2014 Holiday to the Holy Land
Janice and Alan
As you read this post you may get the impression that we enjoy eating. This is most certainly true.
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Our first meal stop was the OK Cafe in Atlanta, Georgia |
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Over the years we have discovered interesting places to enjoy food. This Bakery is in Paducah, Kentucky. We stop for Coffee and Pastries each year. |
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During our Visit to Saint Louis we enjoyed excellent Food at Michael's Bistro. In the interest of full disclosure, this establishment is operated by our Son. |
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Our next stop was at the Altoona, Iowa Bed and Breakfast owned and operated by the Griffin Family. Here you see the Host and Alan as the honor the Flags. Marv and Alan, both from Iowa served in the great Aircraft Carrier - USS Ranger (CVA-61) during a Western Pacific Deployment in 1963. We did not know each other at the time, but have since connected via the USS Ranger Reunion Web Site. |
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When we visit Altoona, we also visit the "Freedom Rock" West of Des Moines, Iowa. This memorial is painted each May to honor our Nation's Heroes. To learn more about the "Freedom Rock" simply perform a Google Search. |
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This was the first year that we took a trip to visit Madison County, Iowa. You may recall that several Years ago there was a Movie made about Covered Bridges in this County. |
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We also visited the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge East of Des Moines.
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While we were in Altoona we also took the opportunity to Worship at Christ the King Lutheran Church. Additionally we attended an Iowa Cubs Baseball Game.
After our visit in the Des Moines area we traveled to Northeast Iowa. We have also developed the habit of enjoying Dinner (Farm Country term for the Noon Meal) at the Ox Yoke Inn in Amanna, Iowa.
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Norma's Bed and Breakfast located in Guttenberg, Iowa. Norma's Bed and Breakfast is a delightful Cottage one row of house from the Mississippi River. The town was the end destination for the Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAC) so the whole town was decorated with Bicycles. |
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No visit to Northeast Iowa is complete unless you visit the "Field of Dreams" near Dyersville. |
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Here you see both Alan and Janice at the Iconic Picket Fence which was also on the Set of the Field of Dreams. |
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We enjoyed a mini Family Reunion at the "Irish Shanti" in Gunder, Iowa. This Pub is famous for the one pound Gunder Burger (I did enjoy one) and a fine selection of Beer. I enjoyed the Guiness and Sam Adams Ale in addition to a generous serving of Potato Salad. |
While we enjoyed our stay in Guttenberg, Iowa; which is Alan's Home town we enjoyed Side Trips to the Galena Antique District, the Turkey River Mall as well as exploring the Little Switzerland of North America (Clayton County).
Additionally we Worshiped at "Trinity Lutheran Church" in Guttenberg, Iowa. This is the Church where Alan's Parents worshiped and he was Confirmed in 1954.
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As we returned home we took the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful meal at the Loveless Cafe; which is Southwest of Nashville, Tennessee. We enjoyed the wholesome and generous portions and even had plenty of left-overs for an ample meal once we returned to our Home in Macon, Georgia. |
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Of course I had to conclude this Post with a picture of myself in the Field of Dreams. I will never forget one of the great lines in this epic Movie. "Is This Heaven? No, This Is Iowa." |
Now, you know why I refer to our Annual Holiday Travel as a visit to the Holy Land.