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Best Burger in Iowa for 2013 |
Here it is… The Iowa Beef Industry Council’s Best Burger in Iowa for 2013. It is served by the 61 Chop House Grille and Liquid Lounge in the small town of Mediapolis. This sandwich lives up to its title! More about that in a minute…
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J = Johnnie’s (Muscatine), X = Mediapolis, M = Marr Park |
It was difficult to get out for this quick little trip. I’ve been working 50 plus hours per week driving railroad crews around in Ford or Chevy vans. It’s a labor of love…. Seriously, it’s fun to jump in a van with little warning, run across the state, and find cool new eateries and convenience stores, not to mention discover new parks for potential camping! When not “van trekking” in my own van, I’m doing it for a living! Somebody upstairs must have a sense of humor. There is not a shift that goes by that I don’t thank God for this job and pray for the safety of the crew that I am transporting.
After finishing a run across the state and back on Monday night, I got a call from my buddy Johnnie in Muscatine. He’s been having a tough time lately and with his birthday coming up, it was a great opportunity to visit him. I left Cedar Rapids on Monday evening and camped at the favorite Hills campground near Iowa City with plans to head to Muscatine on Tuesday. Unfortunately, there might not be any Hills camping for a bit. Check out this picture…..
This next picture was taken after a historic Iowa drought in 2012. What a difference! With heavy thunderstorms predicted over the Iowa River basin, upstream the dam will be opened even further, threatening the campground for the next few weeks. The water is just a couple of feet from reaching the camping spots. By the time this is posted, it is likely the campground has been breached by the raging waters.
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Summer / Fall 2012 |
Once I got to Muscatine, Johnnie and I went out for lunch and had a chance to catch up. We did some shopping and then it was time to hit the road. It was a good visit for two best friends.
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My buddy, Johnnie, at the China Buffet in Muscatine |
I sure wish it was possible to spend more time in Muscatine. Perhaps some day I may move there. Who knows? After taking off, I headed south from Muscatine on Highway 61. The plan was to visit the 61 Highway Chop House Grille. About two weeks ago I heard a radio program discussing their being awarded the “Best Burger in Iowa” title from the Beef Industry Council. That’s reason enough to visit!
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What a cool looking bar! Too bad iced tea was all that got ordered! |
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Who doesn’t like an ice cream cone on the road? |
Brad, the “Van Trekker”
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