We usually go for a “leaf drive” this time of year. We always end up, sooner or later in the day, at Pike’s Peak State Park, just south of McGregor. This year, there was an added goal: we were meeting friends in Marquette!
Not just any friends, mind you, but Gary Thomas and his wife Sarah! We hadn’t seen the two of them for at least two years, so it was indeed a joy! Of course anytime one is around Gary, it is a joy!
Gary and Sarah Thomas, Pat and Keith Williams
in McGregor, Iowa
After lunch in Prairie du Chien, we stopped in McGregor as they were having an art and craft show around the little “city triangle.” This picture was taken there. Click on it to enlarge it, if you wish.
Then it was the short drive up the hill to Pike’s Peak. The parking lot was full, possibly because there had been a wedding at the park and the reception was still going on. But mostly because it was a beautiful day and Pike’s Peak is a great place to view the Mississippi!
Of course we enjoyed the great view from the lookout balcony, the neat dogs which passed by, and at the families with all sizes of kids out enjoying the day.
A friend of Gary’s happened by, so we conned him into taking these next two pictures. One is of two classmates from LSHS ’55; the other is of the gals they were lucky enough to marry 50 years ago (Thomases) and 41 years ago (Williamses).
In the interest of full disclosure, I probably should mention that Gary and I are cousins, specifically second cousins once removed. But we sort of ignore that, as we’re a lot closer friends than we are cousins!
Gary and Keith LSHS ’55
Pat and Sarah at Pike’s Peak
Of course we were aware that there is a casino in Marquette, so after the Thomases headed back to their home in New Albin, we went to the boat and made a contribution. However, this year the contribution was made by Pat, as I increased my “investment” by 50%!
But what can one do with $1.50?
There was a beautiful sunset which we enjoyed from McGregor to Elkader, where we stopped to eat.
