Nauvoo...Here We Come

After spending the day driving the Auto Tour, Route 34, thru Iowa, we arrived in Ft. Madison, Iowa, which borders the Mississippi River with a turnstile bridge.  
This Woodruff Hotel sign caught my eye.   I asked Allan if we could stay there, since I'm a great, great grand daughter of Wilford Woodruff.  


                                        A row of barges were coming down the river, so we waited on the bridge for twenty minutes,  while a portion of the bridge turned to allow the tugboat through.  Watching the sunset the jet planes seemed to make an 'X' in the sky.  It felt like an 'X' marks the spot right over Nauvoo.  I wanted to get out and look over the railing, but signs say,  "Stay in your car."  I was informed by Allan and obeyed them.
 The toll is $2, but if you get "barged", it's free.  And we were soon crossing to Illinois.
We arrived about 7 p.m.  Everything was closed except Casey's, the gas station convenience store.
Luckily, the Vacant sign was flashing at the Woodruff Hotel.  Minutes after we called the number in the lobby, the clerk arrived and offered us their best family suite.    


   We've heard that in November and December the owners rent these rooms for $25 per night, if we have family come to enjoy the holidays with us.
 We had three beautiful rooms with king size beds, two decks and great view of the temple. 
  Here's the 'X' marking the spot as we wait to cross the Mississippi.
 Our balcony and rooms are shown here above the front entrance.   Seeing the temple out the window, put out weary minds and fears to rest, knowing all would be well in the morning.
In twelve hours the president we meet.
With anxiety high, it feels like the hot seat.
He'll assure us FM is really neat.
And find out this mission call can't be beat.



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