Midwest Scramble!

July and August were filled with fun and a few mild challenges. In this post, we are going to take you through a rapid run of the Midwest, noting some of the highlights along the way! Let’s dive right in, shall we?

Here is a brief summary of our journey:
Total Miles (A - F): 917 miles

A. St. Louis, MO (July 7 - 17, 2019)
- Return to Babler State Park
- Scott’s last week at old job

B. St. James, MO (July 17 - 28, 2019)
- Float Trip on the Courtois River
(locally pronounced “code-away” or “cur-toy”)
- Visited Maramec Spring Park

C. St. Louis, MO (July 28 - August 4, 2019)
- Returned for Scott’s first week at new job
- Tried the RV campground in the city (it was great)

D. Lawrence, KS (August 4 - 14, 2019)
- Visited with family

E. Omaha, NE (August 14 - 18, 2019)
- Visited with family & friends

F. Forest City, IA (August 18 - 29, 2019)
- RV repairs at Winnebago

July 7 - August 29, 2019

A & C - St. Louis, MO

Back at Babler State Park for our first St. Louis visit. We had a nice, secluded spot!

Visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis with Scott’s dad.

Lots of beautiful mosaics throughout the cathedral.

The angel wings on this statue are made of wind chimes. Beautiful!

Our first time staying in the downtown St. Louis RV Park. Accommodating staff and convenient location to work!

View of the city skyline from the deck above the pool.

B - St. James, MO

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Pheasant Acres RV Park in St. James. We felt like a part of the family.

Scotty, hard at work on his last day of employment with the old job. Doing his best to set them up for success before they part ways. Breakups are tough, but long-distance relationships aren’t for everyone!

Traci birthday celebration at Sybill’s restaurant.

Remains of the furnace used by Maramec Iron Works.

Peaceful Bend Winery, near Steelville, MO.

Miniature depictions of the old iron operations are inside the visitor center. Some of them are interactive. Such a fun way to tell the history of the area.

Gardens at Public House Brewing Company in St. James, MO.

St. James Idol contest at Meramec Vineyards Winery. So much fun!

C - Lawrence, KS

Hanging with family in Clinton State Park.

Traci decided to take the Amtrak train from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL. The very early morning Amtrak train was delayed, with no one around. Traci was sad. — Traci decided to take the Amtrak train from Lawrence, KS to Chicago, IL.
The very early morning Amtrak train was delayed, with no one around.
Traci was sad.

Pretty sunsets from our location in the park.

Beautiful sunrise greeting us as we departed for Omaha, NE.

D - Omaha, NE

We were so caught up in our visiting that, unfortunately, we didn’t snag many pictures in Omaha. However, we had a great time visiting with family and friends.

Of course, there is always time for insect pictures (Katydid).

E - Forest City, IA

Picture taken from atop the tower in Pilot Knob State Park.

The 360 degree view of surrounding landscape from the top of the tower was incredible, especially at sunset.

The initial reason for our voyage to Forest City, IA…upholstery repair. Our couch and dinette cushions were quite worn out due to some faulty pleather. — The initial reason for our voyage to Forest City, IA…upholstery repair.
Our couch and dinette cushions were quite worn out due to some faulty pleather.

Winnebago coordinated with us to replace the upholstery and cushions. MUCH better!! We had some other repairs to take care of as well, as we had discovered some issues during our travels. — Winnebago coordinated with us to replace the upholstery and cushions. MUCH better!!
We had some other repairs to take care of as well, as we had discovered some issues during our travels.

Due to delays in material receipt and the need for additional repairs, we were in Forest City much longer than expected. However, we had fun and made friends during our time in town.