From Omaha to Madison!

And to think it all started with a Quarter!

Hello from Madison, Wisconsin!

Needing more sleep than Robert, I actually slept in until almost 6:30 this morning – and it felt great!  Down to breakfast about 7:15 and then on the road a bit before 8 am.  Not too much traffic in downtown Omaha, and we were able to get out of town without too much problem.  Out of town actually took us over the Missouri River and into Council Bluffs, Iowa!  Who knew?!

View of Omaha Sunset from our hotel window!

More Omaha sunset photos!

Our plan for today was to get to Effigy Mounds National Monument – and that’s what started with a quarter!  We have been collecting the U.S. National Monument Quarters for the past several years, and have actually done pretty well!  We are up to date with the exception of Mississippi, which came out in 2011 and has proved to be very elusive for us to find.  However, several months ago, we came upon the 2017 Iowa Quarter for Effigy Mounds National Monument – neither of us had ever heard of it.  As we started poking a bit further, it turns out that thousands and thousands of ancient Indian mounds were all over the upper mid-west – from Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan.  We had been to the mounds of Cahokia, near St. Louis, several years ago – but those were just mounds, and not in any particular shapes.

Didn't realize there were cliffs in Iowa!

Going Uphill on the trail

Our route took us across Iowa, and then off the freeway at Independence for lunch.  We stopped at McDonald’s and R had one of their new sandwiches, and I had a chocolate shake.  Then, rather than getting back on the freeway, we decided to take all back roads working our way up to the farthest north eastern corner of the state, just across the Mississippi from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.  Truly beautiful countryside, and it was so nice and warm – somewhere in the low 70’s, and we were able to drive with the windows open and enjoy the fresh air.  (Although at one point, it literally started “raining” cottonwood fluff!  Great for my allergies, that’s for sure!)

Bridge over the Mississippi

Mighty and muddy Mississippi

Finally hit the Mississippi – and it was both very brown and very high.  We could see many trees half submerged in the water.  We had heard about flooding in the mid-west earlier in the spring – this may have been the result.

Found Effigy Mounds National Monument and headed into the combined Ranger Station/shop/auditorium/museum for a look around.  The nice ranger provided us with a park service map, and outlined some of the options for us to investigate.  As it turns out, the only way to see any of the mounds in the monument is to get out and walk!  She recommended a two-mile round trip hike, which we decided to do. 

First though, we sat through a 15-minute video about the original finding and recording of the mounds, in the mid-1800’s.  Many of the mounds were destroyed by farmers and settlers moving west, as if a mound was in the way, they would just plow right through it.  It took a very dedicated band of interested persons to work together to convince the U.S. Government to preserve those of the mounds that were left.  The monument contains several different types of mounds, and provides a good illustration of the variety available. 

View from the top

Thankfully a seat at the top!

The hike went up a very steep hill, leaving the museum far below.  Fortunately for us, it wasn’t too hot, and there was a nice breeze blowing, which helped to keep away some of the gnats.  We were able to get some lovely views over the Mississippi.  Got to the effigy mounds, and honestly – we were more than a bit underwhelmed.  They are only a few feet high – much, much smaller than those at Cahokia.  We well understand the concept of the mounds, but as Robert says, once you’ve been to Turkey and seen the magnificence of Gobeckli Tepe and the complex structures at Catal Hoyuk, you’d really have to go some to get a better construction.  So …

Basically, it wasn’t possible to see any of the mounds there from a height, which means that you are coming on them at ground level.  The mounds have been planted with a variety of grasses, and you can make out curves and flat spaces, but without being able to really get a good view, you really have to take the experts view of whatever they say it is.  Hmm…

Traveled past some circular mounds, and saw both a Great Bear and a Little Bear, as well as some odd shaped cylindrical mounds.  Many of them (but not all) were used as burial sites, and have been excavated over the years.

Very much enjoyed the hike, although have to admit that it was easier going out – downhill – than climbing up to the top of the hill on the way in!  Glad we went, as not we’re not sure we need to see any of the other area mounds! 

Back to the car and soon were crossing over the Mississippi and heading due east, to Madison.  Really lovely drive, all local non-freeway roads, and we pulled in to our hotel about 5:30 pm.   Another Homewood Suites in West Madison.  Lovely area!  Got everything up to our suite 514, and then headed out for dinner.

Several circle mounds

Large Bear Mound

Heading over the Mississippi

Delicious steaks!

We found Delaney’s Steak House just a mile or so down the road.  Nice place with indoor and outdoor seating.  We were seated in a lovely small room inside, and are glad to report that we had both outstanding food and wonderful service!  Lovely warm bread and butter to start.  We both ordered their filet mignon; mine was 6 oz. and R’s was 8 oz.  Both were brilliantly cooked rare, and served with salad and large baked potatoes.  Yummy!  Back to the hotel via the local Dairy Queen, and we’re now watching the NBA first final playoff game.  I’m hoping to get this posted and get to bed! 

Definitely an easier day tomorrow, as we are planning to have a leisurely drive through Lake Geneva (Yerkes Observatory) to the northern suburbs of Chicago, where we’ll be staying for our Chicago visit over the weekend!

More later!

m

xxx