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Texas, the Lonestar State, where everything is truly "bigger". We followed Rt. 40 (old Rt. 66) where many of the old sites are still there. The 19 story cross, the advertised "free 72 oz. steak" (only if you eat all of it as well as sides in an hour), and the famed Cadillac Ranch where shells of cadillacs were planted in 1974 as a tribute to the Golden Age of car travel in the middle of farm fields. (bringing your own spray to leave your mark is encouraged). Jack Sisemore's Traveland contains the RV Museum with exhibits from the 1920's to present including the " bus from movie RV" and the Texas Air & Space Museum - all free for donations only - all close or in Amarillo.
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We left Missouri and travelled through Oklahoma. We stayed one night at the Tulsa fairgrounds and continued through Oklahoma City to Texas. Branson is a "happenin'" place from the exact replica of the Titanic to Ripley's Believe It Or Not and many "live" shows from Down Home Country to Oldie's sung by a group called Six, a group of brothers singing together (without any instruments) whose voices are the entire show (acapella and drums, guitar etc.).
The Arch in St. Louis, gateway to the West is amazing and quite a trip on small cable car to the top, 630 ft. The views are amazing. We then went on a riverboat cruise on the Tom Sawyer down the Mississippi. I never realized the barge traffic on the Mississippi today, fuel barges of over 400ft long carry oil, propane or grain. The oldest (and still in good shape I may add) and first all steel bridge (Eads) in the USA opened in 1874 seen above. The Meramec Caverns are really a must see. They say it was the hide out of Jesse James and gang because of it's extensive miles (4.6 miles) of continuous caverns. The formations are unique to this area and rival the world in type and size. In it's hayday; summer dance/concert parties were held in the large entry cavern with a level flooring. It can still be rented for events and private parties today.
From Kentucky we headed North and West and landed in Clarksville, Indiana. There we visited the Falls of the Ohio and the museum and center there. This was the starting point for the Lewis & Clark expedition west. The river was very high as we were told, usually, the bottom can be seen and sometimes able to walk all the way across. This allows for fossils to be observed on the river bed.          We found a wonderful restaurant on the river for drinks and dinner. The settlement started by Daniel Boone is Fort Boonesboro located in the State Forest in Kentucky. You can't go to Kentucky and not visit the horses. On Tuesday we respectfully visited the Horse Farm where some of the retired Derby Champions now find there home on over 1,000 beautifully kept acres along with museums and memorials. Also onsite is a beautiful museum depicting the history of the horse throughout civilization.          As we drove into Kentucky, on Rt. 64 in driving rain; we experienced some flooding of the area as we arrived at Morehead KY where my cousins live. So where else would you go, but to the Ark. No joke, this was a two year project to construct a replica of the biblical Noah's Ark in accordance with all historic information available. Whether you believe it or not, this is an impressive and very well done exhibit, well worth the visit. We also enjoyed the buffet at the restaurant, among the "animals" Traveling to Ohio from Pennsylvania took us through PA, MD, WV and finally to Ohio. Up and down the hills, the views were spectacular, but not easy on the "bus" especially with 8% grades every other mile.    We finally arrived at friends Lee and Nan in Nelsonville, Ohio late Wednesday. This town is a hidden gem and Nan was the best tour guide ever. Nelsonville has rich history of its generations (many of whom have stayed for generations) and natural resources.
And on Labor Day at dusk, we were able to hear the last night of 100 nights of taps played at the Soldiers National Cemetery. A special program along with a tribute to John McCain and tribute to all of our Veterans.
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