Hannibal Missouri, home of Mark Twain and Molly Brown

 A couple of days of exploring the life and times of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens),

and  a "live performance" by Mark Twain himself--how timeless!

It was interesting to see and tour the actual cave that Mark Twain 

(Samuel Clements) explored as a kid.

It was different than the caves we are used to seeing - no stalactites or stalagmites - just a lot of limestone (and lights to see some of the rooms.)

Yes, Jessie James hid out here.

Lots of graffiti!

There he is!

The town has about 5 museums - here are all the characters in his books.

His history is varied and rich, many dollars made and lost.

One of the museums has original Rockwell paintings.

Tom and Becky escaping Injun Joe in the cave.

The "Live Presentation" 

interesting how Mark Twain's commentary on life and politics was then, 

but seemed like now!

The lighthouse in town is basically a memorial for the 100th anniversary.

It is too far from the river to be of any use as a real lighthouse,

but it is pretty and climbing up all the stairs is good exercise.

Amana Colonies, Iowa

The Amana's were a successful German communal society, integrating to New York from Europe in the 1700's.  They 'outgrew' their land in New York and needed more land for farming to feed their community, and found the lush place in Iowa for all the people to continue their self contained community.  They grew all their own food, ate in communal kitchens, made everything they needed, no one in the community ever had a paid job.  It was a rather idyllic and simple lifestyle.

Then economic disaster struck.  Their Woolen Mill burned to the ground, they had no insurance, and found themselves needing to have a job for sources of income. In combination with the depression, it forced them to give up the communal lifestyle and adopt traditional ways.  This is called "The Great Change" - 1933

They are excellent craftsman and businessmen- (Amana refrigerators). And the shopping is great!

A wonderful quilt shop

Pretty appropriate for us RV'ers

If I were to take up quilting, I'd sure do this one!

With all the cows we have seen around here- this one is a keeper!

Just outside one of the furniture stores-

They are known for their excellence in woodworking.

These whimsical 'calico cats' doorstoppers are so special to me because my mom and dad had toured here (very long ago) and dad insisted on me opening my Christmas present early.  [He passed away shortly after that and I just stood there with a huge lump in my throat😢, but so glad that I could be reminded of that event so many years later]

Then on to lunch

They are Germans, and they are farmers - nuff said--

Food is terrific!

Oh yes, and they like their beer - in 2 foot high steins!

Fantasy RV tour "Mississippi River Run"

includes plenty of food!

The towns are so pretty and picturesque with the old buildings and all the lovely flower pots!

No boring history today - just trucks and flowers - Davenport, Iowa

The parking lot holds 900 trucks (the BIG ones!)

 

Pretty much everything is provided.

Lou couldn't believe the size of the wind turbine blade (in the parking lot)

It is 75 yards long! (3/4 of a football field)

He paced it off.

This truck has over 850,000 miles on it-

and the instrument panel looks like a cockpit of an airplane.

(note the name on the side door)

Well, almost no history!

Off to the Gardens

Wisconsin to Iowa - National Mississippi Museum & Aquarium

 

Crossing the river - one of many different views.

We will do this many times on our journey since we are following 

The Great River Road and have 10 states to stop in.

       This is theNational Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, IA

Beaver pelts became the "Hairy Bank Note"

Beaver was compact and easy to trade for goods in the wilderness.

It was highly valued in Europe because the beavers had been over-hunted and beaver felt hats were very fashionable and costly.

In the 1780's hundreds of Indians and fur traders gathered annually for trading their goods for beaver pelts.

This eagle is at the museum, perhaps one that came from the rehab up the river?

surprised to see manta rays

Fun watching kids play

Then there is this kid!

Well, they said to try to pull the catfish out of his hole.

He looks peaceful - 

the bottom half is much larger.

Interesting to see the massive machinery and hear how they dredged the river every year -until they found they were destroying all the mussels which keep the river algae free (more or less).