The combined
District 20 and District 30 Cruise and Rendezvous was held
the weekend of July 15-17 in both Clinton, IA and Fulton, IL.
Just short of 100 people attended this event with about 23 from
District 30. The Elias and the Wardens attended from St. Louis
Terry and
I wanted to do some extra things while we were there so we
added a Thursday on the front end of the trip. We knew there
was going to be some boating involved with a long trip starting
on Sunday.
We were debating whether to bring our boat to the event and participate
in some of the water activities but the thought of waiting to
lock through on a 100 degree day convinced us to leave the boat
at home.
We got to our hotel in Fulton about 2:30 and checked in. We
headed over to the Clinton Marina where we met up with the Danley
clan with there boat, Rex Lecocq with his Carver, Jim and Cindy
of Chain of Lakes Squadron with their 27' Rinker. Of course they
had their two dogs Mario and Luigi with them who accompanied
us on our outing. There was also another D/20 boat but I didn't
catch their names.
Friday morning three boats, the Danley's, Rex's and Luigi's
headed down to Le Claire, IA to do some sight seeing and a lunch.
Terry and I rode wit Rex. Ken picked up his uncle who happens
to live in Princeton and then we continued down river. We tied
up to the rickety dock in Le Claire with Rex doing a super job
of bringing his boat in between the other three boats at the
dock.
We first went to the Buffalo Bill Museum which was really neat.
More of a 19th century museum than specifically about Buffalo
Bill. We ate lunch across the street at Happy Joe's and then
walked over to Antique Archeology. Home of the American Pickers
to those that watch the show on the History channel.
We trekked back to the boat and got on and headed back to the
marina. The day was getting hot and it was good to feel the breeze
and cool spray again. We got back to the marina and everyone
took a break to get ready for registration and hospitality.
Registration, Hospitality and wine tasting were at the Pavilion
at Eagle Point Park. A terrific spread was put out for everyone
to quench their thirst and satisfy their appetite. Wine tasting
was provided by the Wide River Winery.
Saturday morning started with D/30 conducting their council
meeting at the Comfort Suites in Fulton while D/20 was across
the river in Clinton. The meeting was adjourned and everyone
headed to the Restaurant at the Clinton Marina.
We were treated
to a terrific presentation by Amy Seely, a Meteorologist based
in Chicago. She gave a lively and informative presentation
on weather forecasting and conditions and new tools available
to
meteorologist. She wrapped up her presentation in time for
us to get a terrific meal at the marina. After lunch everyone
went
their way to the planned activities in the area. Terry and
I and Dick Stablin went to the Dutch Windmill in Fulton. This
is
an actual working mill which grinds many different types
of grains. We then headed to Heritage Canyon an 1800s settlement. The heat
of the day was kicking in and we retreated back to the motel.
The evening event was dinner at Rastrelli's a fine dining restaurant
in Clinton. An excellent meal was provided. Raffles were called.
Terry won one of the centerpieces and I won a camping grill built
by George Shimek.
Back to the Hospitality Room in Fulton.
Sunday morning 3 boats from Des Moines headed up the Mississippi
on a multi day trip with La Crosse Wisconsin as their destination.
We'll hear more about that trip another time.
All in all this was a great Cruise and Rendezvous. Doing an
occasional event with another district is a great idea.
P/D/C
Gus Elia, AP
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