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.
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