Day Five ... I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad. ~George Bernard Shaw

After our night in luxury...anything would pale in comparison.  Fortunately the room we rented in last nights Ramada was inexpensive and decently clean.  We also had complimentary breakfast and internet.  I felt particularly sanitary after reading the posted sign behind the concierge desk.  Since you cant actually read the sign in the photograph, I have written what it said.  You too will feel confident in the amenities after you read it...

[Please do NOT use the pool if you have the following symptoms:]

1. Diarrhea 

2. Vomiting 

Seriously? There must have been a need to post it, I am afraid. Welcome to the dirty south folks!

As we drove through Missouri and Illinois, our view was incredible.  Filled with farms, corn and picturesque barns. As if on queue, the gentleman below came around the corner on his mower. Thanks!

Only in Kansas could this be accepted...good thing we like sandwiches, right?

Our first destination of the day was Nauvoo.  A former mission president and his wife are now serving as mission president for the Nauvoo mission.  I wanted to visit them, and the city.  It has been about 7 years since I have been to Nauvoo.  As we rounded the corner to approach the city, the Mississippi river appeared on our left and we began one of the most breathtaking views of the entire trip.  

The glorious river extended beyond our view and from the shore we could see masses of water lilies. Wedged together tightly, they formed a soft carpet of intense beauty.  The photos I took hardly does the scene justice.  

Nauvoo itself is a quaint place, full of history and tell-tale red brick of the mid-1800 time period. Obviously the neighborhood feels protective of its city...

We even found a friend for Cici (my car)...its the same model complete with a modified version of our tarped treasures...(this family was traveling from NY)

I know there are many great places to eat in Nauvoo, right? Well, Grandpa's Attic looks cute but their menu wasnt.  Suffice it to say it wasnt a good choice.  White bread and Oscar Myer lunch meat. Oh well. Live and learn.

The Nauvoo temple stands regally against the pale cornflower blue sky. Another powerful reminder of the sacrifice and faith of the early Mormon pioneers.

Some of those early pioneers were my ancestors.  They came from England, sacrificing most of their possessions to join in the great exodus west.  Their time in the beautiful city of Nauvoo was yet again, just another brief resting place.  After establishing a city, persecution forced them to flee.  There is a street in the city called Parley street.  It is perhaps the longest road in the town.  It goes directly to the waters edge. This place was the beginning of the tragic and triumphant movement to Utah.  Among those were my family - the Loaders.  James Loader (the father) died of sickness while moving west.  The wall below stands as a tribute to the pioneers who never made it to the Salt Lake Valley.  His name is listed.  It reminded me of the great heritage I stand on.  My people did hard things.  They made tough decisions.  They lost, loved and labored for a great cause.  This is my blood.  This is my family.  This is my legacy.