 and camping is $20/ night.  

Here's a sampling of what they offer ...

• Lodges and a Restaurant
• Cabins and Camping
• Observation Tower
• Riding Stable
• Movie Theatre
• Golf Driving Range
• Mini-Golf Course
• Tennis Complex
• Aquatic Center with Water Slide
• Toboggan Run
• Activity Center and Ice Rink
• Sand Volleyball
• Disc Golf Course
• Cross Country Ski/Hiking Trails
• Playgrounds

70' observation tower

Platte River forms the NE boundary

Ruth Musil Giger Memorial Waterway

Owen Marina

Indian history in the park