We were up early and moved the RV over to the service lot where we lined up with several others who were there for service too. Our 34′ rig is dwarfed by most of the others which are 40-footers.

Lined up for Service at Winnebago Industries

While we were waiting we took the car to explore the area.  On a small lot in downtown Forest City is a Bicycle Parking lot.  A sign says the sculptures are pieces of art created with 100% recycled bicycle parts and donated by artists Steve Johnson and Andy Sinnwell in 2010. You are invited to park your bike here while you enjoy downtown.

Bicycle Parking Lot

Forest City is a small town. It was pretty sleepy when we were there this morning.

Forest City, Iowa

Forest City is the Winnebago County Seat. A Union Soldier stands watch on the fountain in front of the courthouse.

Forest City, Iowa

After walking downtown and stopping for brunch at Sally’s Restaurant we got back in the car and went for a drive. One of the interesting things we saw was a vacation rental house in Clear Lake, Iowa, the shape of a pyramid.

Pyramid House, Clear Lake, Iowa.

Also in Clear Lake is the Surf Ballroom. This is the site of the last performance of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper before their plane crashed nearby. It is preserved to look as it did in 1959.

The Surf Ballroom

Of course a visit to the crash site can’t be missed. A few miles outside of town a large pair of Buddy Holly glasses marks the entrance to a 1/4 mile path that takes you between soybean fields to the actual crash location.

Trailhead to Buddy Holly Crash Site

We parked the car on the country road by five other cars and walked the 1/4 trail. The site is still frequently visited. People still leave small offerings to the rock legends.

Memorial at Crash Site, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. Also pilot, Roger Peterson.

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, Big Bopper 2/3/1959

And, not too far from there is a tiny church, Guardian Angel Roadside Chapel. Named because of an event that happened in the life of Marguerite Williams in the early 1900’s.  She believed a guardian angel saved her from being abducted by gypsies.

Guardian Angel Roadside Chapel

Guardian Angel Roadside Chapel, Clear Lake, Iowa

After all that exploring we returned to the Service Center at Winnebago Industries to wait for our “home” to return to us.  We brought it there to re-seal the roof, which needs to be done periodically. Sure don’t want any leaks! Plus a few other minor adjustments needed. Finally, late afternoon, it was ready for us.

Since it was so late and was getting pretty windy we decided to stay overnight here one more time. So, weather permitting, we will move on in the morning.

• Lodging:  free
• Gasoline:  $28 @ $2.59
• RV Service:  $1005.94  ($115/hour)