Last day of the Journey

What was going to be the second to the last day of our journey became the last day of the journey. Plan A was to stay on the Mississippi somewhere and return to Lake Mills on sunday. However, it didn't quite happen that way.
We did get up and visit the farmers market a couple blocks from the campground. There we purchased a blueberry scone, a blueberry fritter and a bag of peanut butter dog biscuits for Charlie.
We followed many, many motorcycle riders that were on their way to Sturgis for the Ralley that starts on August 8th. Frank talked to a guy from Germany that had been riding around on an old Harley through Canada and the United States and was going to end up at Sturgis. He had a little tent and was gone by morning from the campground.
We drove to the Mississippi and to LeClaire, IA. This is a river town north of Davenport a few miles. I lived there while my father was principle of schools there. I was 5 and 6 years old at the time, so over 50 years ago. I asked Frank to humor me and go find the house I had lived in back then. I hadn't been back there since I moved all those years ago. It was amazing that I found the place with relative ease.

This is the humble house that my Mother, Father, older brother, myself and younger sister lived in. This is where I learned to ride a bicycle, took ballet lessons, attended kindergarden and first grade. My Dad planted the big trees in the yard.

Here is the school, that no longer is a school, that I attended. I very nice new elementary school is now in town. Like all river towns there is a large hill that goes from the Mississippi to where I lived. I remember of being so frightened to ride my bike to school for fear of now being able to stop my bike on the big hill and ending up in the Mississippi river.

And here is a picture of the Mississippi taken from a potential campsite we chose not to stay in. All of these had been flooded recently and still showed a little ware and tare. We chose to head on home instead. After 4300 miles, we pulled into the driveway of our home. Home sweet home.

But look, nature has taken over. In the two short weeks we have been away weeds have encroached the flower beds, the squash plant is taking over the yard,and the tomato plants have become monsters. Nothing stands still.

And finally, it is my oldest daughter's birthday today. She is 25 years old and we had a great time helping her move and having her accompany us to Cape Cod. Happy Birthday, LeAnn.