Iowa Adventure 2015

 

 

Now that my right hand is almost healed I can use the entire Keyboard and also the Mouse so I will publish more information about our 2015 Iowa Adventure.

 

We arrive in Iowa on 24 June with our first stop at the Machine Shed in Davenport, Iowa for a wonderful Late Breakfast.  This is a locally owned eatery with one other outlet in Iowa at Urbandale. 

We then traveled to Altoona, Iowa and checked in with our Bed and Breakfast Host, Marv and Judy.  Alan served in the USS Ranger (CVA-61) with Marv in 1963.  We did not know each other then, but have connected as two Iowa Sailors through the Ship's Reunion Website. 

On 25 June we visited West End Architectural Salvage in downtown Des Moines.  You may have seen this place if you ever enjoy Great American Country Television.  The building consist of five stories of interesting artifacts of yesteryear, housed in a former Grocery Wholesale Warehouse.

We then toured the Iowa Historical Museum in downtown Des Moines and enjoyed a delightful Lunch in the Cafeteria.

On our way back to Marv and Judy's Bed and Breakfast I had to stop to capture this picture of a Cow and Calf at a Local Dairy Processing Plant. 

 

On Friday, 26 June we all attended an Iowa Cubs Baseball Game.  Unfortunately the New Orleans Zephyrs defeated the I-Cubs in a shutout game.

 

On Saturday 27 June we visited Bass Pro-Shop and enjoyed a delightful Lunch at Uncle Buck's Restaurant.  We did not participate in a bowling match.  This Bass Pro-Shop was set up for Family entertainment in addition to a large retail Store.  Saturday evening was another outing to an I-Cubs game at Principal Park and the I-Cubs won over the Zephyrs 6 to 1.

 



 Sunday, 28 June was our opportunity to Worship at Christ the King, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in Altoona with Marv and Judy followed by a casual breakfast at the HyVee Food Market in Altoona.  Great food with excellent service.

 

On Sunday evening we visited the Neal Smith National Wildlife Preserve East of Des Moines and observed one Buffalo and six Elk in their natural habitat.  We also enjoyed a wonderful Supper at Goldies Ice Cream Shop in Prairie City which features the famous in the Mid West Tenderloin.

Monday, 29 June.  We visited the Freedom Rock near Greenfield, Iowa.  We have visited this Rock, which is updated each May to honor our Nation's Heroes, many times.  To learn more about the Freedom Rock simply conduct an Internet search so see many albums of pictures of this special place.

Our Lunch stop was at The Olive Branch in Greenfield.  Of course I had to take a picture of the Court House in this charming Iowa Town. 

On our way back to Altoona I observed this sign.  Of course I had to get this picture.  I suspect that it has been a few years since this dining spot has sold any Salads.

Just off of I-80 West of Des Moines is the Iowa National Cemetery.  It is a very peaceful place located on gently rolling hills of Iowa Country Side.  We concluded the day with another wonderful Supper at Marv and Judy's Bed and Breakfast topped off with a visit to the Altoona Dairy Queen.

 

Tuesday, 30 June was a relaxing day as we prepared to travel to Northeast Iowa the next day.  However Marv and I did visit Menards and Janice Marie, Marv and I visited the "Enabling Garden" in Altoona prior to a great Iowa Supper.  This Departure Supper featured Iowa Pork Chops, Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob and Baked Potatoes.

 

On Wednesday, 1 July we departed Altoona headed to Clayton County to spend a week with Alan's Siblings and their respective families.  As you may ascertain from the comments above Marv and Judy actually run more than a Bed and Breakfast in Altoona.  Of course USS Ranger Shipmates are always welcome and we have already placed our reservations for our return Holiday in 2016.