Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
College daze & FIGHT PIT!!!
Leaving Lincoln behind, Kate had a treat in store for us all as we got to relive her college days at the University of Illinois in Champaign. The campus was lively as we headed to one of Kate's old haunts - a little Chinese restaurant on Green Street. The steaming plates of food were soon devoured and the fortune cookies were cracked open. Chris's fortune seemed right on as it read "When in doubt of your path, be guided by your instincts".Kate gave us an impromptu tour of the campus, showing us the bookstore, union and quad. With that, we packed back into the car for our final destination.
The car was turned north with me in the driver's seat, Lish in shotgun directing and the narcoleptic trio in back. As the rain finally broke we pulled into another titan of old - The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site. Once the second largest iron works in the country, a path now leads visitors through the ruins of the once bustling factory. Everyone's inner child was let loose as we explored the countless pits, collapsing walls and general awesomeness that remained. As we read the descriptions of the many jobs of the iron workers it was quickly decided the only one we were interested in was factory president - preferably in an office in downtown Chicago.
The ruins did provide an excellent backdrop for the photo shoot for our newly created industrial band "The Blast Furnaces". Look for our first album once we figure out what industrial music exactly is.
The highlight of the ruins were the discovery of the perfect location for our post-apocalyptic "Fight Pit". Sadly in our excitement no one remembered to take a picture, so your imagination will have to fill in the blanks.
As the rain once again started up, I handed the keys to Beets as we finally started the last leg home. Look for a wrap up and all of our photos from our trip later tonight!
Release the Cracken
"They've had a good run so far," said Zeus squinting his eyes with disdain at a crew who have remained relatively unscathed for over 500 miles, "But they will soon know my full wrath."
----
Traveling east and south east from Burlington, IA on the big roads we started to encounter some trouble. Outside the car, birds were struggling to make any headway flying against the wind, clouds grew darker, and scattered showers belted the remaining cars on the road.
Inside the car Lish was praying, Ben had wet himself, and I stared blankly into the teeth of inclement weather that would undoubtedly send me to the asylum -- all while Chris calmly took a nap on Kate's shoulder. What a trooper that Wilson.
And that was all BEFORE the tornado warning from the National Weather Service, which put us just a couple miles from the leading edge of the scrap-your-belongings-and-get-in-the-basement region. Concerned and shaken we however remained resilient, focusing not on survival, but the paramount issue -- hunger.
Arriving in Springfield, we found shelter inside Betsy & Bernie's Pizza, dining on salads, garlic bread, and some excellent sourdough-crust pizza. There was much rejoicing.
Our next stop, amid continued but scattered showers, was the Route 66 drive-in theater showing Clash of the Titans. Arriving at the entrance, a large puddle was set in our path by the Gods, but after enduring a driving rain and a wicked detour to end all detours Ben was not to be denied this time. He stepped from the car and walked on water, effectively taming the rapids so the car could safely pass.
For the movie, the rain slowed just enough to see some over-the-top special effects, rushed story lines, and poor quality development. The star of the show, The Cracken, was murdered before his prime and really before we got a chance to see his inner struggle or understand his motives for destruction.
Finalizing a day that seemed like three, we passed our last few waking hours playing Sheepshead to determine who would be sleeping on the floor. Ben said his motivational tapes soothed him to sleep while lying on the wet-dog carpet.
In the morning, we visited another titan known as Abraham Lincoln, laid to rest in a beautiful cemetery on the south side of Springfield. An otherwise somber venue was quite lively, littered with boy scouts of all ages. Thanks Lincoln, and thank you Illinois for giving us a few curve balls.
Onward.
----
Traveling east and south east from Burlington, IA on the big roads we started to encounter some trouble. Outside the car, birds were struggling to make any headway flying against the wind, clouds grew darker, and scattered showers belted the remaining cars on the road.
Inside the car Lish was praying, Ben had wet himself, and I stared blankly into the teeth of inclement weather that would undoubtedly send me to the asylum -- all while Chris calmly took a nap on Kate's shoulder. What a trooper that Wilson.
And that was all BEFORE the tornado warning from the National Weather Service, which put us just a couple miles from the leading edge of the scrap-your-belongings-and-get-in-the-basement region. Concerned and shaken we however remained resilient, focusing not on survival, but the paramount issue -- hunger.
Arriving in Springfield, we found shelter inside Betsy & Bernie's Pizza, dining on salads, garlic bread, and some excellent sourdough-crust pizza. There was much rejoicing.
Our next stop, amid continued but scattered showers, was the Route 66 drive-in theater showing Clash of the Titans. Arriving at the entrance, a large puddle was set in our path by the Gods, but after enduring a driving rain and a wicked detour to end all detours Ben was not to be denied this time. He stepped from the car and walked on water, effectively taming the rapids so the car could safely pass.
For the movie, the rain slowed just enough to see some over-the-top special effects, rushed story lines, and poor quality development. The star of the show, The Cracken, was murdered before his prime and really before we got a chance to see his inner struggle or understand his motives for destruction.
Finalizing a day that seemed like three, we passed our last few waking hours playing Sheepshead to determine who would be sleeping on the floor. Ben said his motivational tapes soothed him to sleep while lying on the wet-dog carpet.
In the morning, we visited another titan known as Abraham Lincoln, laid to rest in a beautiful cemetery on the south side of Springfield. An otherwise somber venue was quite lively, littered with boy scouts of all ages. Thanks Lincoln, and thank you Illinois for giving us a few curve balls.
Onward.
Ben walks on water...
Twister, the Sequel
Lincoln Gravesite
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A Cave, You Say? But Ben didn't bring his headlamp!
We entered the city of Burlington, IA with no idea what our next stop would be. Spread along the west bank of the Mississippi, the neat red brick buildings of Burlington hugged the hills and valleys of the landscape and topped a bluff overlooking the river. As we moved slowly through the city, we once again found ourselves on quite residential streets nearing the top of the bluff. On the lefthand side our destination suddenly came into view.
Beets said, "Hold on to your hats!" but we were already sliding down the bluff.
Our destination? Snake Alley, one of the world's crookedest streets. Like the cable car in Dubuque, it was designed to bypace a long journey up the bluff, only by car. Now it carries the traffic of Burlington, an annual bike race, an art fair, and hundreds of tourists like us.
Thrilling as it was, the journey down the bluff lasted only a few minutes. We weren't surprised to learn that this stop was a two-parter. Our second destination proved to be both the most challenging and dirtiest stop, yet! Leaving Burlington behind we drove north to Starr's Cave Park and Preserve. We were going to explore Starr's cave.
Only one problem - Beets wasn't sure there was a cave. The Starr's Cave Park and Preserve website had no information on caves in the park, but based on the name , there had to be one, right? He took a chance and it paid off. A few minutes muddy, muddy walk from the parking lot we came to a huge iron bridge. It's one purpose, to carry travelers across the park's Flint Creek and straight into a cliff face - Starr's Cave.
Overhead, hawks circled. Below us, the fast Flink Creek rushed on its way out to the Mississippi. At the end of the bridge, we faced an iron gate, the entrance to Starr's Cave.
Home to bats, moss, bugs, and the erstwhile bandit, the cave was close to 7 feet tall at the entrance, with a steepled ceiling and a fairly even floor. Cautiously, we entered. With Ben in the lead and me at the back, we moved in single file deeper into the bluff. Almost immediately the cave ceiling lowered and the ground became uneven. 10 feet in. 20 feet in. Using a flashlight, Ben was able to navigate the dips and puddles, although we almost lost him when the cave floor dropped away into a deep crevice on one side.
Recovered, he continued deeper into the cave, with the rest of the group following behind. Unfortunately, the shrinking cave walls proved too much for this intrepid reporter. At the back of the line, I chickened out and went back. Waiting at the gate, I could hear the others' voices fade, the sound of their shuffling steps descending further into the dark.
And they were never seen again.
Just kidding. But they went pretty deep. Hard to say for sure, but probably close to 100 feet into the cave. A really unique and unusual experience. Alicia said that by the end they were waddling along and stopped when they would have had to crawl to go further. Good job, guys!
Muddy, but happy everyone returned safely. Back in the car, we moved ahead toward Ben's destination and our last stop of the night. Crossing the Mississippi for the second time this trip, it began to pour. Through the rain we could see a giant Abraham Lincoln sign, "Illinois Welcomes You."
Hopefully, Illinois will also welcome us with better weather at our next destination.
Beets said, "Hold on to your hats!" but we were already sliding down the bluff.
Our destination? Snake Alley, one of the world's crookedest streets. Like the cable car in Dubuque, it was designed to bypace a long journey up the bluff, only by car. Now it carries the traffic of Burlington, an annual bike race, an art fair, and hundreds of tourists like us.
Thrilling as it was, the journey down the bluff lasted only a few minutes. We weren't surprised to learn that this stop was a two-parter. Our second destination proved to be both the most challenging and dirtiest stop, yet! Leaving Burlington behind we drove north to Starr's Cave Park and Preserve. We were going to explore Starr's cave.
Only one problem - Beets wasn't sure there was a cave. The Starr's Cave Park and Preserve website had no information on caves in the park, but based on the name , there had to be one, right? He took a chance and it paid off. A few minutes muddy, muddy walk from the parking lot we came to a huge iron bridge. It's one purpose, to carry travelers across the park's Flint Creek and straight into a cliff face - Starr's Cave.
Overhead, hawks circled. Below us, the fast Flink Creek rushed on its way out to the Mississippi. At the end of the bridge, we faced an iron gate, the entrance to Starr's Cave.
Home to bats, moss, bugs, and the erstwhile bandit, the cave was close to 7 feet tall at the entrance, with a steepled ceiling and a fairly even floor. Cautiously, we entered. With Ben in the lead and me at the back, we moved in single file deeper into the bluff. Almost immediately the cave ceiling lowered and the ground became uneven. 10 feet in. 20 feet in. Using a flashlight, Ben was able to navigate the dips and puddles, although we almost lost him when the cave floor dropped away into a deep crevice on one side.
Recovered, he continued deeper into the cave, with the rest of the group following behind. Unfortunately, the shrinking cave walls proved too much for this intrepid reporter. At the back of the line, I chickened out and went back. Waiting at the gate, I could hear the others' voices fade, the sound of their shuffling steps descending further into the dark.
And they were never seen again.
Just kidding. But they went pretty deep. Hard to say for sure, but probably close to 100 feet into the cave. A really unique and unusual experience. Alicia said that by the end they were waddling along and stopped when they would have had to crawl to go further. Good job, guys!
Muddy, but happy everyone returned safely. Back in the car, we moved ahead toward Ben's destination and our last stop of the night. Crossing the Mississippi for the second time this trip, it began to pour. Through the rain we could see a giant Abraham Lincoln sign, "Illinois Welcomes You."
Hopefully, Illinois will also welcome us with better weather at our next destination.
World's Largest Truck Stop? Herbert Hoover Museum? Tough decision...
Making our way out of LeClaire and the Buffalo Bill Museum, we ended up on I-80 going around the Quad Cities. With no one but Kate knowing our exact destination, the rest of us breathed a sigh of relief as we drove past the World's Largest Truck Stop, and everyone (except maybe Chris) breathed an even longer sigh of relief when we failed to stop at the Herbert Hoover birthplace museum.
After a quick pit stop in Iowa City, we ventured down some country roads that seemed to get progressively smaller. With only minor trepidation as we passed the "Dead End" sign and the "Highway Closed" sign, we found ourselves at our next destination: Coralville Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a dam there in the mid-20th century, creating a large reservoir. During the great flood in 1993, the dam overflowed, and the service road was flooded and destroyed. This turned out to have an unexpected upside: it revealed the Devonian Fossil Gorge, full of fossilized fish and shells. We spent some time exploring the fossil bed. The dam itself survived the flood intact, and we marvelled at how high the river must have been in 1993 to spill over the dam - there were full grown trees in the shadow of the dam that would have been completely submerged by the flooding.
Coralville Lake also had a nice picnic area where we stopped for a lunch of cold cuts, fruit, and granola bars. There wasn't time to play a round on their disc golf course, but as we headed off to Beets's destination, we watched a player lose his disc deep in the woods.
After a quick pit stop in Iowa City, we ventured down some country roads that seemed to get progressively smaller. With only minor trepidation as we passed the "Dead End" sign and the "Highway Closed" sign, we found ourselves at our next destination: Coralville Lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a dam there in the mid-20th century, creating a large reservoir. During the great flood in 1993, the dam overflowed, and the service road was flooded and destroyed. This turned out to have an unexpected upside: it revealed the Devonian Fossil Gorge, full of fossilized fish and shells. We spent some time exploring the fossil bed. The dam itself survived the flood intact, and we marvelled at how high the river must have been in 1993 to spill over the dam - there were full grown trees in the shadow of the dam that would have been completely submerged by the flooding.
Coralville Lake also had a nice picnic area where we stopped for a lunch of cold cuts, fruit, and granola bars. There wasn't time to play a round on their disc golf course, but as we headed off to Beets's destination, we watched a player lose his disc deep in the woods.
Not Silence of the Lambs Buffalo Bill
Resuming the second part of Chris's leg, we continued to head south along the Mississippi River, everyone slowly waking up and having absolutely no idea where we were headed. Approaching our exit, some of the passengers caught view of the brown historical sign which said, "Buffalo Bill Museum," and became excited.
The unassuming museum along a quaint street, right on the Mississippi River, was also surrounded by a few cannon statues aimed at Illinois, for what reason, we do not know. We were welcomed by a jolly lady and an old gentleman who sat quietly in the corner, later introduced to us as a past mayor of Leclaire "who was mayor for a long, long while." Although titled the "Buffalo Bill Museum," it was filled with many other more interesting memorabilia, significant of Leclaire, IA. To get our Buffalo Bill fill, we watched an 8-minute black and white film showcasing his life and some of the showmanship which made him famous.
Although proud of being the birthplace of Buffalo Bill, Leclaire, IA is home to many other fascinating features. The group immediately flocked to the giant cross section of the trunk of the Green Tree, the largest Rock Elm on record. In its heyday his massive tree served many river workers as shelter for the night after closing the town tavern, giving the giant Elm its nickname "The Green Tree Hotel." At a whopping 225 years old, this monumental tree died from Dutch Elm disease and was cut down in 1964.
The director of the museum (of only four months) then chimed in and proceeded to tell us how Robert E. Lee chilled in Leclaire for a while, living on the second level of a sunken ship in the Mississippi River, to map out the river rapids and the locations of the rocks. The resulting map eventually led to Leclaire river captains being the only ones to guide riverboats on the Mississippi River from Leclaire to Davenport for a hefty $10 in gold. Leclaire is also home to the person who invented the seat belt, FYI. And finally, the director of the museum took us on a tour of the Lone Star Riverboat, the largest and oldest wood riverboat to run along the Mississippi River, retiring at 98 years old, and now an official historical land mark. We took turns pretending to drive the boat in the captains nest and ringing the bells and gong.
After a fascinating and very educational visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum, we stopped in a local coffee shop for some caffeine before hitting the road again. The owner of the stop, strongly resembling Doc from Back to the Future or Garfunkel, talked up Kate and Chris about his beloved town. Leaving Leclaire, IA with Kate navigating to her destination, all we know is that it will be outdoors. Hoping the rain holds off for the next couple of hours, we start jamming to Chris's iPod and are on our way.
The unassuming museum along a quaint street, right on the Mississippi River, was also surrounded by a few cannon statues aimed at Illinois, for what reason, we do not know. We were welcomed by a jolly lady and an old gentleman who sat quietly in the corner, later introduced to us as a past mayor of Leclaire "who was mayor for a long, long while." Although titled the "Buffalo Bill Museum," it was filled with many other more interesting memorabilia, significant of Leclaire, IA. To get our Buffalo Bill fill, we watched an 8-minute black and white film showcasing his life and some of the showmanship which made him famous.
Although proud of being the birthplace of Buffalo Bill, Leclaire, IA is home to many other fascinating features. The group immediately flocked to the giant cross section of the trunk of the Green Tree, the largest Rock Elm on record. In its heyday his massive tree served many river workers as shelter for the night after closing the town tavern, giving the giant Elm its nickname "The Green Tree Hotel." At a whopping 225 years old, this monumental tree died from Dutch Elm disease and was cut down in 1964.
The director of the museum (of only four months) then chimed in and proceeded to tell us how Robert E. Lee chilled in Leclaire for a while, living on the second level of a sunken ship in the Mississippi River, to map out the river rapids and the locations of the rocks. The resulting map eventually led to Leclaire river captains being the only ones to guide riverboats on the Mississippi River from Leclaire to Davenport for a hefty $10 in gold. Leclaire is also home to the person who invented the seat belt, FYI. And finally, the director of the museum took us on a tour of the Lone Star Riverboat, the largest and oldest wood riverboat to run along the Mississippi River, retiring at 98 years old, and now an official historical land mark. We took turns pretending to drive the boat in the captains nest and ringing the bells and gong.
After a fascinating and very educational visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum, we stopped in a local coffee shop for some caffeine before hitting the road again. The owner of the stop, strongly resembling Doc from Back to the Future or Garfunkel, talked up Kate and Chris about his beloved town. Leaving Leclaire, IA with Kate navigating to her destination, all we know is that it will be outdoors. Hoping the rain holds off for the next couple of hours, we start jamming to Chris's iPod and are on our way.
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