St. Joe, MO

I always "dislike" the last night out on any extended road-trip or vacation. It signals the "end of" an experience. I also dislike the fact that the cicadas come out around July 4th ... signaling the end of the school summer break ... even though it's a half-way point. A carry-over of my childhood memories and summers in Wisconsin.

Our stop for the final night was St. Joe MO ... an area we are very familiar with. A stop we made every home KC Chiefs game. Ramada Inn adjoins Whiskey Creek a favorite steak house not available in Lincoln. It was a Saturday night and the Chiefs had a home game that Sunday so St. Joe proved to be an overnight experience for many fans ... but it was tolerable. After a yummy meal, peaceful nights rest, and complimentary full buffet breakfast, we were back on the road ... homeward bound.

The route home had an abundance of fall colors. Missouri is indeed the "Show Me" State.

 

Another fantastic trip came to an end. We had experienced high and low temps, a little snow, some rain and a fair amount of sunshine. Mother Nature outdid herself providing beautiful colors. It was now time for us to get the home front ready for "old man winter" and to rest up for our next "yet to be decided" adventure!

More Backroad Adventures ...

Awoke to a beautiful morning in Miami, OK. It was very interesting to see that colors were not all that prevalent. Changing colors were very spotty this entire road trip. Was very nice to see that areas were not greatly impacted by a drought.

We wanted to continue our adventure on Rt. 66 and drove into Kansas ... which claims only 13.2 miles, in the very southeastern corner. This is where we "strayed" from the route to investigate sites from our Roadside Americana book. First on the must see list was "Big Brutus" outside of West Mineral, KS. Only two words can describe our first sighting ... holy cow!

THAT is Big Brutus peaking above the tree line ... directly to his left is his "mini-Me". That is a tree line, not a hedge ... I couldn't believe my eyes!

Oh My Goodness ... it is huge!

It was unbelievable, that's a full grown tree on his right ...

 

We had arrived bright and early that morning ... gates didn't open for another hour, so we took pictures and moved on.

 

We left Rt. 66 as we wanted to start heading north through Missouri to see more sites from our book. Near Joplin MO at Webb City we found the "Praying Hands Memorial", a 32 foot steel and stucco structure built by a 20 year old. The disembodied clasped hands bursting out of the earth implying a much larger statue in the ground below.

Interesting

 

Carthage, MO - home of "Precious Moments Museum" (which includes the Chapel, a Gift Shop & an RV Campground) ...

Fun Fountain at entrance

Sweet

Cute Campground Entrance

 

Last description in Missouri was in Sumner - home of the largest goose, "Maxie". Getting to Sumner meant getting on the interstate ... which we were to discover at the end of the days adventure it was a very wise decision!

We visited the same week-end of the "Maxie" annual week-end festivities. Arrived late afternoon/early evening ... so much of the "fun" may have already happened. Several campers were set up in the city park ... probably preparing for the next days events. The goose looked to sit on a turn-table giving it the ability to move in the wind, as she has her back to her signage!

The book doesn't always give the best description and checking on line I found that the world's largest pecan was very close ... so off we went to Brunswick to see it!

Yup, it was large ... world's largest? Don't know about that. It's made of concrete and sits in the town center. Like Sumner, Brunswick was having some type week-end of running event (or folks prefer running clothing to jeans, etc.). There were vendor tents/tables being dis-assembled along main street. Folks were still sitting in their lawn chairs along what I assumed to be the run route. As we departed Brunswick it made me feel as though we were the only float in a parade!

 

It was late ... decided one more night at a motel was necessary, so headed to St. Joe MO. We had the atlas and the Garmin. If I had known then what I learned later, I would have relied on my map reading skills. It felt as though we drove every back road in the area ... passing landscapes that looked all to familiar. What could have been a half hour map guided route, with the Garmin became an hour. It was a duh moment ... but we did get to see a lot of beautiful country ... so it was worth the additional time!

The Long Way Home ...

Decisions, decisions ... which way to go? We hadn't a clue. Did know Route 66 would play into the plan though. We left Lubbock after everyone had departed for school, heading toward Wichita Falls. The route took us past picked cotton fields ... where we saw huge stacks of cotton bales. Also saw fields waiting their turn. Very interesting. If we had been a few days earlier probably could have seen picking machinery in action.

Upon crossing the Oklahoma state line we were on toll roads all the way to Tulsa -- ka-ching, ka-ching.

We got to drive into the city, population 300,000+, where there was a lot of traffic, but the city is laid out so well you didn't feel to stressed. Learned there are several interesting tourist attractions ... our stop this trip however was the "Gold Driller" at the Exposition Center.

There was a horse show going on that week so we got to see some of the action when we went inside to use the facilities. The whole complex is most impressive with indoor and outside venues. I'd like to go back to Tulsa to check some of the other area attractions.

Decided that our evening stop would be Miami. So we got on Route 66 and headed northeast. Along the way we were able to stop and visit two more "attractions". The Blue Whale was located outside Catoosa, OK along Route 66 and at one time had been a major attraction with zoo-type displays (snakes, alligators, bears, frogs). Original owner had been with the Tulsa Zoo so fostered several of its occupants. Volunteers now maintain the site and hoping for a corporate sponsor to bring the area back to its origins.

The whale provided water fun

The ark housed an educational center

 

Foyil, OK was the site of the "Totem Pole Park", which was off the route a few miles but had also been an attraction.

The Totem Pole is made of concrete and took 11 years to complete, adding a bucket at a time. It is 90 feet tall, a base of 18 feet, has over 200 carvings on the façade and built as a tribute to the Native Americans.

It was dark when we arrived at our Miami hotel, but we were able to cruise through the downtown area. Beautiful main street, well preserved and maintained. You could tell the citizens appreciated their community.

Had we known this, we probably would have stopped here for dinner ... but we found another eatery first. This appeared to be your typical 50/60's diner ... menu probably has a better selection than current fast food does.

The Coleman Theater has beautiful architecture (snagged this photo from their website). I loved the street lights ... very 60's. As we drove down the main drag stop signs were positioned in center of intersection ... most interesting! Gotta love small town America ... so relaxed.

Miami is also known as the birthplace of Mickey Mantel and there was an Iron Museum that boasted having the van used in Evel Knievel's jump at Snake Canyon. This trip however, we passed on these two ops.




Amarillo Bound

After snow the previous day ... we were prepared for anything upon rising the next morning. Temperatures were in high 20's and there was frost on the vehicle window ... resulting in a mad scramble to find the window scraper.

Not a bad morning once windows were cleared. Beautiful scenery ... with a little color. Fall colors were slow arriving.

We were off the interstate, free of truck traffic - and getting to experience farm machinery and the fall harvest. Life was moving slower and we were able to read historical signs, exploring the small towns along the way.

Read on the map that  Medicine Lodge, KS was the museum and home of Carrie Nation ... so a stop was in order. Unfortunately all signage stated that we needed to enter through the adjoining stockade ... only to discover that there was no entrance at "said stockade"! We had to rely on Wikipedia for the written tour as we continued our travels.

We tend to travel, when we can, a little of the "old Hwy 66 Rt". Oklahoma has the claim of most miles, which parallel I-40. Wanting to know a little of the history of the highway in Oklahoma we stopped in Clinton at the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum.

The museum was broken down into decades from early 1900's to completion of I-40. As you entered each "era" you were able to hear music popular to that time period, original radio recordings and personal accounts. It was a trip down memory lane and I loved the 50's and the juke box.

 

Because we had spent a lot of time at the museum our stop for the night became Amarillo - it was late, and we were "pooped". Amarillo is the site of the "Big Texan Steak Ranch" restaurant and home of the free 72 oz. steak. "Free" referring to eating the entire meal in the allotted time of one hour ... not only do you get the steak, you must eat the baked potato, shrimp cocktail, salad and dinner roll. All to be consumed by one individual ...

We've never stopped for this "fine dining experience" but have passed it every trip as it sits on the old Rt. 66. Maybe a future trip -- might like to experience the atmosphere -- not so much that particular meal.

Interesting Road Trip "statistics" ...

Eleven Days, Ten Nights;
2,043.5 Miles;
Five Motel Rooms;
Five Lubbock Nights;
40 State Plates and Three Canadian; and
Six States Visited.

Highest temperature 80+ in Lubbock TX ... Lowest 29ish in McPherson KS

... about $15 in toll road fees ...

and the time with Noah and Cooper ... Priceless

more later

Road Trip!!!

Had every intention of going on one more camping trip before cold weather hit. Had a change of plans when government shut down many of parks we would have visited. New plans were then to visit many of the sights listed in our "Roadside Americana" book.

First night out however was to go to the Ogallala-Gothenburg Freshman/Sophomore football game ... Ogallala won 32 to 8 --- Jake scored 24 points, had several good punts, awesome interceptions, outstanding tackles and, of course, his touchdowns! It was cold and windy, but we still had a great time.

Stayed overnight in Gothenburg ... heading out to Cawker City KS to see our first roadside attraction. Enroute we changed course to check out Harlan County Reservoir. Being an Army Corps facility it had just re-opened so we were able to enter the campground area. Very nice, we will be going back. The history of the facility and intended use for agricultural purposes was most interesting.

Next stop - Cawker City, KS - site of the "World's Largest Ball of Twine" -

interesting, now I can say "been there, done that" ...

Next on the list was "Garden of Eden" in Lucas, KS ... unfortunately it was rainy and overcast so had to snag a photo off their website ... a much better shot ...

With stop for the night as McPherson, KS we headed toward I-70. Outside of Lucas the route took us around Lake Wilson where we experienced the remnants of the first snowfall! Talk about a reality check! I mean ... really?

Now, I'm more than happy that we didn't bring the camper, who knows what kind of weather we will be experiencing! Look at that cloud bank ... fortunately we didn't have bad road conditions, just cold temps and winds. Brrrrrrr.

Ten Days ...

So we were out  --  together -- for ten days ... 24/7 ... and we made it home without hurting one another AND we were still talking! It was really a lot of fun and we had forgotten how much we really enjoyed each other's company. Our camper is only two rooms ... a bathroom and the "living unit". Just enough room for the two of us, and yet enough room to give each of us our own space ... if you can believe that!

Plans are now to clean it up, pack it up and head south toward Lubbock later this month for one last outing of the season ...

... homeward bound ...

Rains and flooding in Colorado were sending water to the Platte River in Nebraska. Our original plans were to make one more night of it camping on Lake Ogallala and hanging out with the Van clan. Instead Michelle suggested we stay on Hwy 385 to Sidney, get on I-80 and head on home. This photo was taken as we crossed Platte River at Big Springs NE. The water had arrived, river was being monitored regularly at key spots. The crews were here, bridge was one lane, but water was not running across the highway. Saw a lot of low land flooding along interstate to Brule area ... we were ahead of the water ... phew.

It was a long day ... while we prefer the 4-6 hour drive ... that day's decision to forge ahead home was necessary to get there safe and sound. As it turned out flood waters were moving slowly, doing minimal damage along the way. The state, so far, has faired well.

Sightseeing in the Black Hills ...

Between lunch at Sugar Shack and dinner at Sanford's, we had a few hours to fill. Larry had never seen the Crazy Horse monument ...

... and because we were in the "neighborhood" we also visited Mount Rushmore.

NOTE: We did not pay to go into either site, but viewed from a distance. I, of course, didn't have my camera with me AND cell phone photo wasn't clear enough. So I "borrowed" these photos from the internet.

 

It was a beautiful drive and we saw another one of the sights from Larry's roadside book!

Rapid City ...

Our drive west to Rapid City was "white knuckle" time for Lars, as there was a lot of wind and semi traffic. It was a slow go keeping speed at 65-70. We passed up the opportunity to cruise through Wall and Wall Drug ... we never intended to stop - to many tourists ... still! (even though it was listed in his Roadside book, but had visited previously) While the east end of the state was cool when we left, by the time we hit Rapid City it had warmed up to the high 80's-low 90's. We were both a tad over dressed in our jeans and long sleeves!

Gary and Judi gave us a tour of their property in the hills. While it felt as though we had walked the entire perimeter I don't think we did one-third of it! Did spook several white tail deer as we plodded along. Joplin (Pati's dog) went in hot pursuit ... don't know what she was going to do if she caught one. They have a cozy little setting ... camper pad, fire ring and necessary firewood for a pleasant camp out.

There is also a very large clearing up top suitable for a large Morton style building "one day".

Gary celebrated his birthday the next day which required lunch out at "Sugar Shack" near Deadwood. The restaurant is reminiscent of your typical "out of the way" highway diner with a small inside dining room and an outside covered deck with picnic tables. The atmosphere is friendly and the hamburgers are huge and oh so delicious...

the "world's largest rocking chair" (AND not listed in roadside book!) is also located near the Sugar Shack ...

 The birthday celebration continued through the evening meal at Sanford's with the Schmidt/Gonzalez family ...

... where Ms. Avalen "worked" the camera!

What a cutie.

 



"Happy"?

After spending several hours "touring" in Mitchell ... we departed for Chamberlain SD to camp that night. The appeal to that night's campground was the "full hook-ups, bath house and full laundry facilities" listing. Happy Campers Campground had recently added fifteen new full hook-up pads ... which was our choice that night. New area was pretty much out in the open, no new plantings, etc., but having the luxury of full hook-ups offset the surroundings. It had become very windy and had begun to look stormy ... but we stayed toasty warm in our "humble" abode.

The next morning Larry whipped up a "breakfast skillet" (minus the skillet) for each of us using the rest of our eggs, potatoes, sausage ... yummy ...

The "Corn Palace"

 

When Larry retired "the last time" he received a gift of a book - America's Roadside Attractions. It's become as important as the atlas when packing up a vehicle for a road trip. As we progressed through this trip we referred to it for important stuff we needed to see along the way. We discovered the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD! So ... into Mitchell we went ... lucky us they had designated parking for RV's and campers!

My first and only previous visit was with my mother when the girls were very young, I don't think Melissa had even started school yet! (that's a "couple" of years ago!)

I don't believe that on my previous visit that we went into gym area or if there was even a gym. But this was way cool ... gym with a stage! Good use of space ...

 

I loved the corn murals on the walls. I think that this area was just a big open area when I last visited?

There was a looping video being shown in concourse/gift shop/food court area that explained how corn was planted, selected and adhered to wall. Most interesting...don't think it will be anything I will try anytime soon. As we left building heading back to vehicle we noticed bins outside where sorting and cutting (with a table saw) was happening. They are always replacing corn that refuses to stay adhered to the building. Talk about job security!



Onward ...

We camped two nights at Derge Park. Rain was in the forecast for the following day. We prepared, we put everything away, anticipating a wet departure the next morning. In hindsight we should have also hooked up to pickup! Wisconsin forecasters were correct ... it began raining around midnight. Not a downpour but a steady patter on the roof ... nice sleeping weather! We awoke to a misty overcast morning - weather report was that it would be an off and on occurrence rest of day. We had a leisurely breakfast, cleaned up and prepared for our departure.

Our plan for the day was to head out, going northeast and heading into Minnesota on I-90. For a Sunday morning traffic was very heavy and it continued to rain most of the morning. As we passed the Wisconsin Dells exits I remembered attending the "Tommy Bartlett Show" as a child. The area now is a lot like Branson ... very commercial and catering to tourists. The sisters and I did the "drive-thru" tourist-y thing in 2008 -- before a storm drained the lake that Bartlett preformed on. I guess every region has their "to go" place.

Our stop for the night was Albert Lea, MN, Myre-Big Island State Park campground. It as a beautiful park and very well maintained.

 Lake Albert Lea - saw flock of pelicans

Tree Canopy

Infamous Cicada

Our Campsite (site next to us was vacating)

 

After setting up camp the campground host stopped by to welcome us and to offer us firewood. Seems as though all parks are asking that firewood not be brought in because of bug infestation. An interesting gentleman ... obviously retired and very chatty! We learned that the this portion of the lake was only about four feet deep, no boating, but had very good fishing!

 

This was a very good park to stay at. Very peaceful and "facilities" were small, but clean.

 

 



 

Beaver Dam Lake

No, this isn't the Hoover Dam ...

it's the Beaver Dam dam!

Fish amongst the rocks at the flood gate ...

 (dark shadows ... ripples in water made by fish)

View from the dam looking toward the "swimming beach"

(in center along shoreline)