Mississippi River North (Day 3 - Sep 29, 2020)

 Woke up early and because the wind was still blowing pretty strong and just fixed some pancakes and bacon in the camper and took off early for Pettibone Resort.  It was really great because I was on the Great River Road for most of the trip....you can tell because there were a lot of signs telling me so....and that is a good thing as I will explain.  Most of the road was really good but there was one stretch that was really narrow and no shoulder. I managed to get one picture:

It was very hilly and winding, and I saw very few cars....actually no signs of anyone for a long time.  My Google maps worked well until I messed with it and that was when it tried to reload only to find out I did not have any internet/phone connection.  So now I am driving along on this barely 2 lane road without any map.  Kept hoping I would get internet again....but nothing.  That part really wasn't much of a problem because I just kept following the Great River Road signs......However, the problem was that my gas tank was on 1/4 tank and there was no sign of any gas stations anywhere.....I had been looking since the tank reach the 1/2 tank mark.  So....I just gave it to God and kept driving - following the Great River Road signs.  Those signs got me to a better road and then they got me finally to a town that had a gas station....God is so good as my tank was nearing empty, and I did get internet service again only to find out that I was right on track.....love that Lord!!!

The rest of the trip was uneventful and really nice as I traveled right along the Mississippi for most of the distance.  Did manage to get a few pictures:

I actually was switching back and forth between Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.  There was one part of the road that had several places to pull over which I did at one of them:

Finally reached Pettibone Resort about 2:30 pm and got checked in.  This is really a nice place.  Took a bike ride around the area and then fixed a late lunch.... been snacking on some of Cari's treats.  Fixed hamburgers on the fire.....delicious.  

I was hoping to see some colors but nothing really yet.  I can tell the trees are starting to change and there were a few trees that did have good color.  

Mississippi River North (Day 2 - Sep 28, 2020)

 Slept pretty good, but the first night is usually the worst so I should be sleeping great for the rest of the trip.  The rain passed and I woke up to some really nice, cool weather.   Decided to cook breakfast over the fire and it turned out great.  Got to use my new grill for fires and it was super!!

Took a long bike ride around the campground and it is so big that I didn't get over to the tent area.  I did find some other nice areas and think I am going to have to come back again.  The site I had had swimming right at the site, but there is a sign that states you can swim at your own risk......of course I didn't even think out it.

This is one of a couple docks that I found which are really nice.  Next to this dock was another swimming area with a little beach.

This is a huge swimming beach with a really nice bath house as well.  Of course it was closed for the season, but I was really impressed.  Too bad Lakeside doesn't have something like this.....

Found this on my bike ride....Don't know if you can read/see it but the yellow line on the tree is the level the water rose during the 1993 flood.  It had to have covered the entire campground.  

I left late morning for Fisherman's Cove COE campground which is right on the Mississippi.  The trip was uneventful but I did stop at Walmart because I needed to get a cord for my phone....I am so use to just using the wireless charger that I forgot I needed it for connecting to my computer.  I also didn't bring enough eggs, so got them as well as some more things that are not good for me.......

Got a site close to the Mississippi but there are a lot of lily pads near the shore

Didn't really have any God sightings on the trip but I still thank him for getting me here safely.  

Mississippi River North (Day 1- Sep 27, 2020)

 Well, here it is the first day of my trip along the Great River Road to the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.  I left after teaching Sunday School, church, and lunch with the family on Sunday Sep 27.  I arrived about 5 pm at Wakonda State Park.  God was really good in that he held off the rain until I go set up, and then it rained until late at night.  I didn't get a chance to explore, but am hoping to this morning, and cook some eggs and bacon over a camp fire.  I dont' have to leave until 2:00 and check in at Fisherman's Cove is not until 400, so I have plenty of time.  Just fixed a tuna salad for supper, but then pigged out on too many of the good treats the Hannon family surprised me with yesterday.  

I am hoping I will have some good view of God changing the trees to the fall colors, but nothing yet.  The trip has been good....came up hwy 79 but didn't really get many views of the river until Clarksdale.  It took a lot longer but this trip is more about the journey than the destination. 

Yesterday was also a special day as I remember the first day with my Lady, Sep 27, 1957....Took her to a high school football game....don't remember much about the game but sure loved being with my date.  She was my first real date as I was very shy and turned red any time I got too close to a girl, but she made me feel comfortable.  Still miss her.......