Sue:  Thursday 7/21-Goodbye LeClaire, Hello Sabula

Woke up to sunshine reflecting off the water (the good), realizing another week has slipped by (the bad), and a boat covered in mayflies (the ugly)!  It was an early start to the day as the riverboat which was parked right behind us started playing its calliope music at 8 am (which John appreciated…NOT!).  We all really enjoyed LeClaire (for different reasons) and would highly recommend this town to anyone considering a river trip. 

We would advised by the LeClaire locals to go to Sabula (“the only town in Iowa on an island”) so that became our destination. 

Sue:  Thursday 7/21-Goodbye LeClaire, Hello Sabula

Woke up to sunshine reflecting off the water (the good), realizing another week has slipped by (the bad), and a boat covered in mayflies (the ugly)!  It was an early start to the day as the riverboat which was parked right behind us started playing its calliope music at 8 am (which John appreciated…NOT!).  We all really enjoyed LeClaire (for different reasons) and would highly recommend this town to anyone considering a river trip. 

We would advised by the LeClaire locals to go to Sabula (“the only town in Iowa on an island”) so that became our destination. 

On our way upstream today, we stopped mid-channel to have a dedication to those who we love and have inspired us on this journey. Each of us stood on the back deck of the boat and with roses (obtained in Muscatine) we each gave a short dedication to a loved one and then tossed a rose in the water in their honor.  Yes, tears were involved (although the guys will probably deny this) and this was yet another very spiritual moment on the water and one that I personally will never forget. 

We were told to pick whatever open slip we came across when arriving in Sabula and once we had the boat secured a very nice man (Mark) came over and after chatting for a bit he graciously offered his car to us so that we could drive into town for the famous “Bombfire Pizza” which truly was an unique experience!  After our fill of pizza, we walked to a bar right on the water and ended up playing a game of darts (yes, John won again…first at the bean bag game and now at darts!).  John went outside after the game and immediately called us outside to witness the wall cloud coming our way.  We quickly jumped in the car to head back to the boat and had to reroute as a huge tree came crashing down on the main street.  I was glad to be with two men who remained cool and calm as this girl was scared!  We made it back safely and quickly put up all the canvas on the boat before the rain hit.  It was a bit of a restless night, but thankfully there was no damage to the boat (or us).  

Sue:  Friday, 7/22- Sabula to Dubuque

We thankfully survived yet another storm (although this one for me was one of the scariest), and awoke to a very calm quiet harbor and a very welcomed cool breeze!

After calling the lockmaster and finding out that 4 barges were waiting to get through, the guys pulled the lines from our quiet harbor of Sabula (while I continued working on the eggs that had just started sizzling on the stove) and we were off on another adventure! 

We work well together as a crew and I believe that part of that lies in each of our passions for the water.

After locking through LD#12, we stopped for a very invigorating swim (another cooker of a day), followed by a shower off the back deck (also refreshing!) and then rollin on the river up to what now feels like home (Dubuque).  Peter talked to the good ol’ crew at American Marine about surveying the new damage to the props and they graciously agreed to pull the boat out of the water.  So, up the Simple Pleasure went again in the sling and the “fixit team” came up with a plan to work their magic to repair (not replace) the props.  However, that meant another 3 day stay in Dubuque.  At this time, who should wander walk by but our dear friend Mike Wilson!!  He couldn’t believe we were back again and generously offered his car and home to us.  Again, one of the mottos of this trip is to “expect the unexpected”!

Another Mike (my hubby) joined our crew this night in Dubuque….he arrived around 8pm after picking up John’s car in Red Wing.  While it may not have been what he expected (as in joining the boat crew), it probably was a bit better as the AC of the hotel was welcomed in the incredible heat/humidity that we’ve been experiencing.