Final Stops in Nauvoo- Day 6 Part 2

After a packed lunch in the shade, we set off to see the rest of Nauvoo...at least all that our energy allowed for.  Bekah had tons of bites and the humidity was taking its toll.

Shoemaker--one of the few renovated rather than duplicated building. The process of making shoes is fascinating and they look uncomfortable.	Brigham Young's home. Here is the room he used to plan the exodus.
Lyon Drug and Variety Store--Apothecary and goods lost three of their children, but were comforted in the heaven's arms. I imagine that helped many families	like cloth, barrels, etc. The couple that ran the store knowledge that the little ones were better off in along the way.
The Seventies Hall was a mini MTC. Upstairs was a	collection of items recovered years later. Including this piece of a star from the temple.

Heber C Kimball's home. This place started the whole process of recreating Nauvoo. His grandson purchased the home and after multiple requests to see a pioneer home, he created a corporation to purchase and display homes. He bought Brigham Young's and another before the church stepped in and finished the project. All throughout Old Nauvoo are homes like this--red brick/black shutters--private residents.

One part of Nauvoo that struck hard was Parley's Street or the Trail of Hope. We traveled it two times today. The first time we drove down the street, past signs that quoted pioneer experiences. At the end is the Mississippi River, along with a sample of how the wagons were ferried over, a statue of Joseph guiding Brigham and a memorial to those who died before the trek.

Pooped and needing sustenance, we headed into "town" shared a dinner (the kids got a free desert and Dave and I shared a yogurt. For those of you who eat chocolate, the fudge in Nauvoo is popular). Then we scouted out souvenirs and rushed over for the nights performances.

Once we got parked, the rains descended, literally. It was like a cloud was wrung out right on top of us. We had seen the gray clouds and came with ponchos (of which I thought Dave had his so I got a tad bit drenched). We sat in the front row and patiently waited for the rain to stop. On the stage the performers rallied on--some swept water onto expecting children, the brass band played partially covered.

Just like that the sky cleared and the sun shone. Things began with a parade of children. The whole performance was fun--a variety show with both young and old missionaries. Dancing, singing, goofing off.
Then we dashed off to the start of Parley Street. There the young missionaries, dressed in pioneer garb told us a story. We had a guide who led us by lantern as it was pitch black to each sign. The actors would portray pioneers with such clarity that tears came easily to my eyes. Amidst the stories and songs, in the background was the temple shining like a beacon. I can easily picture the saints leaving behind their beloved temple as tears streamed down their cheeks.

It was a perfect ending to our experience. Nauvoo is beyond just a historical visitor center. You leave with a greater appreciation for life and the simplicity that assists us. I have a deep respect for our pioneer heritage and a love for Joseph Smith.

Nauvoo with a Twist- Day 6 Part 1

We were sure after an earlier start and a drive to the visitor's center we were doing great...not. Crowds, along with an EFY, had taken all the tickets for a wagon ride. However, we were not to be daunted. We walked over to an oxen ride and entertained by three gentleman with nothing to do but chat. After a short jaunt and a few stolen petting of the oxen we were off to visit the Joseph Smith sites (all owned by the RLDS church).

 

Mansion House- They lived there only a short while. Part was destroyed in a fire.	Hotel- At the time of the exodus, only the stone and a few rows of brick were complete. The RLDS tore part down to finish it. Its now used as a hostel.

The Joseph Smith Home. The brown wooden part was where they lived. The white section was built on by Joseph III. The small brown cabin was Joseph Sr. and Lucy's home, later turned into a summer kitchen.

New gravesites for Hyrum, Joseph and Emma. under the bush while Joseph and Hyrum's were

When they searched for the bodies, Emma's was found under the now standing shed.

We toured The Red Brick Store on our own (no fee). Without the RLDS tour guide, it was neat to sit upstairs and realize how much happened in this room--endowments, meetings and the organization of the Relief Society. Overall, the tour was neat, but lacked the spirituality and warmth the rest of Old Nauvoo has. No pictures were allowed and only facts shared. At other sites, the missionaries would slip in a spiritual message with their retelling of stories.

In and Out of Nauvoo- Day 5 Part 2

So much to see... We bounced from site to site, collecting tidbits of information and having a blast with hands-on invitations.

Making rope with the system is simple, but definitely a multiple person job. Bekah and Dave spun the wheels, while Rachel and Emma pushed the thingy.	Who knew Browning was a Mormon. He had his sons have created a legacy. The shop was filled with guns that are patented and some like the machine gun, still in use today. The saints began a legacy of all that the we can achieve.
Each girl had a chance to carry "water" and appreciate how little chores they have to do in life.	The post office, run by Sidney Rigdon in his home was neat. We learned that the cubbies were for paid letters, the drawers for letters that needed to be paid. Plus they wrote on one side both directions, folded it and wrote the address on the clean side--saving $
My favorite-the printing press run by John Taylor. It's amazing how much time goes into placing correctly little letters. Did you know dingbats are the cute designs used as fillers.	Nothing is better than sweet old men explaining how bricks are made. Course, its also fun to take home a souvenir.
This rocking horse from John Taylor's home has a sweet story. When the saints left Nauvoo, his young son wept for his abandoned toy. John risked his life to creep back into town and retrieve the playtoy.	 The blacksmith taught us about team work. In order for the saints to leave, the work of building wagons was shared. Some built spokes in the homes, others assisted in the multiple step process (wheelwrights, blacksmiths and carpenters). We left with a prairie diamond (nail shaped like a ring).

Starving because we chose to stay in Old Nauvoo rather than walk back to the campsite for lunch, the girls and I played with pioneer activities while Dave rushed back for our car. Then we went into "town" for dinner. The town stretches less than four blocks.

On to more entertainment. We enjoyed a performance by the older missionaries-Rendezvous and then scurried over to a performance by BYU's Vocal Point. Both were amazing and fun.  One thing I will say about the church, they know how to entertain for free. We were greeted with smiles, personally talked to not lectured, and the energy of those on missions was contagious. I can easily imagine the saints drawing on each other for happiness. They gave without thought of reward.

Nauvoo with Energy- Day 5 Part 1

We were fortunate to have a sister in our ward who just returned from serving in Nauvoo give us pointers--places to eat, order of things to do, and what not to miss. With two days to spend, we set off after a quick breakfast and walked over to the visitor center.

TIP #7 THERE IS PLENTY OF PARKING THROUGHOUT NAUVOO--DRIVE AND SAVE YOUR TIME FOR VIEWING THE HOMES.

Between the mugginess and tired bodies, we were slow to begin our experience. Always start at the visitors center and get your tickets for events--oxen or carriage rides, performances, etc. We started off with a carriage ride the skirted the Northern part of Nauvoo and met a family (mother and 2 daughters). The girls connected with Kirsten who is Emma's age and had fun running into them multiple times during our stay.

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We were entertained with stories  and saw the structure that made Nauvoo unique. It was a spiritual ride that made you appreciate the early saints struggles and triumphs. We saw Inspiration Point that Joseph would often visit for peace, a well that someone fell into, buildings owned and operated that existed back in the day and a better understanding of the clay structure of the city.

 

With renewed energy and purpose, we set off to see the city. After a stop at the Scovil Bakery were we learned about bustle ovens (the ovens came before the women's dress) and enjoyed a molasses cookie or two, we were entertained at the Cultural Hall with Just Plain Anna Amanda. Amidst the senior missionaries that give tours and bear their testimonies, the summer brings youth missionaries (prior to missions) that help with the entertainment. They come prepared to sing, dance, and provide a youthful vigor to the atmosphere.

Twister of a Day- Day 4

 

After a rocky start getting into our cabin last night, Dave and I were determined to get things moving on track. We drove the 1/2 mile to the restroom and survived a shower that began freezing cold. Someone better appreciate that I got the hot water going.

Continuing our strange eating habits from yesterday (breakfast for lunch, lunch for dinner) we had dinner for breakfast--Hawaiian Haystacks. We had a microwave in our cabin and food that needed to be eaten before spoiling, ugh.

As we had successfully washed our dishes in the bathroom the night before, we gathered the kids and set off to get things clean (including ourselves). We weren't long in the bathroom before Dave knocked on the door to give us grave news. The siren we heard earlier wasn't a fire truck, but a tornado warning. A park ranger had informed Dave that the area was under a tornado watch. Tears burst out of the kids, especially Rachel who is terrified of all natural disasters. The five of us cuddled in the girls bathroom uncertain of what our plans would be. It poured sheets of rain outside and we had no idea how long we would be stuck. Fortunately, we were soon joined by a couple (and their cell phone) from Northern Iowa. The woman showed us pictures of the storm on her phone, which helped calm down the girls. We swapped stories and hung out for about 45 minutes. Thankfully, we were in the clean modern bathroom, versus the hole beside our cabin.

Once the rain filtered down to a light shower, we finished up the dishes and set off--in the path of the storm. How bad could it be, right? Five hours of driving in solid rain was dismal, but saved by Harry Potter.

TIP #6 YOU CAN PLAN CAR ACTIVITES BY THE BOAT LOAD, BUT A BOOK ON TAPE/CD IS REALLY THE BEST WAY TO GO.

Continuing our capital tour, we stopped by Des Moines and captured an elegant capital building. The rain had slowed to a drizzle in this area, revealing a beautiful city--green and hill.

 

Our destination is Nauvoo, but I have always wanted to visit Davenport, Iowa. It was a slight detour, which kept us in the path of the storm, and like any crazy plan it had strange results. We arrived in the city, hungry and tired of rain. Since we hadn't planned on being there for dinner, I hadn't researched any place to eat. As we drove the streets debating on spots, we came upon this sign...

 

Donning ponchos, Dave parked the car, still running on a connecting road behind the sign, we jumped out and I posed (unique in itself as I'm usually behind the camera). Damp and sappy, we drove to a gas station and Dave went inside to find a place to eat. While inside he overheard talk of a tornado that had hit less than a mile south, which explained the fire truck (course, we didn't tell Rachel this).  We stopped at Chinese buffet, paid way to much for barely adequate food, but were delighted to come out to a dry sky.

Our drive down the Mississippi was detoured for the sake of time, but we did catch a few sightings of the mighty river as we crossed into and off of Rock Island. For some reason, the size didn't boggle me (the Missouri river was just as large), instead the length and number of times it crept up, weaving its way south was amazing.

In Fort Madison, we choose to take a toll bridge across the river. This is the view--blocked for barges to go through. Ironically, the operator, chose to leave it impassible as she knew another larger barge (R) was coming through. Apparently, the barges can push more down the Mississippi than multiple train can, just slower. As it was around 7:30, and after a rain storm the air was wet and muggy. We had a 1/2 hour wait so we got out of our car and took in the sights.

All of a sudden, this scruffy guy gets out of his truck and yells, "You from Utah?" Long story short, he had lived in SLC, was familiar with the term--"Happy Valley" and even more startling, was converted by two of Dave's fellow missionaries over twenty years ago. This guy was living in Nauvoo (and does so now) when the AP's met him and he was baptized. He is still active in his own way and we got a chance to talk about the church and the area. Amazing. One reason we came out was for Dave to visit his mission, how ironic that a convert from that time period would meet up with him.

Finally we drove over a now invisible river and trudged into Nauvoo. What a sight, to see the temple all lit up. It took us a bit to find the state park and again our spot. Since we couldn't find a map, we chose a spot close to the bath/shower house and set up camp. Somehow, we have to get to our campsites before its dark....