Mystery Day 5: Leading Men & Women

Clint Eastwood. John Wayne. Glenn Miller. Meryl Streep. Following with our Mystery Tour's movie themes we are going to visit places associated with these four giants of Americana.

Double Feature this morning!

"The Bridges of Madison County" was filmed in part in and around the small Iowa community of Winterset, which also happens to be the birthplace of Marion Morrison, better known at John Wayne. We met our step-on guide, Pat, at the Winterset Chamber of Commerce early this morning. We drove through Winterset and after about the 15 minute journey, the last 3 miles being over a gravel road (great for the motor coach) we arrived at Roseman Covered Bridge. An interesting story about the "haunted" bridge and an escapee in 1892 hiding from a posse chasing him was our introduction. The next of course was the story of the filming of "The Bridges of Madison County" and of the note Francesca (Meryl Streep) tacked to the bridge for Robert (Clint Eastwood) to find.  A few of us noted the many signatures and graffiti scrawled on the walls and supports of the bridge so we decided to add our own little touch. Graffiti is graffiti but so what?

Onward to two other bridges on the tour, Cutler-Donahoe Bridge and Cedar Bridge, both of which were "easily" accessed for our motor coach. Pat filled us with information about the bridges including the visit by Oprah in 1993 to do her show at Cedar Bridge and one of her guests, Robert Waller, who authored " The Bridges of Madison County".

We concluded our tour of the bridges at the John Wayne birthplace where we said goodbye to Pat and hello to The Duke. John Wayne's birthplace is filled with photos and memorabilia of John Wayne and his life in films. We were told of his formative years growing up and how he got the nickname Duke and then the moniker we all know him by, John Wayne. I guess if you want to know the story you'll have to go and see for yourself.
Photo ops at his home (outside only) and at his statue on John Wayne Drive plus a quick run through the gift shop and we were on our way.

St. Paul Lutheran Church was the setting for a delicious lunch served by members of the church. Ham balls (an Iowa favorite), gourmet potatoes, green beans and a dinner roll were enthusiastically received by the group. You'd have though we never eat on these trips but we all know better. Apple pie a la mode or rhubarb pie with a cup of coffee rounded out a most wonderful lunch, and once again we were on the move.

In The Mood

Glenn Miller's birthplace and Museum in Clarinda was our next stop. Half of the group toured the museum and half tour Glenn's home. His home was typical of the times with small rooms and little furniture but enough for a family to live. Alton, or should I say Glenn, was born to music. We heard of his life in Clarinda, his family and how he came, to be who he was. Our guide in the home told us of stories of Glenn and his time in World War II and of his untimely disappearance over the English Channel which to this day remains a mystery. 

The museum is full of photos and records, sheet music and even a drum set and Glenn's trombone. A video presentation was also available but thanks to the kind folks at the museum we received an advance copy of the DVD which we played on the motor coach while travelling to Clarinda. True fans of the life of Glenn Miller and his music will enjoy walking through a musical history of one of the Big Band era's real giants.

Julie & Julia

Two hours on the road from Clarinda we would headed toward Kansas City, Overland Park, Kansas to be exact and a dinner event at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. The drive gave us just enough time to enjoy Meryl Streep once again as she portrayed the legendary chef, Julia Child. 

The Culinary Center was ready for our arrival on Santa Fe Road event though we showed up about 15 minutes early. We disembarked the motor coach and made our way into the aromas of the Center and our dinner being prepared by their Executive Chef. 

Brie en Croute with Apricot Chutney as our opening taste of tonight's meal, delicious to all who sampled. Once we were all seated the fun was about to begin. The Chef informed us that we would be making our own dessert for tonight's meal. Those who wished to cook on one side of the room and those who wished to watch on the other side. The dessert we were to prepare was Chocolate Souffles with Vanilla Anglaise.  All of the ingredients were prepped and ready for each group (there were 5 groups) to begin. The fun was in watching and taking part in following the recipe and operating the complex mixer. One of us who shall remain nameless (Bob) managed to pull the beaters away from the machine and wear a bit of the egg whites he was beating. (I hope we won't regret this later.) With all of the groups working feverishly to prepare the ramekins for the mixture to be poured into and making sure the batter was just right (gotta taste it, don't you?) we managed to fill nine of the ten ramekins given to our group. Don't know how the other groups did although I know one group was still hard at work when they started serving dinner.

Speaking of the main course, Salad Nicoise was followed by Coq au Vin with Caramelized Onion Whipped Potatoes and Haricot Verts (French for green beans). It was amazing! The salad was skillfully prepared and the main course had just a wonderful aroma to match the incredible taste. 

For dessert out soufflets turned out just perfectly. Topped with the Vanilla Anglaise it was simply the perfect way to end the meal.  Hats off to our cooks, to the Executive Chef and the staff at the Culinary Center of Kansas City for a wonderful dining experience.

Once again, fully fed and satisfied we boarded our Village Tours motor coach and headed for our home for the night, Drury Inn & Suites in Overland Park, Kansas.

Memories have abounded on this tour and we still have one more day to go.  I can't wait!

Mystery Day 4: Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie & Travel Masters

Mystery Tour Day 4:

Just a few miles from the Grand Harbor Resort, our hotel for the night in Dubuque, was our first stop on Friday morning.This one didn't really fit our movie related themes for the trip but we found it interesting enough to try. And we always try to offer some type of Factor Tour.



New Melleray Abbey in Peosta, Iowa is home to Trappist monks who also happen to be the makers of fine wood-carved caskets. Now you might think, caskets? Really? Why take a group of seniors on a factory tour of a casket maker? Well, let me tell you. The craftsmanship of the monks combined with their commitment to their religion and way of life made for one of the most intriguing stops on the tour. After a short presentation by a staff member on the history and their start of casket making we took a short walking tour through the factory workshop where we saw the attention to detail and the skill which this group of monks used in making some of the finest wooden caskets around. They've made caskets for very well-known people as well as for children's hospitals where they were donated for their use. A brief stop in the gift shop (doesn't every place have one?) and we were on our way.

Field of Dreams . . .

A mere 30 minutes drive west brings us to what could best be described as a place where where lost chances can be recovered again. This would be the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa. As we drove up the long lane to the house and the field where the 1989 Kevin Costner movie was filmed, the excitement of many of the men (and women) on the coach permeated inthe air. Having seen the movie and felt the pull of emotions of the story, many of us couldn't wait to set foot on the field.

.

When we arrived we were greeted by Anne from the Dyersville Chamber of Commerce who introduced the Ghost Players who would be with us this morning. One of the players, Steve, actually had a part in the movie (we picked him out of a scene in the movie but more on that later). Paul, another Ghost Player told us the story of how they came to be a part of the Field of Dreams experience and their history. It was a fascinating tale of being in the right place at the right time with a great idea. Several of us brought gloves and went onto the filed to play catch.  Yes, it was a site to see but it was all worth it for those of us throwing the ball, sore arms be damned. I did get reminded that it has been way to long since I was throwing and catching a baseball. A slight miscalculation on a throw and I had a baseball-sized bruise on my shin. It was well worth it.



A group photo on the bleachers with the Ghost Players and we were ready for lunch.  J & D Catering from nearby New Vienna provided jumbo hot dogs, chips and drinks for us to enjoy seated at picnic tables, on the grass or in our own lawn chairs.  After lunch and a trip through the gift shop we were on our way, the memories of the Field of Dreams with us forever. Oh, and we watched the movie while driving to our next stop. It had a new appreciation for all of us.

Boldy Go Where no one has gone before . . .

Only the staunchest Star Trek fans would have heard of our next location. Riverside, Iowa is the acknowledged future birthplace of one Captain James Tiberius Kirk of Star Trek fame. Trekfest, an annual event held in Riveside draws thousands of Trekkers ready to bask in the Star Trek experience.  It begins today. We chose our stop in Riverside to be Murphy's Bar & Grill, the place where James Kirk is believed will be conceived in the year 2228. Carol Riggan from the Riverside Community Club greeted our group and introduced Mayor Bill Poch who welcomed us warmly and invited us in to Murphy's for dessert. Murphy's is full of Star Trek photos and posters and one pool table (see James Kirk above). Delicious apple pie, strawberry rhubarb cobbler, (and a platter of Brownies) plus ice cream. A group photo later we were on our way! We were thrilled with the hospitality offered to us by Murph, Carol and Mayor Poch.

The museum down the street with the replica of the starship enterprise out front was our final piece of Riverside and Star Trek to enjoy.

Heading west we arrive in Des Moines for the night. We made a short drive around the Capitol for a photo op and then made our way to our hotel for the  night, Drury Inn & Suites West Des Moines. Drury's snack supper hit the spot and many of us stayed on to chat the evening away while others took to walking about the business area and just enjoying the evening.

Good night and more fun to come . . .

Mystery Day 3: Rollin' On the River

Shades of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer.  Today we boarded the Riverboat Twilight in LeClaire, Iowa for a day-long cruise on the Mississippi River ending in Dubuque, Iowa. Sometimes even Mystery tours become a mystery even to the Tour Directors. We boarded our Village Tours motor coach at our hotel and headed for the port. Upon arriving we found no riverboat. We did find a representative of Riverboat Cruises who explained that we would have to drive an hour up river to board. Because of the recent flooding and the closing of the lock the riverboat would have to be boarded in Savanna, Illinois. So off we go, following another coach along country roads surrounded by cornfields to Savanna where the Riverboat Twilight awaited our arrival.

Since we had already made our away about halfway to Dubuque (our arrival destination) we were informed that we would go an hour or so beyond Dubuque and return. No problem. The cruise was relaxing and smooth. Breakfast was ready once we got underway so of course we were there. The captain in the pilot house point out several scenic views on the riverbank as well as numerous bald eagles flying overhead or nesting in the trees on shore. No matter where you go, watching bald eagles in flight is truly a sight to behold.

Sitting on the deck in rocking chairs allowed each of us time to relax, visit and enjoy the cruise down the Mighty (and muddy) Mississippi. Passing by a bluff on on the starboard side the captain played a tune from years gone by on the calliope, an historic staple of the Mississippi riverboat. the sounds of the calliope echoing off the bluff filled the air as we listened and enjoyed.

Lunch was served and of course we were all hungry not having eaten for about 2 hours or so, followed by a bit of musical entertainment from a guitarist on board.

We passed through Lock and Dam #12 and proceeded toward Dubuque. 

Several of the group went up to the pilot house to meet and chat with the captain and take a few photos. Pretty neat to be able to steer the boat, too. OK, so the captain had his hands on the wheel just to make sure we didn't steer the boat into a bridge or something.  

The cruise lasted about 8 hours. Relaxing, time to visit and even play a game of cards gave everyone a chance to envision what it must have been like in the heyday of riverboat travel. 

After docking in Dubuque our motor coach driver was waiting for us to transport us to our hotel for the night, the Grand Harbor Resort. Optional casino gaming at the Diamond Jo Casino awaited those who wanted to try their luck at the tables or the slots. Some did and some had a bit of good fortune. No names or how much they won but it was well worth the walk from the hotel for a couple hours of play.

Tomorrow promises to be a day of fun in the sun among the cornfields of Iowa to boldy go where no one has gone before.

Mystery Day 2: The Dam Tour

Last night, after our evening tour of Alton and returning to Pere Marquette Lodge, a few of us had a cool drink in the lobby and chatted about the day's events. The Lodge is noted historically as being haunted and as we sat in the great lobby sipping our drinks the lights suddenly came on brightly illuminating the lobby (and us). As we were the only ones in the lobby we decided to call it a night and retire to our rooms.....quickly.

This morning we started with a nourishing breakfast buffet at the lodge. That much- needed jolt of caffeine from our coffee got us wide awake and ready to face today's fun.  A number of us walked the 300 yards or so to the Pere Marquette State Park Visitor Center and were treated to a very interesting and interactive presentation by Scott Isringhausen, an Illinois State Park Ranger. From eagles to owls, water fowl to beavers and the feeding habits of much of the migrating wildlife, Scott spoke in such as way that captivated us and held our attention throughout the presentation.

After checking out and saying goodbye to Pere Marquette Lodge we made the 20-mile drive along the Great River Road back to Alton. The Melvin Price Locks and Dam awaited our arrival.  A movie presentation about he locks entitled "The Power of he River" prepared us for an interesting tour of the locks. An Army Corps of Engineers employee led us on a short walk along the top of the dam with information on the construction of the dam and a practical view of a boat traversing the lock.  Marsha and Tami took a moment for a photo op in a fountain outside of the museum and then we were on our way......to lunch.

It was a Dam Blast lunch at My Just Desserts in Alton capped off a relaxing and informative morning. Soup, sandwich and a delicious choice of desserts at this quaint restaurant on East Broadway was just what we needed.

A four-hour drive to our hotel in LeClaire, Iowa was interrupted briefly by a stop at the Lincoln Heritage Museum on the campus of Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois. Among the artifacts was an 1860 "railsplitter" candidate banner, the ballot box where Lincoln cast his vote, an extremely rare copy of Lincoln's favorite poem, "Mortality" written in his own hand as well as several of his law books and personal family items.  Civil War rifles, soldiers' items and a Civil War Congressional Medal oh Honor awarded to a Civil War soldier. it was a small place with large amounts of history.

The Travel Masters always seem to find the unique, the interesting and the wondrous gastronomic places to visit and enjoy. Tonight's dinner will be enjoyed at one of the many fine food establishments available at "The World's Largest Truck Stop" in Walcott, Iowa. Here we go!

OK, so now you know. Our Mystery tour is taking us to Iowa. But maybe not all of the tour will take place in Iowa. To find out, come back and visit our blog.

Mystery Day 1: Lights! Camera! Action!

No doubt about it. Mystery tous are fun. From our group's perspective it's not knowing what will happen next. There's no expectation or build-up of the itinerary to follow. Marsha and I (and of course our driver) know every step we're going to make. Plus an occasional twist or surprise thrown in just for fun and the makings a great tour are here to enjoy.

With that in mind, day 1 got off to a fun start. We started off with cinnamon rolls from a local zmerchant; individually wrapped and ready for eating. Let me back up a bit. One of our couples on the tour had been trying to encourage their daughter to come on the trip but she wasn't very much interested in going somewhere with no idea of where she was going. About a month ago she called and said, "Sign me up. I want to go." She didn't want her parents to know about it, though. So an idea was hatched. She would serve the cinnamon rolls in a clever disguise so they wouldn't recognize her and then spring the surprise. Litle did we know what a totally shocking disguise she had on. It was hilarious! No one had any clue as to whoour server was. After finishing her trip through the bus she revealed herself to her parents who were understandably surprised she was there. Even more surprised when she took a seat behind them and announced she was going with them. What a great start!

We heard of a relatively new restaurant near Dixon, Missouri, recommended by the Convention & Visitors Bureau, that we thought we'd try out. When we were putting the tour together we had explored a number of lunch options but couldn't find exactly what we were looking for.  Enter Michael Scheffer, owner of DiTrapani's Italian Bistro. Generally when we book a meal location we have an Idea of what we want and how we want it. Not so, this time. Michael had a few ideas  se we trusted him to (in his words) set the bar high with our first meal stop on the tour. Our faith in Michael was rewarded with a wonderfully prepared and delicious meal of Salad, Chicken Parm, Cheese Tortellini Salsicia, Cavatelli Alfredo and fresh Broccoli. Bread pudding topped it off. Did I mention the fantastic view of the Gasconade River and Vally from the full-view picture windows of our dining room? Breathtaking! Michael did indeed set the bar high and we will be back.

Mother Nature has a way in putting her hand on even the most well thought out itineraries and making her presence known to all. Alton, Illinois was our next stop with a drive along the Great River Road to the Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton. Three weeks ago this road was unpassable due to heavy rains and the flooding of the Mississpi River. We kept close watch on the news reports as well as contact with Sissy at the Alton CVB and Erin at the Lodge for indications that we may need to adjust our tour. The river receded, the road cleared and we were on our way. We arrived at the Lodge in time for a bit of a freshen-up and on to a delicious Fried Chicken dinner with all the fixins served family style to our group.  Again, with full bellies (a common theme on our tours) we headed back to Alton to meet up with Pat from Bluff City Tours  who gave a wonderfully informative tour of Alton, capped off by a photo op with Alton's favorite son, Robert Wadlow, or rather a life-sized statue of him. All 8 feet, 11.1 inches and size 30 shoes of him. His story is interesting and sad at the same time. A larger than life (literally) person who passed away much too young. We again followed the River Road back to our lodge for a restfull night's sleep and eager to start the next day's fun.

Want to see we're up to next? Follow us on our website www.travelmasters.org where we have a live feed of our Facebook page or catch up with the next blog post.

Roaring with The Lion King

Culture is a great thing. Something we could all use a bit of every now and again. Music, dance, a great story and a full belly afterward. Doesn't get any better! This past Saturday (June 15) the Travel Masters took 43 of our closest friends to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center to see the Broadway production of Disney's The Lion King. This was our third time to see this fantastic show and it gets better every time we see it. The costumes, colorful and amazing; the music had us tapping our toes and yes, even singing along and the story had even the the toughest among us shed an emotional tear or two of sadness and joy. Can't wait until the next show!

Our dinner following The Lion King performance was a surprise to everyone but Marsha, myself and of course, our motor coach driver. We joined up with our good friends, The Grand Travelers from Grand Savings Bank in Grove, Oklahoma and made our way to the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum. A catered meal was waiting for us which was thoroughly enjoyed by the group. The real treat in going to the Zoo for dinner after 5:00 pm was that we had the run of the place after closing. So what, you might say. Well, it was wonderfully enjoyable in that the tigers were out and roaring, the elephants were out and majestically walking about, flamingos were flamingo-ing, the monkeys were doing their thing and the king of beasts, the lions were letting us know that's exactly what they are. A train ride around the Zoo plus a spin on the carousel capped off a wonderful day of animals, real and artistic.  Our thanks go to Allyson at Celebrity Attractions and Amy at the Tulsa Zoo for helping us make this day and evening a memorable one.

Dinner & A Show: River City Players

Join the Travel Masters for

Dinner & A Show

as we go to see the

River City Players on August 2, 2013

Click the Brochure to OPEN

We will enjoy Dinner at

Restaurant of the Cherokees

before the show.

Fun facts about the River City Players...

The 2013 cast has learned a total of

114 songs/dances in only 16 days of rehearsal.

Each performer makes an average of

10 costume changes in each show.

There are over 150 light cues

executed in each show.

The average audience member will clap

approximately 300 times during a RCP performance.

Follow them on Twitter:

@nsurcp

Follow them on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/rivercityplayers

How to find us online...

Travel Masters Website:

www.travelmasters.org

Travel Masters Facebook:

www.facebook.com/TravelMasters.org

Travel Masters on Twitter:

@_TravelMasters_

... and don't forget this blog!

http://gt-nwa.blogspot.com/

Stay Connected!