Day Four - Independence to South Sioux City, NE

Travel days, the one filled with six or more hours of driving, leave little time for side trips or much sight-seeing at the arrival point. It does mean paying attention to the roadway and the environs noting what changes we see along the way.

We left Independence, Missouri around 9 a.m. and turned northward in Kansas City traveling north on I-29. I-29 runs on the eastern side of the Missouri River for several miles. In this corner of the world we traveled through Kansas and Nebraska. Our scenery was fields of corn and soybeans as we skirted around Lincoln, Nebraska. Then we crossed over into Iowa.

While in Iowa, out the right side of the motorhome the bluffs seem always within sight as they increase in height and move closer toward the river. This makes the river valley more narrow. Additionally, through this section of the country the Missouri River is also relatively narrow. When passing by Council Bluffs one sees why it was called that. The Indigenous Americans could gather on the high bluffs for a council meeting.

As we neared Sioux City, Iowa, we crossed over the river and went back into Nebraska. We reached our arrival point, Scenic Park Campground. It was a nice city park with all the typical amenities and located on the banks of the Missouri River. The campground is operated by the South Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department. The RV campground is large and handy to the interstate highway.

After hooking up to electric, water, and sewer, we took a walk around the park and then took care of some chores, like washing clothes.

The ground around the sign indicates that they could definitely

use some rain. Through the night, we got a light shower.

Sitting on the bank of the Missouri River, from the campground

we could see the sky line of Sioux City, Iowa.

The campsite was relatively flat with a concrete patio; a luxury

item at some campgrounds but pretty standard here.

Day Three - in Independence, Missouri

Today we stayed in Independence for the full day. No traveling in the motorhome.

We arrived at the Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum around 9:30 a.m. Once our tickets were purchased, we listened to a short overview of the Library and grounds by a volunteer. Then, we were off to explore the life and presidency of Harry S Truman. The display begins in the early years of his life and reflects events and thoughts of Harry Truman from boyhood till the end of his life. For sure, a lot of correspondence from Truman is on display.

One of the first things learned is that he had no middle name, just an initial. His parents both had ancestors whose names began with “S” but they could agree on a name. Harry sometimes used a period after the initial to make it appear that he had a middle name.

This poster is near the entry point into the museum.

Truman became president because Franklin Delano Roosevelt died from a brain hemorrhage shortly after his fourth inauguration. Harry inherited the ending of World War II only to turn around to find himself in the midst of another war (The Korean War).

By all accounts, Truman was a very humble man who served his community and his country not because that was his ambition, but because he found himself in situations where he was called upon to serve. He enjoyed his Senate term more than he enjoyed his terms as President of the United States. He nor his wife and daughter enjoyed their time in the White House, often referring to it as “The White Jail.” Bess (Truman’s wife) and Margaret (Truman’s daughter) only spent time in Washington from January to late spring, spending the rest of their year back in Independence. Truman found those months they were gone to be very lonely, so he poured himself into his work.

A simple prayer to live by.

World War II, the economic challenge of the post-war US, the Korean conflict, and the Berlin Airlift were all issues with which President Truman dealt. One can understand his statements of “The buck stops here” and "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”

Truman sought to never forget from where he had come. When his time in office ended, he and Bess were delighted to return to Independence to spend their remaining years. At the time he left office, there was no retirement pension for former presidents and certainly no Secret Service detail to protect him. That process began in 1966. So, he was free to come and go around town as he drove to and from the office. Once his Library was completed (September 1957), he worked from an office there until 1966. Truman passed away in 1972.

Harry and Bess are buried at the Library and Museum

along with their daughter and son-in-law.

By the way, Truman was much involved in the development and construction of the Library and Museum. They are in separate buildings on the grounds that are managed by The National Archives. After a visit through any presidential library and museum, one comes to appreciate the work of that arm of the federal government and see the value in caring for documents and artifacts to be studied by future generations.

After our sojourn in the Museum (with a brief trek through the Library), we went for lunch at A Little BBQ Joint. Wow, we didn’t know what to expect but we certainly found out. For an appetizer (just because it was on the menu) we had BBQ wantons (BBQ beef wrapped in wontons and deep fried). That and their three varieties of sauce made for a special lunch.

Sweet Sister, Mad House Wife, and Mean Mother in Law are the featured sauces.

After lunch, we went back to the lifelong home of Bess and Harry. Built by her father, Harry moved in with Bess after they were married. Her brothers built smaller houses on the property when they were married. The home was given to the National Park Service after Bess’ death in 1982. All that has been changed is the addition of a carpet path through the home for visitors to use. There is no public access to the second floor.

A black, iron fence surrounds the Truman house that was

installed by the Secret Service after Truman became president.

Tours are done in groups up to eight in size.

Our afternoon ended with a tour through the Chicago and Alton railroad depot. It has the honor of being the only restored, two-story station in Missouri. It was filled with railroad memorabilia and still sits near the tracks though now on a spur line. The Chicago and Alton went from Chicago, through Alton, IL and on to Kansas City. The second floor was the 24/7 home of the station master/telegrapher.

The C&A Depot has been fully restored inside and outside.

It houses a lot of railroad memorabilia and artifacts.

Jim Bridger, an explorer for whom Wyoming’s

Bridger-Teton National Forest is named.

Next to the depot is the National Frontier Trails Museum. It was closed and is being moved to a larger facility. Standing beside the current location is the statue of Jim Bridger. Bridger, born n Richmond, Virginia. Heads West along the routes Lewis and Clark twenty years after their pioneering journey. He became a famous mountain man of the 19th century. Though lacking formal education, Bridger was able ti quickly master Indigenous dialects and cultures and had the ability of remembering geographical detail. Bridger outlived three wives, two of whom were Indigenous to the regions he explored.

Day Two - Danville to Independence, MO

 We left the campground at Danville in the middle of the morning. We only had about 160 miles to go to Independence so we had an easy travel day as far as mileage was concerned. We encountered some construction which, of course, slowed us. We arrived at The Campus RV Park in Independence after taking a 45-minute break at a rest area.

One of the nice things about travel by motorhome is being able to stop and still have your home nearby. When traveling, we have no need of public facilities. Fuel pumps? Yes. The rest of what goes with a travel center? No. In fact, one of the big deals to come along since we began RVing is the ability to pay for diesel at the pump. While auto drivers have been used to that for a long time, it was a recent development for the truck lanes at a fueling center.

Once at Independence we went directly to our campsite. As it turns out, the former Reorganized Latter Day Saints operate the campground in conjunction with their Family Life Center. In the late 90’s the denomination changed its name to Community of Christ.

After hooking up the electric (shore power), we took off for downtown Independence and the Truman Visitor Center which is housed in the old Fire House No. 1. Another spot to visit in downtown was Clinton's, a former drug store and soda fountain where Harry Truman once worked. Today it remains in business as an ice cream and soda shop.

The Three Tails mural on a side street in downtown Independence.

It shows the significant part the town served as the starting point

for the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails.

Anyone for ice cream? This is a photo of the Truman special at 

Clinton's Soda Fountain.

On the square in Independence.

The photo spot in the visitor center. Here one can view

a short film and get tickets for a tour of the Truman home.

We ended our afternoon of touring around at the Independence Visitor Center which is operated by the Mormons. This particular center tells the history of Mormons when they first came to Independence. Two years after their arrival they were chased away by a mob of unruly people who also burned their houses, businesses and buildings. Typical of Mormon visitor centers, we were met by friendly guides who led our personalized tour of the facility.

The Independence Visitor Center has a beautifully landscaped lawn and garden.

On prominent display at Mormon visitor centers is a large statue of Jesus,

the Christus Statue. (The one in Salt Lake City is twice the size of this one).

A mormon homestead in period depiction.

A feature of the tour is a story related to the printing of the book of

Doctrines and Covenants which was destroyed by mob action while

chasing Mormon believers from independence.

One of the oddities of Independence is that the headquarters of the Community of Christ is here on land originally owned by Joseph Smith and the Latter Day Saints. The temple, across the street from the Independence Visitor Center, can obviously be seen from the surrounding area.

This image should be obvious as to what it is. The theme of the spiral

reaching heavenward is also carried out in the interior. 

The ceiling spirals upwardly with the windows of the spire

allowing light into the interior.

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Day One - Clarksville, IN to Danville, MO

We left Add-More RV Park in Clarksville, Indiana around 9:25 a.m. and headed west on I-64. Since the motorhome had been sitting still for several months, we decided to make our first stop in Haubstadt, Indiana. The purpose was to get a bath for Dutch Star at Blue Beacon Truck wash. We also added fuel at the nearby Love's. All that was added was 84 gallons of diesel. With a clean coach and full tank of fuel, we continued westward to St. Louis.

I-64 West takes you across the Mississippi River with the Arch to your right. The new Busch Stadium sits so close to the interstate one almost feels like you can reach out and touch it. We crossed the Missouri River west of St. Louis before intersecting with I-70 and continuing west.

Our stop for the night was Lazy Day Campground in Danville, Missouri. We happened on this campground about 10 years ago. In addition to the nice, level, wide sites, some of the unique features of this campground are all the carved tree stumps. My favorite was the carving of the frogs. The Indian face was interesting in that inside the mouth were two baby owls. There were frolicking bears, raccoons, howling wolves. A few of the photos are provided below.

Entrance sign

Our 2002 Newmar Dutch Star

Frogs on rocks tree stump art

Fancy work done by chain saw

Three, playful raccoons

The Lazy Day Wizard

Trip West 2023 - The Map

After two or three years of planning and life getting in the way, we’re off on our big trip west of the Rockies from our home location in the Louisville area. We’re actually leaving from the RV park where we stay when in the area. Its in Clarksville, Indiana just five miles north of the Ohio River.

The goal is to visit several National Parks, Presidential Libraries/Museums, and other interesting points along the way. At some locations we’ll spend a few days. At others it will be for an overnight stop. We’ll turn toward home (the northwest corner of the trip) after the visit to Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. We’ll also be able to visit a some friends along the way.

The 7,000-mile trip will take 62 days. The route is shown in the photo.

To be a virtual traveler with us, just check back every day or two to view photos and descriptive text. We'll be glad to have you join us.

First Half of Winter Break: 10/6/18 to 1/5/19

Our time in Louisville at Ad-More Campground is always enjoyable though a bit short in some respects. For sure, the fall weather was a bit cooler than normal on several days. Being in our home area allowed us to catch up on visits with a few friends as well as Jeremy, Jody, and Candice.

Since we had never been to West Baden and French Lick together, we took off one day and decided to sightsee in the area. Byron had been at the hotel in West Baden around 1981 and he was especially wanted to see the hotel in it’s restored state. At that time it was being used by Northwood Institute as a training center for their culinary and hospitality programs. The hotel itself, however, had fallen into a state of disrepair.

The dome of West Baden Springs Hotel as photographed in the fall.

At the time it was built, the dome of the hotel was the largest

in the world in terms of height from ceiling to floor and

radius from the center to the outer walls. Much of the

terrazo tiles that covered the entire floor has been

covered by carpet. The floor suffered a large crack

before the hotel’s initial closing as a business in the 1940s.

We arranged to meet Larry and Peggy Stahl who live near Danville, Illinois. We enjoyed a great lunch together at one of the restaurants frequented by Larry Byrd (in the day) and took a ride on the French Lick Scenic Railroad.

This is actually a composite photo. Martha took one photo and

then Byron took another. All that was left to do was move

Byron’s image onto the photo taken by Martha. Larry and

Peggy just had to stand still and hold a smile.

The“Scenic Railway” is, in reality, not too scenic. After all,

railroad were sources of noise and polution and ran through

the back yards of many people. That the trees were not

in their fall prime was also not a help.

As many of you know, we began our fulltiming journey on July 1 or 2014. As we passed from 2018 into 2019 we began our fifth season at what has become our winter base, Great Oak RV Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. In conjunction with this, Byron began his fifth season at Walt Disney World working at Casey’s Corner or Tomorrowland Terrace as Martha began her fourth season at Chick-fil-A in Celebration, a Disney-designed community just south of the WDW complex. Also, we are always happy to return to First United Methodist Church where Byron takes on the teaching role of the Hugh Embry Sunday School Class.

Since Byron gets complimentary tickets to the parks, we took advantage of the opportunity to go to EPCOT for an early dinner at the Rose and Crown. After having fish and chips (Martha) and shepherd’s pie (Byron) we went to our sixth annual performance of the Candlelight Christmas Processional. We think this will do us for a while since the program is the same from year to year. The only thing that changes are thee narrators. This year, we heard Pat Sajack from Wheel of Fortune.

A performance of the Candlelight Christmas Processional. The tradition

of the program was initiated by Walt Disney himself with the first

performances being at Disneyland. When Walt Disney World opened,

the program became an annual activity for EPCOT.

The choral music program features a choir and orchestra of auditioned Disney cast members plus local high school, college, and church choirs. The program is presented three times each evening from the middle of November to December 31.

Every Disney property has a castle as the focal point of

the Magic Kingdom. Each castle at each property is

different in some way and named for a different

Disney princes. This is how the Cinderella Castle

looks in the early evening light when decked out

for the Christmas season.

Our travels were somewhat restrictive this year. We went from the Kentucky end of I-64 to it’s extreme eastern point at Virginia Beach where we spent the summer. Of course, we tend not to take one of two paths to Central Florida from our Louisville haunts.

We’ll get back to the blog again in April when we begin our trek northward through Louisville to Henderson, New York. We’ve contracted to work at the 1000 Islands/Association Island KOA on the edge of Lake Ontario.

Virginia Beach and Beyond – 08/05 to 10/05

We completed our work commitment at Virginia Beach KOA Campground after Labor Day as Hurricane Florence started threatening the East Coast. After nearly two weeks of traveling around, we wound up in our home area of Louisville, Kentucky for our annual layover before heading south for the winter.

The Virginia Beach KOA is the largest at which we’ve ever worked as far

as the total number of sites, including tent, RV, Kamping Kabins, and

Deluxe Cabins. Shown here is a family enjoying dinner the

cul-de-sac area of the campground.

These beautiful flowers were on a berm between the front door of the

campground store/office and the swimming pools.

As we moved through August, we continued to experience heat and humidity in keeping with being near the beach. We did venture out on one warm day to visit the last item on our summer “to do” list: The Military Aviation Museum.

This museum is home to one of the largest private collections of military aircraft that date as far back as World I. The most amazing thing about this place is that nearly all of the planes are airworthy and flown either at the museum during flight demonstrations or at airshows. One can even schedule a flight in one of the planes. The collection was extensive and quite amazing. It consists of the main museum area, which houses planes and other memorabilia, and then another hangar, which houses an extensive collection. A third building is the mechanical workshop where restorations and repairs are conducted. The idea for the museum took developed in the fall of 1994 when the museum’s founder was attending a convention in Hamilton, Ontario. Shortly after returning to Virginia Beach, he started looking for World War II-era aircraft to acquire. The first plane to be restored was a wrecked Curtiss P-40E Warhawk recovered from the Arctic Circle. As they say, the rest is history. They now are displaying seventeen plane from WW I and more than 40 from WW II. Of course, the museum’s holdings increase year over year.

Byron is pictured in front of the Sopwith Strutter, a British aircraft of

the First World War. It was the first British aircraft to 

enter service with a synchronized machine gun.

Martha stand in front of a fully restored B-25J. The WWII bomber

is named “Wild Cargo” (not referring to Martha). The Mitchell medium 

bomber was in the opening months of the war. The entire air bombardment

concept owed itself to Gen. “Billy” Mitchell. The B-25 is 

the only U.S. aircraft to be named after a person.

August morphed into September with the campground winding down to a leisurely pace as travelers returned home. Labor Day saw us quite busy, and then there was Hurricane Florence. Not sure of Hurricane Flo’s exact route and the lack of business, we departed Virginia Beach on September 10th in hopes of finding ourselves out of the path of the rain and wind.

The campground at Virginia Beach looked rather empty

on the day that Florence was to make landfall. Those with

reservations for Customer Appreciation Weekend had

cancelled in fear of being caught by the hurricane.

Had we stayed, there would have been no guests

for whom customer service was needed.

We spent a couple of nights in Lenoir, North Carolina, about 30 miles south of Boone and east of Asheville. However, once we saw all the other guests leaving with their rigs, we decided moving on north and west across the Appalichians into Tennessee might be a wiser choice. We were parked on a creek, back in a holler, and under power lines: nice spot for more casual weather but not for what we could see coming. We decided riding out a flood and the possibility of downed power lines was not our best option. So, we packed up and headed toward the western side of the Smokey Mountains.

Our site at Green Mountain RV Park was nice with a babbling creek

behind and a concrete pad on which to park.

We spent six nights in Sevierville, Tennessee on the banks of the French Lick River at Two Rivers Landing RV Resort. This was, perhaps, the nicest location at which we have ever stayed. The location was 14 years old but well maintained. The price was very competitive. And, we were safe here.

Our motorhome is nestled in between the shrubbery that divide each site at

Two Rivers Landing. Each site is also marked by a crepe myrtle bush.

And, handy to the highway while away from the heavy traffic in Sevierville.

We attended the United Methodist Church on Sunday and heard what churches in the area were doing for expectant mothers on oppioids at Susannah’s House in Knoxville. Other exploits while here took us to eat at the Apple Valley Grill and a day drive into and around Townsend and Cades Cove.

No caption necessary.

From Sevierville, we traveled to one of our favorite parks, Riverpark Campgound on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Jonesborough, Tennessee for a visit with Byron’s brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Marcia Songer.

On the banks of the Nolichucky south of Jonesborough, Tennessee.

After dinner in the refurbished area of downtown Johnson City, Tennessee.

After our visit with Lewis and Marcia, we spent one night at Bean Pot Campground in Crossville, Tennessee before moving on to Diamond Caverns Campground just inside Mammouth Cave National Park. While there we took a the 2-hour Domes and Dripstones tour seeing a very small portion of the 412-mile cave system known as Mammouth Cave.

The Domes and Dripstones Tour ends in an area of Mammoth Cave,

one of the dying-cave sections. This is where the

stalactites and stalagmites are formed. To us, it isn’t dying.

However, our ranger and guide presented a good

explanation as to the meaning and the

differences in the cave environments. 

While in the area we went to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green. Yes, the vehicles recovered from the sink hole colapse several years ago are on display along with many other Vettes spanning the history which began in 1953.

There are a vew “period” areas of the museum in which some

of the vintage Corvettes are shown. A 1958 model is shown in this image.

As we recall, there were five of the damaged Vettes on display.

Upon checking with our “home” campground, we found that we could arive two days earlier than planned since they had a few cancellations. We headed for Add-More Campground in Clarksville, Indiana on Saturday, September 29. Now we can catch-up with friends and family before moving onto Florida for our winter jobs and taking some opportunities to visit with our grandchildren and daughter and son-in-law, Michael and Ashley.