Le Claire, Iowa
September 1, 2019

Dear Family & Friends:

August 30-Bellevue to Clinton

I overslept and was not back on the River until 11am. I locked through Lock No. 12 and hoped to reach Clinton, Iowa by the end of the day.

The conditions for paddling were perfect. A light layer of clouds provided relief from the sun. There was no wind. And, the surface of the water was glassy.

Given these conditions, I could not stop paddling. Who knows? Tomorrow, could bring back the wind, wakes and waves. I locked through Lock No. 13 at sunset and arrived in Clinton just before dark.

I secured my canoe in a marina and had dinner at the Candlelight Inn, a high-end restaurant in Clinton. At 10pm, I assembled my tent at a nearby park.

Despite the late start, this was a 38-mile day.

August 31-September 1-Clinton to Le Claire and a Zero Day.

I really enjoyed the August 31 trip from Clinton to Le Claire. At 11am, I stopped in front of a River home in Camanche and asked if the town had a cafe so I could order a cup of coffee. First, the owners of the home offered to make some coffee for me. I told them I needed a break from paddling and would like to walk to the nearest cafe. They allowed me to park my canoe on their beach and Bud drove me into town to the cafe. After enjoying a cup of coffee and a taco salad, the waitress drove me back to my canoe. This is the type of hospitality I have encountered the entire trip.

I arrived in Le Claire at 3:30pm and checked into the Holiday Inn motel, which is right on the River. I secured my canoe at a nearby marina. Just after checking in to the hotel, it started to rain hard. How is that for good fortune and providence?  This was a 22-mile day.

The highlight of my day was the visit from Pete, Gretchen and Michaela D’Amico. Pete is the son of Joe D’Amico, who is a dear friend I met several decades ago while practicing law. Pete and his family live in Woodbury, Illinois. They drove over two hours to meet with me. I am so grateful for the visit. We had a fabulous dinner at the Faithful Pilot restaurant on the main street in Le Claire. Pete, Gretchen and I love fine wine and food (in that order), so we were all in fine fettle. Our meals were great and the wine was fabulous.

Pete and Gretchen gave me the whole story on Le Claire. This beautiful little River town specializes in antiques. Le Claire is the home of “American Pickers,”featured on the History Channel. American Pickers travels around the country picking up antiques, which they sell at their store in Le Claire. Le Claire is also the home of the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Lone Star Steamer Display.

I decided to take a zero day on September 1 to explore this great city. In the morning, I walked a mile back into Le Claire and attended church. Then, I visited the American Pickers store and some other antique shops. I also toured the Buffalo Bill Museum and the Lone Star Steamer Display. I took the rest of the day off and watched some football games.

I have now traveled 823 miles.

Bill

Glassy water on August 30

Le Claire, Iowa

Gretchen, Michaela, Pete & Bill

 

American Pickers antique archaeology