Crossing The Mighty Mississip'... marking our westward journey

Together, we have called Illinois home for the past 25+ years... now we were literally embarking on a new chapter in our lives as we drove toward the Mississippi River.  Rather symbolically, we dropped off our IPass transponders at the Belvidere Oasis, then had lunch at The Rafters in Lena (great restaurant!).   

We mused over a shared bowl of Pulled Pork Mac n Cheese (delish!) about how, for at least the next couple of years, the extent of our worldly possessions was now Tetris-packed in our Audi Allroad parked outside.  And as we crossed the bridge over the Mississippi River into Dubuque, Iowa we both glanced at each other noting that with all probability we would not be crossing back over the Mississip' into Illinois for at least six months. 

We were honored to spend our first three nights "on the road" with Phyl's cousins Guy & Becky in their log cabin just outside of Dubuque. They were both kind and gracious hosts, touring us through Dubuque's rolling and steeped streets, a memory lane adventure and joy as we both had spent time in this town decades ago (Jer for school at Loras, Phyl to visit relatives). We revisited  the Fourth Street Elevator, claimed to be the shortest and steepest railroad in the world and admired grand old Victorians perched precariously on the bluffs overlooking the mighty river.  

Then there was the array of local taverns and tap rooms, bringing back various memories from decades past. Not to be outdone, new memories were cast as we wined in a local winery tower and dined at The Village Bar Supper Club in Kieler, Wisconsin - gotta try their bacon wrapped cheese curds & battered asparagus appetizers (read our review in the Finest Finds tab for more details)!

What we most appreciated about this first stop on our cross country adventure was spending quality family time and making new memories. Our lovely stay reaffirmed that we had made the right choice of lightening our load so that we were less encumbered, both materially and emotionally, so as to participate more deeply in the here and now, where ever that may take us - but preferably not again on the Fourth Street Elevator (not for the faint of heart)!