Missouri




Sunset in

Illinois

 



The first night spent at a Walmart proved to be an easy pull in and sleep affair.  We found a grassy spot to park next to for Tucker's comfort, and after finally falling asleep to the sounds of vibrating diesel engines, we awoke somewhat refreshed, and restarted our journey shortly before dawn.  A beautiful sunrise made the early start all worth while, and as we crossed the mighty Mississippi, we wished we had the time to tour The Gateway Arch as we made our modernized pioneer trek westward.





We entered Joplin, MO a block or so from the path of the F5 Tornado that tore this town apart.  It's hard to put our thoughts in words as we passed through, seeing blocks of businesses, and homes destroyed, yet some homes in the middle of the path still stood.  Trees were twisted, stripped bare of their branches, and leaves.   As we sat at a light, looking out our front window we saw a vibrant and prosperous town, business as usual.  But one only had to look behind to see the cutting path, and total destruction of Mother Nature at her worst.



We spent a wonderful afternoon and evening with Mark's brother Rick, and his wife Linda.  Mark's Uncle Tony, and Aunt Pam came over to join us for dinner.  Tucker had the pleasure of company as well. A small abandoned puppy who's owners had moved, joined our festivities and entertained Tucker.  No worries though, little Peaches, as we later learned was her name, is being taken care of by the new owners of the home.



After a drive through the worst hit areas of Joplin, and a visit to the local casino where Linda works we left around noon, heading into Kansas.  Here's an fun tidbit, the casino, Downstream Casino Resort, sits in Oklahoma, but you park in Kansas, and the entrance is in Missouri....try leaving that place after a few martinis and find your way home.  The casino is built where all three states intersect. http://www.downstreamcasino.com/

We drove midway through Kansas, and stopped at a KOA for the night in Salina, KA.  Temps are to exceed 100 degrees, http://www.weather.gov/ here this week, poor Kansas.  Luckily our forecast for Wyoming, once we arrive is sunny 70 degree days, and 40 degree nights!!!

Tomorrow we head for Colorado.....