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.

Our first meal stop was the OK Cafe in
Atlanta, Georgia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We also visited the Neal Smith National Wildlife
Refuge East of Des Moines.

 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.

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.  

No visit to Northeast Iowa is complete unless
you visit the "Field of Dreams" near
Dyersville.

Here you see both Alan and Janice at the
Iconic Picket Fence which was also on
the Set of the Field of Dreams.

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.

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.

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.