After viewing The Surf Ballroom and crash site the plan was to head east in Iowa, but I am tired of looking at cornfields for all this past week. I needed to make some cuts from the itinerary. I scratched the Auto Thrill Show Memorabilia and Museum in La Porte City. I can live without seeing that. Further on eastward was Dyersville where the actual baseball field in the cornfield for the movie Field of Dreams another Kevin Costner flick, still exists. Although I liked the movie I am not a baseball fan and figured the long haul to Dyersville wasn’t worth it just to stand on a baseball diamond. I mean, no way would that provide the rush as standing next to the wood chipper from Fargo. Then even further on was Le Claire resting along the Mississippi River and a visit to the Antique Archeology store where the History Channel TV program originates from. I am a big fan of the program but what would I do once there? I’m too cheap to buy anything and what...have my picture taken with Danielle? I’m afraid I would embarrass myself staring at all of her tattoos. So all of those went by the wayside.
I resigned myself for just the short 10 mile trip east to Mason City and see the First National Bank of Mason City that John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and their crew robbed in March, 1934. Three miles into the drive I looked over my notes while driving. The last line read, “Now an apartment complex but the bank name is visible on the building”. Whoa! I pulled over and re-read that. I don’t want to see an apartment complex! How did I miss that? I did a U-turn and headed south on the Interstate for our next destination, The Bridges of Madison County. Yes, I am more of a romantic than a baseball fan.
Until then, here I am standing on the very stage in the Surf Ballroom that Buddy Holly, Big Bopper and Richie Valens performed on. It is a wonder I didn't pee my pants.
14 comments:
a nice bit of history, there. but you made me laugh about the 'standing next to the woodchipper from fargo.'
:)
Very cool! And it's great to see a photo of you! I'm with you on the corn though. Enough is enough.
The Bridges of Madison County!
OH…I am tearing up, I loved that movie so much that I didn't want to see it over and over. Maybe I will dig it out and watch it. PLEASE take some vibrant beautiful photos!!!
Yup. It never pays to have the route too fixed. Who knows what's around the next bend.
I can feel the excitement to stand in a place where a famous person has been. When I was 16 I have swept up the leaves of the hedge of Paul McCartney in Liverpool. I must still have them in the attic somewhere.
that was quite a moment on the stage...days gone by must've been floating in your head. Fun days, great music!
I agree corn fields could bore one after awhile. Great shot.
Cool guy :)
I am still laughing at your commentary...are you using a book of "strange and interesting things to see while traveling"? I would have loved to see the Antique Archaeology store...love that show. And I would have LOVED a photo of you standing with Danielle...that would have been one for the books!
haha, I really like the selfies you are taking this trip!
But you could have visited the Frank Lloyd Wright hotel in Mason City, seen the 76 trombones museum. Oh well. Next time.
Did you stop by and visit the Bell Tower in Jefferson, Iowa, my hometown? I bet not. My sister still lives there.
Yes, standing on that stage is pretty cool!
Well I am reading along . . . Awakened early and curious about your journeying, couldn't wait until the weekend.( Friday, 9.12.14) . . . Read about Hugh Glass, first I heard of him . . . reading about the grit and 200 mile struggle of survival . . . I realize you have me hooked, reading you.
On I go . . . reading and continuing on, tapping on Newer Post and I see Surf Ballroom, Mason City, Iowa, and I am home . . . Back in the fifties, dancing my heart out with the Big Bands that played there. I grew up in Hampton, Iowa, about 30 minutes south of Mason City . . . It was the "place to be"! Such memories I have!
Sure is fun reading you . . .
Not sure if you will see this comment being that this was a journey you were on a few years ago. I will drop you a note on your email.
As I said, I love reading you. Happy I signed on to you and Sinbad . . .
Do wonder about your wife back in California . . .
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