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.
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