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....