Dubuque

Having been raised in the Mohave, I have an appreciation for green. Show me a palm tree and I'll toss you some synonyms for "lush", but, Iowa is a whole other world. You like green? This place redefines it.








Julien Dubuque's grave, a monument to the town's founding father, looks over a spectacular river vista. You can sit on the memorial bench of one of Dubuque's other greats, Tim Miller, to contemplate Mark Twain quotes while taking in what must be the best view in town.








Lunch at Catfish Charlies. Cool building, nice patio dining, not the best food, but ambiance counts for something.




High powered meeting at a coffee shop on bluff st. with local mover and shaker, Bryce Parks. For everything going on in town you can check out his regional network and @ http://www.dubuque365.com or pick up the free 365ink at most local hotspots.  Bryce and I strolled past the famous 4th st. cable car elevator over to Outside the Lines Gallery http://www.otlag.com which specializes in fine art by local artists.  It may just be the best place to pick up a souvenir.  (I mean, wouldn't you prefer to take home an object that appreciates?) 

And of course no trip to the wholesome Midwest is complete without a drive in the country.





And puppies.


- Posted by Joshua from my iPhone

National River Museum Dubuque, IA

This is the Mississippi.



She's a beaut.

A barge, just past lock & damn #11. This is how they move grain down to the gulf.


Here I am outside the National River Museum in Dubuque, IA


It's got a fun new kids section.



See the kids


Informative exhibits


Like this one on Native American trade


And this



Showing the effects of the recent BP oil spill/disaster in the gulf. They took the fish out. I missed the fish.


Luckily they still had some in the river section. Big, ugly, fish.

Big, scary, alligator


What? You see what behind me?


Just kidd'n. See, I survived and here I am with a paddle wheel boat.

-Posted by Joshua from my iPhone