The Class of '58 Mini Cruise
The Upper Mississippi River
September 7 - 8, 2006!
Join our class members aboard the lavish Victorian-styled but modern steamboat, The Twilight. Mark Twain called such a boat a Floating Palace.” More details about the Twilight can be found at the Twilight's web site: www.riverboattwilight.com.
The trip begins at Le Claire, Iowa where a century ago many river pilots built their family homes. Heading up river you will see the lands of native Americans, fur traders, and lead miners from over two centuries past.
There will be long stretches of primitive river scenery with wild life such as bald eagles, white pelicans, cormorants, and snowy egrets. The image on the left shows immature bald eagles, just three weeks out of the nest, sitting near their birth nest.
This relaxing two-day adventure of 100 river miles each day will provide wonderful meals and mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks, a cocktail bar, entertainment by local area residents, a possible visit from the famous Mark Twain, and time to relax and listen to the calliope with traditional tunes to make you smile. While traveling the river, the riverboat Pilot will even let you onto the bridge where you can see the river as the pilot see it. And, for the adventurous, the pilot may even let you steer the riverboat.
After dinner the first night, The Twilight will dock you within easy walking distance of the Grand Harbor Resort Hotel in Dubuque, Iowa, where you will have luxury accommodations and breakfast the second day. During the morning hours of the second day, you may choose to take the 4th street cable car, gamble at the Diamond Jo Casino, shop in the Cable Car Square area, or visit the National Mississippi River Museum – a division of the Smithsonian! You re-board The Twilight before lunch to continue back down the river through two sets of locks, returning to Le Claire after dinner.
You will have time to relax and renew friendships with others from the class of ’58. This cruise won't break your social security budget. Total cruise package is about $270 per person. Le Claire is about 310 miles from St. Louis and a motel (modest prices available) or a campsite is needed one night before and one night after the cruise.
Please call or email Glenda Dilling Bentz if you have interest or any questions. Brenda will send you a full 2005 picture brochure. Disabled persons are fully accommodated on the riverboat.
In order to "get on board" our mini-cruise, you need to make your reservation directly with the Twilight Mark Twain. To do this you must call the River Boat Cruise Co and make your reservations. Their phone number is: 1-800-331-1467
Please mention "Class of ’58" when you call to make reservations for the September 7 -8, 2006 mini-cruise. We hope to all be seated together on the main floor of The Twilight. Remember, if you would like to find out more, please go to the website: www.riverboattwilight.com
314-961-3015 bentg@sbcglobal.net
Pictures from Jerry Bentz' Twilight trip in July 2005.