The Big MO (and MS)

After going by Lake of the Ozarks (one of those dam created lakes that looks on the map like someone dropped a ball of blue string), we followed Highway 54 through Jefferson City, the capitol of Missouri, then followed along the Missouri River a ways through incredible fields of corn before stopping for the night at a city park in the town of Hermann.

The park had a small RV area with 18 spaces. Since we were in the 18th we were a little worried about sufficient electricity to run the A/C, but it was fine. We then engaged in the time-honored RV entertainment of watching other RVers try to park.

Max took Rosa and found a Little League game to watch. He was slightly horrified to discover that any child who wanted to play was allowed to, all at the same time. The outfield was well covered. He had to leave when Juan decided he could try to pet Rosa, despite his mother saying no, because he had 7 mean dogs. A hasty retreat was called for when Juan recruited his little sister to join in the fun.

The town was founded by the German Society (?) and has great red brick buildings. It is in the middle of Missouri wine country - beautiful green hills - and is on the Lewis and Clark Trail. It would be a good place to spend a couple days.

But in the morning we headed through St. Louis and across the Mississippi (see barges below). About 50 miles into Illinois we abandoned the 2 lane roads we've been on and took to The Big Road - the Interstate. Rosa will sit up and watch on the smaller roads if we have the windows open, but starts to fall asleep when she can't smell the countryside.

Crossing the Mississippi in St. Louis

Rosa wins the largest nose contest

Missouri State Capitol