The Road Home.

Today is our last day here in the USA before the arduous trip back home. Already it appears that the arrival time of 5.30pm is not right so time will tell I guess.

Any way at the time of my writing we are here at a place Called Fort Madison in Iowa pictured right. It is a replica rebuild of the original which the soldiers burnt after leaving the area due to incessant indian attacks. Placed pretty well where the original was it shows what the original was pretty much like.

Also close to Fort Madison is a place called Nauvoo which surprisingly was one of the early homes of the Mormans and the place its founder (Smith) was shot "trying to escape" from Prison.
According to Jerry, Jim's Cousin, at one stage it was a big as Chicargo  in the 1840's. After the founders death they moved west and founded Salt Lake City except for some who remained behind. Today it is still a strong Morman city/town and they pretty much stick to them selves much to the locals discust

Pictured left is their new "Temple". They brought up a complete block of housing and then demolished it to built the temple there. They have tried to purchase the nearby "Catholic" Church so they can demolish it, just to get rid of it away from their temple.

Many of the old houses from Smith's time still exist such as those pictured right.

Still very surprising to have come across this settlement as I, just like many, thought that Smith had led them out to Utah and founded Salt Lake City.

I sure as Hell would like the concession on Black Pants and White shirts as you'd make a killing in that town. Not to mention straw hats, a tradition that they have recently copied from the local Ahmish and Memonite(?) communities. They sure do have their fair share of "Religious Oddities" out here.

The previous day we travelled from Kirksville to Fort Madison via a town called Hannibal. You may have heard of this town as it was the home of Mark Twain the writer. Here he served as a Steam boat pilot and started his most famous writings such as Tom Sawyer ect.

We did a 1 hour cruise on the Mississippi  and a quick tour of the town by foot. Seen here are some of the photo's of the town and the "Paddle boat" that we took the cruise.

In all a nice interlude of two hours.




Yesterday we  also went to Burlington, did a quick tour of the town and then spent the afternoon at the Casino which as we all won was a very good time spent by us. Oh I played the blackjack, still don't like the Slot machines.

At the end of the day we all met up with Jim's relatives for supper and photo's which are below.

So our days here are now at an end. The next post will be a summary of our trip but will be done from home. Thanks for all those who followed the trip and posted comments, especially Bob.

Cheers

Neil W