Wednesday was our day to make plans for the week. We decided to take the Channel Cat across the Mississippi, and walk around the historic village of East Davenport, and have lunch at Lagomarcino’s – a family-owned soda fountain/candy shop that has been in business since 1908.

We crossed the river into Illinois and boarded the cat. This is a covered “water taxi” that stops several places along the Mississippi. There were excited groups of small boys waiting to get off to tour the John Deere factory. The cost is very reasonable – $6 per adult, $3 per child (under 2 years of age is free).

The Mississippi is wide and muddy. As we cruised along the banks, visions of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn came to mind. The low hanging branches just above the waterline seem iconic.

We disembarked at East Davenport and walked around the historic town. It’s full of quirky shops in old buildings. Rob got a real kick out of the Iowa (quilt scrap) version of the peace flags we see all over Portland.

There was also a pocket park which reminded us of home.

We then headed to the historic soda fountain for lunch – it was very charming, and the food was quite good. There were candies galore!

We then boarded the cat for a cruise back across to Illinois and the car.

After our tour, we took a drive up into the historic neighborhoods. I’d been impressed with the gorgeous old Victorian mansions on the heights overlooking the river when I’d come out for my niece’s wedding, and wanted Rob to see them. There is one particular spot that overlooks the river and showcases some of the most well-kept and beautiful old homes.

We headed back home to Sally’s for the afternoon, and then she took us to an Iowa institution for dinner – the Iowa Machine Shed – with probably the best pork I have ever eaten, all in a farmer-themed setting.

Then it was on to visit our niece and husband and their children, and to dessert at another Iowa institution – Whitey’s Ice Cream shop!