Wednesday, March 24, one week out. Time flies when we are having fun. Today we posted letter 1, then went into Branson for a little shopping, came back, took a nap, paid bills, cooked steaks, watched the
boats gathering & fishing across the upper end of Bull Sholes lake, called home and went to bed early. We decided to stay one more night here.Thursday, March 25, it rained in the night and was foggy when we arose, but there was one boat on the lake in the rain. We were still the only camper in this park. This corps park is built on two levels of bank and we are on the upper bank. It is very level with a few large sycamore trees and cleared land. The 40 spots are nice and long. Two trailers came in late in the day and they each had another vehicle and boat. These spots are long enough to accommodate both vehicles and trailers. Each site had electricity with water and a dump available. We were ten miles from Branson. Rain was forecast for the day. It was a very lazy day. We didn’t leave the trailer all day. Most of the time it was cold and rainy. Just a slow, soaking rain, except the ground here was saturated so it puddled all around us. Thank goodness we were on paving.
We were glad to have comments from the first letter, that gave Olivia something to do. Thanks everyone for chatting with her via email and phone. We entertained ourselves. We could have cleaned house, but that was work. Olivia spend a large amount of time marking maps with places friends told us about. Fred read, napped, checked the weather every hour, and occasionally stepped outside. He didn’t stay long.
We guess we over emphasized our battery problems, but just like at home, things have to be fixed, so we take care of it. No big deal. Weak batteries cause problems we don't want. Replacing them at the first sign of failure is our solution. We would rather not have those problems, but it happens.
Friday, March 26 we awoke to thick, heavy fog. We knew the weather was suppose to be clear so we took our time preparing to leave. At 9:30 when we left to stop at the dump it was still with us. By the time we took on water and dumped the holding tanks the fog was almost gone. We had enjoyed staying in River Run Corps park at Forsyth, it was level, with nice spots and on the river/lake. And the whole time there were no pay envelopes in the pay stand. Even if there had been it would have only been $8 a night, but we will take free anytime. Guess it really wasn’t open for the season, but there was no gate and the electricity was on.
Fred said we have to make excuses to our Branson loving friends for not going to any shows. We would have gone to see Noah, except their season hadn’t started, the others just didn’t suit our fancy.
We decided to take a major highway east so we drove north to Springfield and hit US highway 60. It was a nice divided highway, with minimum traffic. The sky was clear all day. So nice to not even have a cloud in the sky, after the day before. We drove a whopping 220 miles to another corps park at Clearwater Lake.
The X marks the camp site we chose below the dam.River Road park was below the dam and had over 100 spots. All with electricity and some with water too. We chose a spot
close to the river and watched fishermen snag catfish—paddlefish. The host was very personable and we enjoyed razzing each other. We decided to stay two nights as we are not in a hurry. The few spots occupied here are locals that come here a lot. One couple said some stay two weeks, then trade spots with their neighbors for another two weeks. One way to beat the system. This is the second park in a row where 
Canadian Geese came right up to the campsite.
Saturday March 27 was just flat boring! It was cold, wet and no one ventured out of their trailers. We did ride around to the other side of the dam and walked on the fishing platforms. We drove into Piedmont (population 2200) and found the United Methodist Church and visited with a member who was in charge of a forest service workshop for youth on their church acreage. They had about 8 stations of outdoor activities such as casting and target shooting. At their tabernacle was a group cooking hamburgers for the teens. Of course they invited us back for Sunday service.
On the way back to the trailer we stopped at a meat market in the country. Best meat we have ever seen. Too bad our freezer was full. One of the many items in their meat counter was ham salad. We asked about the large quantity on display and they said they sold a full tray every day—about 80#. We bought 1/2 pound just to see what it was like and it was very good.
Back at the trailer Fred attempted to cook hamburger patties on the grill and they nearly blew away, but persistence paid off. After supper a local couple stopped by for a chat. They walk 10 miles every day. Wow! It was too cold for us to even peak out the door, much less take that kind of hike.
Sunday, March 28 we went back to the Trinity United Methodist Church between Piedmont and Patterson. They have a very active contemporary church with lots of radical hospitality. We were filled with the spirit and left with a bag of goodies. While in town we connected to the internet and found the Reins from Pennsylvania were not going to be able to meet us in the Land Between the Lakes in Tennessee, so we started plotting another route. We will hit that area later. We thought we would head to St Louis in a couple of days.
We invited the host couple to come for a potato soup supper. They live locally and filled us with lots of ideas of places to see.
Monday, March 29 we moved to Sikeston, MO to be closer to Cairo and New Madrid on the Mississippi River. We were parked in a PA spot with a beautiful entry of
Tulip trees, by two pm, so we prowled the town before going to 
Lambert’s about 3 pm. Angie & Bobby had taken us to the Lambert’s in Foley, AL so we knew the routine
Home of the Throwed Rolls! Olivia tried her best to get a good picture of the rolls being thrown, but this was the best she could do.
This fellow had just come out of the kitchen and had already emptied a full pan! They were huge! And so good. Before our order came, we had already eaten a roll and fried okra. The menu consisted of a big variety from chicken salad, liver & onions, vegetable plate, fried chicken livers, gizzards, ham and beans, hamburgers, or the big stuff like steaks, frog legs, beef, steak and ribs. A salad was about 15” in diameter and 8” tall served in a bread bowl! Olivia had started to order a salad, but when she saw it she was glad she had ordered 
liver & onions. All of their menu includes pass-arounds. Servers came around many times with black-eyed peas, fried potatoes & onions, sorghum molasses, macaroni & tomatoes and of course the rolls. Their signs say, no sharing and no take homes, but our waitress brought us two to go plates and several cups along with two hot rolls from the kitchen. We left there with enough food for two more meals. Not bad for $24. It was not even 5 pm and the place was already full.
Be sure to go to www.throwedrolls.com take the virtual tour and visit their menu among other things.
AND if you are ever in this area, Ozark, MO, or Foley, AL stop in and give them a try. You won’t be sorry.
Tuesday, March 30 WOW what a day! We departed this RV park about 10 am and traveled south about 20 miles to
New Madrid—say Mad’ rid on the Mississippi. OK, we failed the parent education test, because when we called our daughters, they had no idea what New Madrid was. OK, so many of you readers might not know either so for your education, in New Madrid, MO in December of 1811 there was an 7.9. magnitude earthquake, followed by tremors and another really big one (an 8) in January, 1812. These were the two most powerful earthquakes to strike the USA since the influx of Europeans. Church bells rang in Boston, Charleston, and Washington, D.C.! It was felt through out most of the USA. The Mississippi reversed direction and formed new lakes and a new channel. The New Madrid Shocks became a national event. There was civilization here starting in 1783. The town of New Madrid disappeared into the new river course, so the current town is newer.
These quakes were not measured at the time they happened. It was too early for that science. The magnitude has been calculated and agreed to in more recent times based upon damage reports for various parts of the USA. New Madrid sits near the middle of a fault (New Madrid Fault) estimated to be about 150 miles long, 40 miles wide and 25 miles deep. It runs north northeast from east central Arkansas and terminates near Cairo (say Ka ro), Illinois where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. Today most scientists believe it extends to the Gulf of Mexico and much further north than Cairo. The New Madrid Fault is active. Activity is measured 24/7 along the fault. Many small tremors are detected each month—most under 2.0. It takes about a 4.0 to be felt. It has been nearly 200 years since the last big ones and most scientists believe it is time for another one—though probably not as high as an 8.0.
Recently Fred had read reports predicting the next major eruption will be soon and will be in Arkansas along this fault line.
We had a delightful time visiting in the museum and being educated by their guide and director. It was interesting to learn there was a Methodist Church here in 1810.
So why do people continue to live here? Why do people live near the San Andreas Fault in California? Why do people live in tornado alley? Near hurricane paths? We don’t know. The area around New Madrid is some of the prettiest farmland we’ve ever seen.
Part of an earthquake is “sand blows.” They are like geysers, but are sand. All over this part of the area are scattered sand blows. Surrounding these sand blows, some of which are 30 feet in diameter, were rings of white sand, quite distinct from the mucky black topsoil. They show up this time of year when nothing is growing as spots in the fields, but when crops are planted they do not do well in these blows because the water drains down the sand chimney as far as 25 miles below the surface.
In the Chamber of Commerce we asked why they pronounce New MADrid, and she said they “Chicken Fried it!” We wonder if we could say that when asked about the pronunciation of Waxahachie!
Also this part of Missouri is the “Boot Heel” of the state. They also told us of a way to
drive on the levies to cross the country. Olivia is so glad Fred likes to explore, because we find so many interesting things. We left town on the levy and saw a lot of cultivating in the river bottom as well as on the other side of the levies.
We traveled to the Big Oak Tree State Park where we visited with the ranger for a good while. We saw the world record, largest Persimmon tree, Cir. 6’9”, HT 131’, Spread 40’.
It is the tree between Fred and the water tower.
Fred remembers persimmon trees around Duncanville, Texas when he was a kid. The fruit was delicious, unlike the varieties sold commercially. One day Jimmy Horne, Jimmy Brandenburg and Fred decided it would be neat to build a small log cabin from the trees in a persimmon grove on the Horne’s property, now Lakeside Park in Duncanville. We were about 12 years old. The grove was thick enough so the trees grew strait and tall. Over several days we use hatchets to fell and trim enough to give us a start on the cabin. We tried notching, but it proved too difficult, so we decided to use large nails to hold the logs in place. Nailing into green persimmon proved too difficult. The next day we brought a bar of soap with us. We thought the soap would work as a lubricant. It didn’t. We gave up on the project. I also remember during this project Brandenburg asked that Fred sit on one felled tree so it would be more stable as Brandenburg trimmed the branches. He did and Brandenburg continued to chop. When Fred sat on the trunk, the tree collapsed under his weight & his target moved. The hatchet missed the branch, but not Jimmy's thigh. We never saw so much blood. We made a quick tourniquet and Fred ran about a half of a mile to get help. It turned out okay, but I’m not sure Brandenburg has ever forgiven Fred!
A little further north where highway 80 runs into the river, we drove along the levy for about 15 miles. we saw beautiful cultivated fields on the dry side and trees and water on the river side. At one point we saw a
flooded tree farm. 
Dead nettle or as some call it Hen Bit was blooming and decorated the levy side. Surprisingly we did not see any trash in the river bed.
At another point we saw
a family exploring this part of the river.
At the end of this road was the
bridge to Cairo, Illinois. It is on a spit of land that divides the Mississippi and the Ohio.
At the Mississippi Bridge we could also see the
bridge across the Ohio and as we crossed we could see the 
conflux of the two rivers. Some where out there was the original Ft Defiance.
As we entered Cairo we saw the reality of what we had been told.
The town was being deserted by the affluent and it was showing 
signs of neglect. There were many store fronts that were just shells of their previous days.
We came to Cairo because, when you “do” genealogy, as we have, you study migration patterns in settlement of our country. During the 1800s “main street” USA may well have been the Ohio river. Before railroads, many settlers going west used the Ohio for the first part of their trip. That leg terminated where the Ohio meets the Mississippi, Cairo, Illinois. They re-provisioned in Cairo, then continued their migration. Some to the north, some to the south and some to the west. Saint Louis calls itself the gateway to the west. We won’t argue with that, Cairo was the gateway to new opportunity, whatever direction. Because of this activity, it became a large prosperous city. The stately old homes are a testament to prosperous days. It sad to see it is such decline. Even its river port activity couldn’t sustain the city.
It was really sad until we came to…
the
historic park district. There were many 
old homes that appeared to be preserved 
and we hoped this was continued.
Many of the streets were brick and some had been paved over.
Its population has shrunk to the point
the hospital was abandoned. Only the beautiful tulip tree showed life. Businesses closed and moved elsewhere.
As we crossed back into Missouri we looked out over to the
Ohio river and promised to see it again up river. Olivia took a picture crossing the 
Mississippi via the bridge for Deever. She said she couldn’t stand going over big bridges, but see Diana, you don’t have to look down! Tunnel vision! By the way there are ferries across the Mississippi too!
Wednesday, March 31 we moved north, stopping to view the Missouri Wall of Fame, painted in 1995 on a
Canadian Geese came right up to the campsite. Saturday March 27 was just flat boring! It was cold, wet and no one ventured out of their trailers. We did ride around to the other side of the dam and walked on the fishing platforms. We drove into Piedmont (population 2200) and found the United Methodist Church and visited with a member who was in charge of a forest service workshop for youth on their church acreage. They had about 8 stations of outdoor activities such as casting and target shooting. At their tabernacle was a group cooking hamburgers for the teens. Of course they invited us back for Sunday service.
On the way back to the trailer we stopped at a meat market in the country. Best meat we have ever seen. Too bad our freezer was full. One of the many items in their meat counter was ham salad. We asked about the large quantity on display and they said they sold a full tray every day—about 80#. We bought 1/2 pound just to see what it was like and it was very good.
Back at the trailer Fred attempted to cook hamburger patties on the grill and they nearly blew away, but persistence paid off. After supper a local couple stopped by for a chat. They walk 10 miles every day. Wow! It was too cold for us to even peak out the door, much less take that kind of hike.
Sunday, March 28 we went back to the Trinity United Methodist Church between Piedmont and Patterson. They have a very active contemporary church with lots of radical hospitality. We were filled with the spirit and left with a bag of goodies. While in town we connected to the internet and found the Reins from Pennsylvania were not going to be able to meet us in the Land Between the Lakes in Tennessee, so we started plotting another route. We will hit that area later. We thought we would head to St Louis in a couple of days.
We invited the host couple to come for a potato soup supper. They live locally and filled us with lots of ideas of places to see.
Monday, March 29 we moved to Sikeston, MO to be closer to Cairo and New Madrid on the Mississippi River. We were parked in a PA spot with a beautiful entry of
Tulip trees, by two pm, so we prowled the town before going to 
Lambert’s about 3 pm. Angie & Bobby had taken us to the Lambert’s in Foley, AL so we knew the routineHome of the Throwed Rolls! Olivia tried her best to get a good picture of the rolls being thrown, but this was the best she could do.
This fellow had just come out of the kitchen and had already emptied a full pan! They were huge! And so good. Before our order came, we had already eaten a roll and fried okra. The menu consisted of a big variety from chicken salad, liver & onions, vegetable plate, fried chicken livers, gizzards, ham and beans, hamburgers, or the big stuff like steaks, frog legs, beef, steak and ribs. A salad was about 15” in diameter and 8” tall served in a bread bowl! Olivia had started to order a salad, but when she saw it she was glad she had ordered 
liver & onions. All of their menu includes pass-arounds. Servers came around many times with black-eyed peas, fried potatoes & onions, sorghum molasses, macaroni & tomatoes and of course the rolls. Their signs say, no sharing and no take homes, but our waitress brought us two to go plates and several cups along with two hot rolls from the kitchen. We left there with enough food for two more meals. Not bad for $24. It was not even 5 pm and the place was already full.Be sure to go to www.throwedrolls.com take the virtual tour and visit their menu among other things.
AND if you are ever in this area, Ozark, MO, or Foley, AL stop in and give them a try. You won’t be sorry.
Tuesday, March 30 WOW what a day! We departed this RV park about 10 am and traveled south about 20 miles to
New Madrid—say Mad’ rid on the Mississippi. OK, we failed the parent education test, because when we called our daughters, they had no idea what New Madrid was. OK, so many of you readers might not know either so for your education, in New Madrid, MO in December of 1811 there was an 7.9. magnitude earthquake, followed by tremors and another really big one (an 8) in January, 1812. These were the two most powerful earthquakes to strike the USA since the influx of Europeans. Church bells rang in Boston, Charleston, and Washington, D.C.! It was felt through out most of the USA. The Mississippi reversed direction and formed new lakes and a new channel. The New Madrid Shocks became a national event. There was civilization here starting in 1783. The town of New Madrid disappeared into the new river course, so the current town is newer.These quakes were not measured at the time they happened. It was too early for that science. The magnitude has been calculated and agreed to in more recent times based upon damage reports for various parts of the USA. New Madrid sits near the middle of a fault (New Madrid Fault) estimated to be about 150 miles long, 40 miles wide and 25 miles deep. It runs north northeast from east central Arkansas and terminates near Cairo (say Ka ro), Illinois where the Ohio meets the Mississippi. Today most scientists believe it extends to the Gulf of Mexico and much further north than Cairo. The New Madrid Fault is active. Activity is measured 24/7 along the fault. Many small tremors are detected each month—most under 2.0. It takes about a 4.0 to be felt. It has been nearly 200 years since the last big ones and most scientists believe it is time for another one—though probably not as high as an 8.0.
Recently Fred had read reports predicting the next major eruption will be soon and will be in Arkansas along this fault line.
We had a delightful time visiting in the museum and being educated by their guide and director. It was interesting to learn there was a Methodist Church here in 1810.So why do people continue to live here? Why do people live near the San Andreas Fault in California? Why do people live in tornado alley? Near hurricane paths? We don’t know. The area around New Madrid is some of the prettiest farmland we’ve ever seen.
Part of an earthquake is “sand blows.” They are like geysers, but are sand. All over this part of the area are scattered sand blows. Surrounding these sand blows, some of which are 30 feet in diameter, were rings of white sand, quite distinct from the mucky black topsoil. They show up this time of year when nothing is growing as spots in the fields, but when crops are planted they do not do well in these blows because the water drains down the sand chimney as far as 25 miles below the surface.
In the Chamber of Commerce we asked why they pronounce New MADrid, and she said they “Chicken Fried it!” We wonder if we could say that when asked about the pronunciation of Waxahachie!
Also this part of Missouri is the “Boot Heel” of the state. They also told us of a way to
drive on the levies to cross the country. Olivia is so glad Fred likes to explore, because we find so many interesting things. We left town on the levy and saw a lot of cultivating in the river bottom as well as on the other side of the levies.We traveled to the Big Oak Tree State Park where we visited with the ranger for a good while. We saw the world record, largest Persimmon tree, Cir. 6’9”, HT 131’, Spread 40’.
It is the tree between Fred and the water tower.Fred remembers persimmon trees around Duncanville, Texas when he was a kid. The fruit was delicious, unlike the varieties sold commercially. One day Jimmy Horne, Jimmy Brandenburg and Fred decided it would be neat to build a small log cabin from the trees in a persimmon grove on the Horne’s property, now Lakeside Park in Duncanville. We were about 12 years old. The grove was thick enough so the trees grew strait and tall. Over several days we use hatchets to fell and trim enough to give us a start on the cabin. We tried notching, but it proved too difficult, so we decided to use large nails to hold the logs in place. Nailing into green persimmon proved too difficult. The next day we brought a bar of soap with us. We thought the soap would work as a lubricant. It didn’t. We gave up on the project. I also remember during this project Brandenburg asked that Fred sit on one felled tree so it would be more stable as Brandenburg trimmed the branches. He did and Brandenburg continued to chop. When Fred sat on the trunk, the tree collapsed under his weight & his target moved. The hatchet missed the branch, but not Jimmy's thigh. We never saw so much blood. We made a quick tourniquet and Fred ran about a half of a mile to get help. It turned out okay, but I’m not sure Brandenburg has ever forgiven Fred!
A little further north where highway 80 runs into the river, we drove along the levy for about 15 miles. we saw beautiful cultivated fields on the dry side and trees and water on the river side. At one point we saw a
flooded tree farm. 
Dead nettle or as some call it Hen Bit was blooming and decorated the levy side. Surprisingly we did not see any trash in the river bed.At another point we saw
a family exploring this part of the river.At the end of this road was the
bridge to Cairo, Illinois. It is on a spit of land that divides the Mississippi and the Ohio.At the Mississippi Bridge we could also see the
bridge across the Ohio and as we crossed we could see the 
conflux of the two rivers. Some where out there was the original Ft Defiance.As we entered Cairo we saw the reality of what we had been told.
The town was being deserted by the affluent and it was showing 
signs of neglect. There were many store fronts that were just shells of their previous days.We came to Cairo because, when you “do” genealogy, as we have, you study migration patterns in settlement of our country. During the 1800s “main street” USA may well have been the Ohio river. Before railroads, many settlers going west used the Ohio for the first part of their trip. That leg terminated where the Ohio meets the Mississippi, Cairo, Illinois. They re-provisioned in Cairo, then continued their migration. Some to the north, some to the south and some to the west. Saint Louis calls itself the gateway to the west. We won’t argue with that, Cairo was the gateway to new opportunity, whatever direction. Because of this activity, it became a large prosperous city. The stately old homes are a testament to prosperous days. It sad to see it is such decline. Even its river port activity couldn’t sustain the city.
It was really sad until we came to…
the
historic park district. There were many 
old homes that appeared to be preserved 
and we hoped this was continued.Many of the streets were brick and some had been paved over.
Its population has shrunk to the point
the hospital was abandoned. Only the beautiful tulip tree showed life. Businesses closed and moved elsewhere.As we crossed back into Missouri we looked out over to the
Ohio river and promised to see it again up river. Olivia took a picture crossing the 
Mississippi via the bridge for Deever. She said she couldn’t stand going over big bridges, but see Diana, you don’t have to look down! Tunnel vision! By the way there are ferries across the Mississippi too!Wednesday, March 31 we moved north, stopping to view the Missouri Wall of Fame, painted in 1995 on a
river wall in Cape Girardeau. Many if not all of Missouri’s famous people were included on this wall.
From Mark Twain,
Rush Limbough, 
Gateway Arch. Trees along the path were blooming but we have never seen 
this kind of buds. We wondered what they were. Fred thinks they are burr oak. Several had told us the river was up and it was up 
to the street below the arch. Underground below the arch is a large area where we saw a big screen movie about Lewis & Clark. There were murals on the wall of the underground.
This Gateway Arch is a memorial to westward expansion and an icon of the city of St. Louis. Many embraced Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined in 1845 to explain America’s thirst for expansion to the Pacific Ocean. It crystallized the idea that it was God’s will and the right of Americans to take over the continent. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial park was designated a national historic site in 1935 to honor the type of all the frontier heroes. In 1803 Lewis and Clark outfitted here, furs were traded, the westward emigration, In 1874 Eads Bridge was finished and the railroad era began. In 1890 the US census said there was no more frontier.
The arch stands for the many cultures that made the American West what it is today. 40 blocks of old buildings were leveled in the core of the downtown area, where the French originally set up a fur trading post in 1764 and steamboats jostled for space in one of the nation’s busiest pre-Civil War ports.
The structure of the Arch is a sandwich made of stainless steel on the outside, carbon steel on the inside and concrete in the middle. Fred did not want to be one of the million people that take the tram to the top each year.
After seeing the arch, we dashed over to one of the big hospitals so Olivia could get her annual mammogram. It was surprising she was able to get an appointment that morning. With a good report we went back to the river to attempt to see another river wall painted by artists. When we found it, others had defaced it so much it was ruined.
On the way back to the trailer we stopped in Kimmswick on the river to eat at the
Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, but unfortunately they closes at 3 pm. There was a local committee meeting going on and the lady politely gave us the menu and invited us back another day. She did show us their baked goods and we bought one of the little 
butterscotch pecan pies. It is a pecan pie recipe with butterscotch pieces, baked then piled with pecans on top and held on with a glaze. The little 
apple pie must have been baked with a whole apple on top. We visited briefly with the delightful owner. She is originally from Galveston, Texas.
We were camped in St Joe’s State Park about 75 miles south of St Louis. We intended to be closer, but it being Easter Weekend we took what we could get. There were some sites to see in this area so it was ok. This particular state park is unique in that the main attraction is off road trails and horse trails.
From Mark Twain,
Rush Limbough, 
the sports 
and entertainment field. Along the way were plaques telling a brief history of each person. The wall was a long block long and very well done.
Thursday, April 1 we headed into St Louis to the
and entertainment field. Along the way were plaques telling a brief history of each person. The wall was a long block long and very well done.Thursday, April 1 we headed into St Louis to the
Gateway Arch. Trees along the path were blooming but we have never seen 
this kind of buds. We wondered what they were. Fred thinks they are burr oak. Several had told us the river was up and it was up 
to the street below the arch. Underground below the arch is a large area where we saw a big screen movie about Lewis & Clark. There were murals on the wall of the underground.This Gateway Arch is a memorial to westward expansion and an icon of the city of St. Louis. Many embraced Manifest Destiny, a phrase coined in 1845 to explain America’s thirst for expansion to the Pacific Ocean. It crystallized the idea that it was God’s will and the right of Americans to take over the continent. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial park was designated a national historic site in 1935 to honor the type of all the frontier heroes. In 1803 Lewis and Clark outfitted here, furs were traded, the westward emigration, In 1874 Eads Bridge was finished and the railroad era began. In 1890 the US census said there was no more frontier.
The arch stands for the many cultures that made the American West what it is today. 40 blocks of old buildings were leveled in the core of the downtown area, where the French originally set up a fur trading post in 1764 and steamboats jostled for space in one of the nation’s busiest pre-Civil War ports.
The structure of the Arch is a sandwich made of stainless steel on the outside, carbon steel on the inside and concrete in the middle. Fred did not want to be one of the million people that take the tram to the top each year.
After seeing the arch, we dashed over to one of the big hospitals so Olivia could get her annual mammogram. It was surprising she was able to get an appointment that morning. With a good report we went back to the river to attempt to see another river wall painted by artists. When we found it, others had defaced it so much it was ruined.
On the way back to the trailer we stopped in Kimmswick on the river to eat at the
Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, but unfortunately they closes at 3 pm. There was a local committee meeting going on and the lady politely gave us the menu and invited us back another day. She did show us their baked goods and we bought one of the little 
butterscotch pecan pies. It is a pecan pie recipe with butterscotch pieces, baked then piled with pecans on top and held on with a glaze. The little 
apple pie must have been baked with a whole apple on top. We visited briefly with the delightful owner. She is originally from Galveston, Texas.We were camped in St Joe’s State Park about 75 miles south of St Louis. We intended to be closer, but it being Easter Weekend we took what we could get. There were some sites to see in this area so it was ok. This particular state park is unique in that the main attraction is off road trails and horse trails.
Our camp spot was on the end of the road of the horse loop. There is a large parking lot at the main road and 
hitching posts at the campsites. We hoped no one camped next to us with horses. At least there was not a site on the other side of us. It is forested with hardwood trees, with a few scattered cedars.
Friday, April 2, Happy Birthday Teenya! This was washday for us, so we gathered everything dirty and drove into Farmington—population about 15,000. After washingclothes, Fred sprayed off the worst of the levee dirt from the Suburban. The afternoon included a walk around the loops and cooking steaks on the grill. Nice day.
Saturday, April 3, it rained during the night and we awoke to rain drops sparkling in the sunlight on the cedar tree leaves and a lower temperature.
This was a day to sightsee. We took off to Bonne Terre and found an abandoned lead mine that offered tours of the underground mine and lake. It has been developed into a hot spot to scuba dive. The mine had been 5 layers deep and when active, there were pumps to empty out the seeping water. Pumping has ceased. Now three layers are flooded. On the way down to the second level
scuba divers passed us. We stopped to hear about the 
ore buckets. Each miner was required to fill 21 of these one ton buckets per day and received $1 for their efforts. The buckets were pulled by mule to a shaft below where it was processed before being hefted to the ground. The miners hollowed out the ground, leaving pillars and 
the pillars were repeated on each level under the pillar above. When we arrived at the 
underground lake 
we boarded a flat bottom boat with silent trolling motors to explore the most remote historic portions of the 17 mile shoreline of the world’s largest subterranean lake. 
Divers were in the area and we saw their bubbles. Fred said this was better than the Blue Grotto. That's saying something. The color of the water was beautiful.
Visibility underwater is said to be about 100 feet, with a good light source. One man said his group of 12 from Wisconsin paid $365 each for this trip. It included lodging and 3 days of diving.
This mine has been on the Discovery Channel and we were told that on UTube was a show filmed in this lake. Olivia tried to watch it, but we didn’t have enough power. You might want to watch it called Red Bull Depth Charge. Let us know how it is.
From there we drove south to Elephant Rocks State Park which reminded us a lot of Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas. This is where granite bubbled up, then the dirt eroded and left these giant boulders. The kids were having a great time
climbing on the rocks and 
families were enjoying the pretty day for picnics.
On our way through Farmington we discovered a
storage unit flea market and Olivia just had to stop to see if there were any fleas? We both bought one book.
Our next adventure was to drive to the Mississippi River at St Genevieve to ride the ferry. We finally found it, or was it the landing? We drove the mile back into town, yes that is the ferry landing. Then back to the landing where someone told us the river was running too high for the ferry to land on the other side. So, no ferry crossing for us today.
Sunday, April 4 what a glorious Easter Sunday! The sky was clear, the flowers were blooming and
Manchester United Methodist Church was amazing. We arrived 30 minutes early and the parking lot was changing shifts. What a traffic jam! Olivia so wished for the camera inside. This church has a membership of 3000. By the time the service started we estimated 1500 in the sanctuary, balcony and northex hall. The prelude was like a symphony and the choir came in at least 125 strong. They faced the congregation with their bells in a balcony above the choir. Two men on the end played 13 big bells. We couldn’t see how many the other 14 members played. Garlands of spring flowers hung from the bell balcony and sprays of flowers were in each window. Then we all sang “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” which made cold chills run up our spine.. The rest of the service was just as meaningful. Very Moving Service! In the Sermon the pastor spoke of the Echo of the Reserection this congregation will participate to carry on what God started on Christmas and Easter. They will not go to church that day, but will participate in about 20 ways of service from feeding the homeless, helping at a shelter of homeless mentally ill women, to visiting nursing homes. They had a table set up in the northex for members to sign up.
During the final hymm “Crown him with many Crowns” the shades of the windows were raised. All together a wonderful service.
Olivia found out the information about “Don’t Go to Church” May 2 and will send to our church.
From there we drove about five miles to Chesterfield to visit with Olivia’s cousins, Steve, Sidney, Wes and Bailey. Wes is 17, a junior in high school and loves MUSIC! Bailey will be 13 next week and as her parents said, she sets the pace for the family. Their place is on a hillside,
overlooking a small private lake with a balcony all around it. Sidney's mother and step father were also there. Steve is Olivia’s cousin Bob Hiatt’s oldest son. We have visited with the younger son Scott several times when we visited Bob near Kansas City. Steve is an Oral Surgeon like his father. Sidney found the house and they added on the back room, dining room, garage and completely redecorated the house. They lived in the construction for 4 months during it’s completion.
The large dining room has full length windows facing the lake. We enjoyed a wonderful Easter lunch and a nice visit with them all.
As we were leaving we took
group pictures on their hill with the tulip and pear trees in the background. Sidney said, “They have next year’s Christmas card.” Bailey designs their cards around their pictures.
Thanks for reading our blog and to send us comments please email olivia@bobheck.com or fredharrington@yahoo.com
Next letter: Illinois.
hitching posts at the campsites. We hoped no one camped next to us with horses. At least there was not a site on the other side of us. It is forested with hardwood trees, with a few scattered cedars.Friday, April 2, Happy Birthday Teenya! This was washday for us, so we gathered everything dirty and drove into Farmington—population about 15,000. After washingclothes, Fred sprayed off the worst of the levee dirt from the Suburban. The afternoon included a walk around the loops and cooking steaks on the grill. Nice day.
Saturday, April 3, it rained during the night and we awoke to rain drops sparkling in the sunlight on the cedar tree leaves and a lower temperature.
This was a day to sightsee. We took off to Bonne Terre and found an abandoned lead mine that offered tours of the underground mine and lake. It has been developed into a hot spot to scuba dive. The mine had been 5 layers deep and when active, there were pumps to empty out the seeping water. Pumping has ceased. Now three layers are flooded. On the way down to the second level
scuba divers passed us. We stopped to hear about the 
ore buckets. Each miner was required to fill 21 of these one ton buckets per day and received $1 for their efforts. The buckets were pulled by mule to a shaft below where it was processed before being hefted to the ground. The miners hollowed out the ground, leaving pillars and 
the pillars were repeated on each level under the pillar above. When we arrived at the 
underground lake 
we boarded a flat bottom boat with silent trolling motors to explore the most remote historic portions of the 17 mile shoreline of the world’s largest subterranean lake. 
Divers were in the area and we saw their bubbles. Fred said this was better than the Blue Grotto. That's saying something. The color of the water was beautiful.Visibility underwater is said to be about 100 feet, with a good light source. One man said his group of 12 from Wisconsin paid $365 each for this trip. It included lodging and 3 days of diving.
This mine has been on the Discovery Channel and we were told that on UTube was a show filmed in this lake. Olivia tried to watch it, but we didn’t have enough power. You might want to watch it called Red Bull Depth Charge. Let us know how it is.
From there we drove south to Elephant Rocks State Park which reminded us a lot of Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas. This is where granite bubbled up, then the dirt eroded and left these giant boulders. The kids were having a great time
climbing on the rocks and 
families were enjoying the pretty day for picnics.On our way through Farmington we discovered a
storage unit flea market and Olivia just had to stop to see if there were any fleas? We both bought one book.Our next adventure was to drive to the Mississippi River at St Genevieve to ride the ferry. We finally found it, or was it the landing? We drove the mile back into town, yes that is the ferry landing. Then back to the landing where someone told us the river was running too high for the ferry to land on the other side. So, no ferry crossing for us today.
Sunday, April 4 what a glorious Easter Sunday! The sky was clear, the flowers were blooming and
Manchester United Methodist Church was amazing. We arrived 30 minutes early and the parking lot was changing shifts. What a traffic jam! Olivia so wished for the camera inside. This church has a membership of 3000. By the time the service started we estimated 1500 in the sanctuary, balcony and northex hall. The prelude was like a symphony and the choir came in at least 125 strong. They faced the congregation with their bells in a balcony above the choir. Two men on the end played 13 big bells. We couldn’t see how many the other 14 members played. Garlands of spring flowers hung from the bell balcony and sprays of flowers were in each window. Then we all sang “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” which made cold chills run up our spine.. The rest of the service was just as meaningful. Very Moving Service! In the Sermon the pastor spoke of the Echo of the Reserection this congregation will participate to carry on what God started on Christmas and Easter. They will not go to church that day, but will participate in about 20 ways of service from feeding the homeless, helping at a shelter of homeless mentally ill women, to visiting nursing homes. They had a table set up in the northex for members to sign up.During the final hymm “Crown him with many Crowns” the shades of the windows were raised. All together a wonderful service.
Olivia found out the information about “Don’t Go to Church” May 2 and will send to our church.
From there we drove about five miles to Chesterfield to visit with Olivia’s cousins, Steve, Sidney, Wes and Bailey. Wes is 17, a junior in high school and loves MUSIC! Bailey will be 13 next week and as her parents said, she sets the pace for the family. Their place is on a hillside,
overlooking a small private lake with a balcony all around it. Sidney's mother and step father were also there. Steve is Olivia’s cousin Bob Hiatt’s oldest son. We have visited with the younger son Scott several times when we visited Bob near Kansas City. Steve is an Oral Surgeon like his father. Sidney found the house and they added on the back room, dining room, garage and completely redecorated the house. They lived in the construction for 4 months during it’s completion.
The large dining room has full length windows facing the lake. We enjoyed a wonderful Easter lunch and a nice visit with them all.As we were leaving we took
group pictures on their hill with the tulip and pear trees in the background. Sidney said, “They have next year’s Christmas card.” Bailey designs their cards around their pictures.Thanks for reading our blog and to send us comments please email olivia@bobheck.com or fredharrington@yahoo.com
Next letter: Illinois.
No comments:
Post a Comment