Anniversary Trip-- Day 1 Galena to Dubuque

We arrived in Galena and took a drive down Main Street and then back out to US-20 to go to Dubuque. The storm clouds that had been about all day, then let loose on us. It was difficult to even see the road and, at one point, we had hail. This was a major storm. Driving across the Mississippi Bridge was a real joy.

Went out west of Dubuque to play NTN at the new Buffalo Wild Wings. The parking lot was running red with clay from the downpour.

When it let up, we drove back downtown to a favorite watering hole called Paul's Tavern, located near the bridge. This place dates back to the 1940s and has glass bricks out front and a sign welcoming people to come in and look at the stuffed animals. The original owner was an avid hunter, and even in his upper 80s today likes to get out on a hunt. These are all animals he's shot.

The bartender said that they have also been hit with big-time rain. Last night, she saw traffic sawhorses being swept down the street by the deluge.

I know of no other pace where you can get an old-fashioned schooner of beer, although they called it a scoop. Drink prices were very reasonable and they have a limited menu with most sandwiches in the $2-3 range. There is also an old Indian statue sitting by the jukebox with a sign on it asking patrons not to touch it. I've also seen two other Indian statues at the Canfield Hotel in Dubuque, plus four playing poker at the Turquois Tee Pee souvenir shop in Williams, Arizona, right on Route 66. I'm sure there's a story there.

Still on Day 1, but Reckon I'll Finish it Up the Next Posting. --RoadDog