Prelude and Preparation

Unlike many of our trips in Usain, this one doesn’t have a primary destination. We had originally intended to head straight to Tennessee, but this year’s warm fall temperatures have us heading east out of Iowa first and then maybe make our way down to the Volunteer State. So, we are leaving home with no real plan and no reservations anywhere. With school in session and the typical camping season ending, we’re hoping we don’t have any problems finding places to spend the night. That’s all part of the adventure!

Uh oh, Houston, we have a problem

We loaded up the van (including the cats, of course) and set off after lunch heading to a casino in Davenport, Iowa, which is a Harvest Host that offers free parking. As we pulled into the parking lot Lisa noticed the check engine light on as she turned off the van. Uh oh. It just so happens that no less than 2 days earlier I had ordered and installed an OBD2 code reader in case this ever happens. For the past few years I’ve seen this as a highly recommended accessory on many RV/Sprinter online forums and finally decided it was time to get one. I never dreamt it would come in handy on our very next trip.

Uh Google, what’s an EGR

The code reader worked and reported that we had an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) issue. After some Googling we determined it was necessary to get it fixed ASAP. Fortunately, Davenport has a Mercedes service center that works on Sprinters (yay!), so we made an appointment for early Monday morning. We also found a county park close to the city that offers hiking trails and camping, so looks like we’re all set to spend an extra day in Davenport.

Rhythm City Casino Resort

After making plans for the next day, we decided it was time to check out the casino. We joined several other campers parked on the outer edge of the parking lot away from the interstate traffic noise. We then went inside and did a walk through. It’s very relatively small casino with a hotel, buffet restaurant, and sports bar. Neither of us were in the mood for their food offerings so we quickly walked through the smoky gaming area and then headed outside for a walk in the fresh air.

Harvest Host Donation?

Since you’re expected to patronize Harvest Hosts for letting us spend the night in their parking lots, I later decided I would go back in and make a donation at one of the casino’s electronic craps table. I put a $20 bill in the machine and played until I crapped out. Lo and behold I received $82 when I cashed out. A $62 profit! After that, I joined Lisa and the cats in the van for the night to dream what I would do with my big winnings.