Okay, here's a bunch of the pictures ... only a fraction of those we took, but probably more than you cared about. :shrug:

:)

Tbe second picture is of this couple celebrating their anniversary. (blush). And, the last picture (9983a) is of a bald eagle's nest along side the river. The eagles have returned to Illinois and there are a few pair nesting along the course of the river. :)

More pics ...
 

Here's a few more ...

The entrance to the lodge, one of the "chain saw" art sculptures that are all around the grounds, the main hall where we were meeting to hear "Mark Twain" and finally, Mark Twain himself. :)

Oh, yeah, the bottom one (out of order) is another sculpture of an eagle and here eaglets in a nest high up in an old tree. Beautiful. For half a second, I thought it was real. ;)

Last bunch ... next morning and our trip home ...

First pic of us all getting back on board The Spirit of Peoria yesterday morning. Next, our piano player playing the calliope, The ladies in the audience participated in one song with the guys all whooping and a hollerin' to cheer them on; then, our story teller and river historian (outstanding). Finally, we caught up with a tow boat pushing 12 barges and passed it.

Here's a map of the route ...
 

... it's in the attachment. :)

looks like fun! The lodge is beautiful! A very romantic little get-away.

Is there such a thing as too much fun? Doesn't seem like you've reached that point yet.

Nah. That's why I won't let the cancer get the best of me. Still got PAGAN 09 in Michigan, plans for a cruise to St. Louis in the fall or next spring (3 days and 2 nights on the boat); and, PAGAN 10 in Vegas. Heck I don't have time to be sick. If they want me sick, they'll just have to keep to my schedule. :)

But, as an insurance, all the good wishes help ... for all us Pixies whether we're hurting right now or not. :thumbs:

DB