Friday, August 17, 2007

the heartland of america


thought i would give you a look at the view between chicago and nauvoo... row after perfect row of corn... farm after farm, silo after silo and much to my surprize toll after toll... $2.90, $1.90, $.90, .80, $.50, again and again and then the big one $6.00 coming out of Ohio. good thing i cashed in my stock...

couple helpful hints for those of you who are considering making the trip.

1. as mentioned above, have plenty of change for tolls.
2. one day is really not enough for any of the sites... you can do it, but if you have the time plan two... it's worth it.
3. i've been lucky with the temperature... august is normally 85+, with lots of humidity... ask nina, i'd go spring or fall next time.
4. bring bug spray to nauvoo... misquitos, big black flies that sting upon landing, and funny little black things, draining the swamp didn't clear out the bugs... they're thick and they're everywhere.
5. go early to the sites... the senior couples are great and love the company... by getting to the sites early, i've been lucky enough to be alone and get my own personel tours.
6. read up on the sites before you go. knowing the history before you get there allows for better understanding and you can dig deeper with the guides to clarify the questions that will arise when you go through the tours.
7. i have appreciated the presentations by the Community of Christ church who owns the Kirtland Temple, and Joseph Smith property's in Nauvoo. They do a great job, but pale in comparison to the presentation the church does. Makes you appreciate the attn. to detail, upkeep of the properties, and sincerety & knowledge of the senior and lady missionaries. the spirit they bring to their presentations is infectous... they thoughtfully present the material and always close by bearing their testimony. there is a sweet and undeniable spirit at each of the churches sites seems to be lacking at the others.
8. take in the plays and musical groups, saw two today and both were great... even the senior missionaries get to perform.
9. talk with the other folks visiting the sites. most are LDS, but i got to tour with a community of christ gentlemen and had a great conversation with him re: the differences in the two churches, why he's there etc. good fun, get meet people and learn things from another perspective.
10. go with somebody, this has been great but would be even better to be able to share it in person with someone...

cheers...

2 comments:

brittany said...

cool pics. i especially like the one in the bottom corner with the white farm house.

brittany said...

by the way, i am sorry you are experiencing the whole thing by yourself. i wish i could go with you.