This statute in Nauvoo memorializes Joseph and Hyrum's Smith's departure from Nauvoo to Carthage on June 24, 1844. It stands in front of the Nauvoo Temple with the Mississippi River in the distance. I photographed the statute on the rainy morning of October 24, 2008, just before Carla and I left Nauvoo with Ginger and Elliott and their children. …

The Nauvoo Temple rises on a hill overlooking the River.

The tower, topped by the Angel Moroni, has four clocks facing outward. The sunstones are prominent features on all sides.

This sunstone sat outside our window in the inn at Zion's Mercantile.

The inn sits diagonally across the corner from the temple.

While Carla and Ginger were shopping, I found this horse grazing in downtown Nauvoo.

Ethan and Emma enjoyed the rain. This horse in Old Nauvoo too temporary shelter beneath a tree, but shortly after went cavorting with some nearby friends.

Driving from Indiana into Illinois to Nauvoo, we detoured into Galesburg to have dinner at the Packinghouse Restaurant. But on our way through Galesburg, we followed some signs to Carl Sandburg's birthplace.

Thanks Ginger and Elliott for sharing a great trip.

Go to Photos above and the Nauvoo 2008 album to get a better look at these pictures.