Saturday morning began with temperatures in the low 30's, not a great start to a weekend motorcycle ride in mid October. Plans were to leave by late morning so that clouds may give way to sunny skies and temperatures would rise to the low 40's at least. Well, as many plans are just that, we didn't see any sun until mid afternoon, just prior to crossing the Mississippi River in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.
One of our first stops was Rural Route 1 Popcorn. Should you find yourself in Montfort, WI and you love popcorn, this is a must stop! Rural Route 1 Popcorn started in 1983, however seed corn here was first established in 1906. Seed corn through the years had decreased sales, and the government started to pay farmers to sustain planting their fields for a year. Rather than stop planting a crop, the Biddiscks decided to plant 25 acres and use the same processing equipment that had been used for their seed corn. Today several hundred of the 3,000 farmed areas are used to produce gourmet popcorn! No matter what your flavor of choice is, Rural Route 1 Popcorn can fill it!
Mid afternoon temperatures finally broke into the 50's and we crossed over the Mississippi River into Marquette, Iowa. As we road over the bridge that connects Prairie du Chien, WI and Marquette looking to the north we all saw our main reason for making this venture, Eagles Landing Winery along with our lodging for the night Cobblestone Inn & Suites. We excited State Highway 18 onto North Street and found parking to be at a premium, however a spot was open directly in front of the winery (score!).
Both Harley-Davidson FLHTK Limited's found plenty of room for a rest as we welcomed some needed time off the motorcycles. Looking to the west and east down North Street we saw little shops and many enjoying the fall favorable warmth of a Saturday afternoon. About 1 block away from the winery, was our lodging, the Mississippi River and Casey's Gas Station and a little further to the south along the River the Queen Casio. For the next 24-hours everything we needed was within walking distance or even closer (if that was even possible!).
We didn't want any photo opportunities to go wasted, so pictures were taken prior to making our way into the little winery. Once inside it was elbow to elbow customers enjoying the samples of this Grape along the Mississippi River. Campfire Hootch, their Double Gold Award winning wine at the Tasters Guild 2018 International Wine Competition was our favorite sample! Before checking into the hotel, Cathy & I (or should you talk to her, I purchased 6 bottles of wine without her approval) got our order in! Marc and I checked into the hotel while Cathy & Chris enjoyed a bottle of Oktoberfest (Double Gold Winner).
Since parking was limited, the Harley's were moved from in front of the winery, to the 1 block away and into a "special" place the hotel staff told us about, within 50 feet of the front door!! Another SCORE! Marc and I made the long, exhausting walk back to the winery, were we found there was still some Oktoberfest left in the bottle for us to sample! Chris had opened the, what appeared 5 pound bag of mixed popcorn she had purchased at Rural Route 1 Popcorn and we all enjoyed the nice afternoon.
This was our first batch of bottles we purchased! From left to right; Grandpas Reserve, Serenity (chocolate rasberry dessert wine), Campfire Hootch (a blend of 6+ grapes), Spiced Apple, Honey & Berries (a Mead classic) and Oktoberfest. Day 2 we added; Starboard of Marquette (a Port style wine, a little tighter in ABV) and Outstanding White. The one bottle that didn't make it back home was Oktoberfest since we had opened it up at the Winery and drank from plastic wine goblets under a wooden pergola adjacent to the winery.
The employees at Eagles Landing Winery were very friendly and knowledgeable of the many, many different flavors of wine they produce. We were allowed 5 samples for free, though we found ourselves enjoying more without any added coin. Maybe it was because we bought 6 bottles? Many signs and seasonal wall hangings adorned the walls and were for sale. This little winery along the Mississippi River was quaint and a must see! Because this was the last winery on our Great River Wine Tour, we all had our wine passport stamped and then turned it in for etched wine glasses! Cathy found that not only was Eagles Landing Winery part of the Great River Wine Tour, but also one of 11 on the Iowa Wine Trail. Upon completion of the Passport, wine goers will each receive 2 etched wine glasses! The 4 of us vowed to make this tour a must next riding season!
Once back at the hotel, we decided to take in the Scenic Overlook, which is adjacent to the Cobblestone Inn & Suites. What a wonderful view overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown Marquette! Several more photo opportunities we had.
With The Milwaukee Brewers playing in their first National League Championship Series, I knew we (mainly ME!) had to be close to a working TV. It was close to dinner time and the Brewers we leading 1-0 over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the middle innings, so thoughts of dinner grew closer. Across the street from the hotel was Marquette Bar & Cafe. This was a nice little cafe, with an extensive menu, though the only working televisions all had college football! Don't get me wrong, I love college football, however The Brewers were playing!! The four of us decided to leave prior to ordering and walk over to The Queen Casio (Cathy & I had a hosted a Touring' Hawgs Ride many. many years ago that took the group to the Casio for lunch and gambling before heading back to Watertown, WI). The buffet dinner we enjoyed ($21.99) had something for everyone to enjoy (Prime Rib, Ribeye Steaks, Fried Shrimp, Fried Frog Legs, Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Fish, Friend Chicken, Riblets, Pizza, Mac & Cheese, Crab Legs, Vegetables, Salads and many different Desserts).
After dinner, the four of us made our way to the slot machines in an effort to pay for our weekend! How did that go you ask? We all lost whatever little money we played. Cathy $15 and myself $20. However playing the $.05 and $.25 machines, we had entertainment for abut 15 minutes )lol)!
Our haul of the Great River Road Wine Trail..........19 bottles, 2 glasses and an extra Passport Brochure. I know, there are only 13 bottles shown - 6 have already been emptied. Keep in mind we started this Wine Trail in August (lol)!!
We never, ever consume and ride! Please remember to practice your skills! Get Safer, by being more Skilled and be a Smarter Rider. As we begin to store the motorcycles for the colder months, please reflect on the type of rider you were this season. Ask yourself how you can improve on your skills and reflect on the many adventures from the 2018 riding season. I myself can always improve my skills, especially as I get older. I vow to ride more than the 4200 miles I did this season, my fewest in several years. This past ride to Marquette, IA roundtrip just under 300 miles.
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