2021 Holiday to the Holy Land

(Concluded)

Day Thirteen - September 13.  This day saw the departure from Eden Prairie, Minnesota and the Town Home of My Cousin.  We had enjoyed five full days in the Twin City area as documented in my previous post here.  Therefore it was very proper to document our Host and Chef as we set to depart to Iowa and a visit with our dear friends in Altoona, Iowa.  Our Host was a Shipmate of mine when I served in the USS Ranger (CVA-61) in the 1962-1964 timeframe.   We did not know each other at that time but we had connected through the Ranger Reunion WebSite and Reunion Association.

The most direct route for our Visit in Altoona was by I-35.  It was a hazy day and we took the opportunity to travel at the posted speed limit and to enjoy the visual sights.

The first stop for a leg stretch and fuel was The Top of Iowa Rest Area.  After fueling it was back on I-35 and as we traveled South we were made aware of the interesting sight which My Bride captured with her Cell Phone.

Day Fourteen - September 14.  After an enjoyable evening with our Host we next traveled to the Famous Freedom Rock, which is West of DesMoines, Iowa on I-80 very near Greenfield.  When ever we travel to the Holy Land and visit our Altoona Friends we make the pilgrimage to the Freedom Rock!  Here are the 2021 shots of this wonderful "Rock."

The graphic artist who repaints this rock does so every May so that has new scenes for Memorial Day.  He was inspirted to do this project after viewing the epic movie "Saving Private Ryan."  He has been painting this rock since 1999.  Additionally, he has painted a "Freedom Rock" in each of the 99 counties in Iowa.

After this adventure we dined at Applebee's in Altoona.  Our Host and the manager of this location are genuine Patroits.  Our wonderful meal was "On The House!!

Day Fifteen - September 15.   This day was a casual day and we were tourist in the Altoona and Ankeny.

A Grain Elevator in Altoona.  In Ankeny we visited the Amazon Distribution Center. 

 

 Additionally, we drove past the Facebook complex where only a few years ago there were two "Server Farms.". That number is now seven.

Day Sixteen - September 16.  A Travel Day to Saint Louis, Missouri to visit our youngest Son and His Family.  We did do a stop for a meal in Hannibal, Missouri and observed a Paddle Wheel Ship that was moored on the Water Front.

Day Seventeen - September 17.  Our Son took us to the Arch and of course several pictures were taken to document this event.

During the evening hours we visited the famed Ice Cream Shop on U. S. Route 66, just West of downtown Saint Louis.  It is known as Ted Drews Ice Cream and is a must stop whenever we visit our Son.  

Day Eighteen - September 18.  We were tourist in the small River Town of Kimmswick, Missouri.  This small town of 157 has a Restaurant that draws tourist for their famed Morning Brunch.  Our Son and His Bride were tourist just like us.  

We then traveled back to Saint Louis and enjoyed the Famous Pretzel Shop which is across the Interstate from a Famous Brewery.

That afternoon and evening Our Son displayed his Grilling Skills on his new equipment.  Yes, the Ribs were excellent.

Of course if the fire had gotten too hot, Our Son was well prepared to cool things down.  

Satisfied Foodies after enjoying the Ribs!!!

Day Nineteen - September 19.  Sunday and a day filled with viewing curated Football games as determined by Our Son.  

I did not keep a record of when this picture was taken, however it shows My Bride and I along with Our Son's Son after a meal at a local Cracker Barrel.

Days Twenty and Twenty-One -- September 20 and 21.  The return to the real world.  It was a fun filled and also a wonderful Holiday.  Not only to the Holy Land, but several States close by!  We missed the 2020 Holiday, but the events of the 2021 Holiday were appreciated by My Bride and I.

Thank You for following My Blog entitled "The World This Week!"