Monday, October 02, 2006

Dubuque Dubuque

Saturday we took a family day and went to Dubuque. The weather was lovely, Alex didn't have a cross country meet, and Kurt had found $60 worth of travelers checks when he was cleaning out a box.

We went to the Fenelon Place Elevators which is billed as the world's "shortest, steepest incline" via a train. It goes up the side of a bluff where there is then a beautiful 3 state view. There was a busload of screaming kids when we got there, but we stayed anyway.

Following our ride we boarded the Spirit of Dubuque for a 1 1/2 hour river cruise. We steamed up river to just below the lock and damn, turned around, and headed south to the Julian Dubuque Monument. Along the way we saw piles of coal and road salt, a bald eagle, some spectacular homes, a nunnery, and several barges. The sun came out and made the water glisten. Nick, of course, was a bump on a log, but Alex and Christy really enjoyed themselves.

After the boat ride we decided to drive to the Julian Dubuque Monument and check it out. It was quite the adventure! The way wasn't clearly marked so we got to see quite a bit of the country side. Hwy 52 heading south is pretty "Deliverance"-esque! We had less than an 1/8 of a tank of gas so we headed back to town. We eventually managed to find the place. It has spectacular views, a free viewing telescope, and lots of fresh air.

It was getting late and the herd was hungry. We called some friends in town and has dinner with them at a local Mexican restaurant. There was a strolling guitar player along with lots of warm chips and hot salsa. It was a great end to a great day.

When we got home Christy said she had " a great time" and she hoped Sunday was just as great. I'm afraid she was sadly disappointed.

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