Hike, Bike and Tug

We took a 3 mile hike this morning through woods and around the hill and back again.  Then this afternoon we rode our bikes back up to Port Byron and learned a little bit about the Tug Fest that is held there every year.

Tomorrow afternoon teams of 20 strong men or 25 strong women from Illinois will tug a rope across the mighty Mississippi pulling against teams from Iowa.  The rope alone must weigh over 60 pounds, and then they have to pull across the river and against a current so they must be very strong. Around this tug of war there is lots of things going on in each small town. Port Byron has a small carnival,  a bag toss tournament and a arm wrestling tournament. The small town of Le Claire across the river has a carnival and other activities as well. Then later that night there will be a big fireworks display for both cities.