Day 16 ~ Clear Lake, Iowa

Hot summer day today!  It reached 98 degrees with a wonderful breeze.  Couldn't ask for better weather.  I know it sounds too hot, but with the wind if felt good!  We are loving this RV Park.  We did Laundry last night in a super "Old" building with brand new washer and dryers.  This Laundry Room is run by an honor system.  You pay $1.00 for each load of wash and $1.00 for each dryer used.  They have a box where you put your money. 

We went into town today and saw the Surf Ballroom.  Amazing!  We had no idea the history behind this Ballroom.  It was such an awesome surprise.  This is where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper performed their last live performance.  Soon after their winter concert here, their plane crashed shortly after take off out of Mason City Airport (Clear Lake, Iowa).  February 2, 1959.  When you walk into this Ballroom/Museum, it's like walking back in time.  It was such a moving experience.  This was definately a big highlight to our vacation. 

After some time spent at the Ballroom, we enjoyed the down town Antique Stores and Boutiques.  What a fun day it was.  We ended it with a Yummie Pizza from "The Other Place" Pizza  Joint here in town. 

Out for a mid morning walk......

RV Site in Oakwood RV, Clear Lake, Iowa

Morning Stroll

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Entrance to the Stage where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper walked through for the last time,  2/2/1959

This is the "Green Room", prior to performance, they staged in here.  Walls are signed by other groups who performed here at the Surf Ballroom....ie...Waylon Jennings, Dwight Yokum, Lynard Skinner etc....

Just past this marker is where the plane went down that night.