Thursday - Saturday Kansas City

Kansas City is a great walking city. Lots to do, breweries, Cidery and restaurants and museums. Lots of parking. T-Mobile is the best venue for wrestling other than St Louis that we’ve attended. 

It’s been fun watching Nathan on these mats. It was 50 years ago that Bill was an All American   

HereHere are some photos I’ve taken while walking around with Drew. 

3 Trails Brewery in Independence. 

Night lights which make the city come alive. 

Sunset from the RV

Trolley cars 

Donutology in an old trolley car. 

They were small!

A walk to the river. 

How the other half lives … Drew’s hotel Hilton President. 

And coffee 

A walk to City Market for a beer and lunch with Drew before he flies home. 

Passed this on our walk. It was an old bus terminal. Now it’s a dog park for the apartments above. How cool is that!

Tonight are the finals. Penn State is so far ahead that it’s anti-climactic.  

Wednesday, March 20 - Independence, MO

Last night wasn’t quite as cold … 39 degrees. But when we started out on our walk to the Harry S Truman house, I was glad to have a coat, vest and hat. Still windy. We didn’t go the most direct course (GPS’s fault of course) but we got to see beautiful, stately homes along the way. 

The Harry S Truman house was an interesting tour. The house has been kept the way it was when they lived there, wallpaper, porcelain sink, grand piano, furnishings, photos, etc. No picture were allowed so if you’re interested, check out the website. 

We also visited the house across the street from the Truman house where Harry visited when he was courting Bess, his wife. Bess came from money, Harry didn’t. 

After a quick lunch, we drove into Kansas City to meet Drew at Torn Label Brewery. Fun catching up on all the research he’s been doing on social media. 

Kansas City is known for their BBQ so of course that was on our dinner menu. Andrea gave us a couple choices that a former student had told her. We chose Joe’s BBQ. Wow, that was great. The building was an old gas station and they are busy with people standing in line every day. We can see why. Still licking our chops. 

Great recommendation. 

Tomorrow the wrestling championship begins. Go Nathan. Can’t wait to watch you. 

Tuesday, March 19 - Independence, MO

Woke up to 28 degrees, coldest so far. Explore Valley was very quiet and peaceful, lots of open space for the dogs to sniff and smell. 

The pear trees were in bloom, giving me hope that spring weather would arrive soon. 

After breakfast, the sun was shining bright so we decided to get groceries and take a walk at Rotary Park. 

Since we don’t have far to drive today, we  didn’t get on the road until 10:30. For the next 5 days, we’ll be staying at Campus RV Park in Independence, MO. Drew will meet us there tonight. While we are at the wrestling sessions, Drew will be exploring Kansas City. 

Forgot to mention that as we came into Missouri, our GPS say “misery!

Stopped for gas about 3 minutes from Independence, just east of Kansas City and was pleasantly surprised that it was a balmy 65 degrees. Time to shed some layers. 

I took a walk from our campground towards town and saw this church. Thought Beth and Ken Raney would be interested. 

From our campground, I could see this unusual spire.  It’s part of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. The sign said The Temple. 

Monday, March 18 - Explorer Valley

Last night was the coldest yet , 30 degrees. We knew it would be cold since we were driving the northern route BUT geesh, stop the wind. Makes it seem much colder. 

As were we’re leaving Castle Finn Winery, we drove and drove through farmland. The winery seemed like it was in the middle of nowhere, which it was but only about 10 miles from I-70. 

Tonight we’ll be staying at another Harvest Host, Explorer Valley. They named their business this to reflect the natural beauty of the Valley. Looking forward to this new adventure. 

As we travel down the road, we listen to audiobooks. The one we are listening to now is the Book Thief by Marcus Zusek, set in Nazi Germany. It’s definitely sad but also amazing to hear what people did to survive. It’s hard to imagine and makes you so grateful for what we have. 

I’m also crocheting as the miles roll on. I’ve finished my PSU scarf (thank heavens because it’s warm!), with Banjo’s help. 

Now I’m working on our Aussie friend, Darren’s grandmother’s knitting he left her. I’m crocheting around her rectangles so that when I put it all together, there will be sashing between. 

Lenny sits on Bill’s lap, sometimes looking out the window, most times sleeping. 

Sunday, March 17 - Castle Finn Winery

The first night of 2024 in the camper was quite chilly, just above freezing. With the furnace turned on, we kept warm. Probably at least one more close to freezing night ahead of us. 

Tonight we’ll be staying at another Harvest Host, Castle Finn Winery in Marshall, Illinois. Leaving Dalton Union Winery and Brewery, we were lucky not to drive on interstates. The country roads are more relaxing and the we pass through interesting small towns. 

Eventually we did drive on I-70 in Indiana. Their roads are some of the worst we’ve driven on and they aren’t getting much better. 

Castle Finn Winery is locally owned. We enjoyed a couple bottles of their Chamborsin while talking with the owner, Sonia. That’s what we love about Harvest Host … meeting and talking with so many different people and businesses. Wish it wouldn’t have been so windy and cold. They had a nice outdoor space and wedding venue. And, look at that Mountain (Nittany) Lion. Felt right at home. 

Tomorrow night we’ll be in Floristsll, MO, west of St Louis at Explorer Valley. Not exactly sure what this place is but supposed to have some space for hiking. 

Sunday, March 17 - Castle Finn Winery

The first night of 2024 in the camper was quite chilly, just above freezing. With the furnace turned on, we kept warm. Probably at least one more close to freezing night ahead of us. 

Tonight we’ll be staying at another Harvest Host, Castle Finn Winery in Marshall, Illinois. Leaving Dalton Union Winery and Brewery, we were lucky not to drive on interstates. The country roads are more relaxing and the we pass through interesting small towns. 

Eventually we did drive on I-70 in Indiana. Their roads are some of the worst we’ve driven on and they aren’t getting much better. 

Castle Finn Winery is locally owned. We enjoyed a couple bottles of their Chamborsin while talking with the owner, Sonia. That’s what we love about Harvest Host … meeting and talking with so many different people and businesses. Wish it wouldn’t have been so windy and cold. They had a nice outdoor space and wedding venue. 

Tomorrow night we’ll be in Floristsll, MO, west of St Louis at Explorer Valley. Not exactly sure what this place is but supposed to have some space for hiking. 

2024-The trek west has begun

Packed to the gills and ready to get on the road. Left about 8:30 as our daffodils 🌼 bloomed profusely. This is the first time we’ve seen them bloom in several years!

Tonight we’ll stay at Union Dalton Winery, Brewery and Cidery in Marysville, Ohio. We’ve stayed here twice before. Large space to park the RV, good beer and cider. Let the adventure begin. 

As we drove across Ohio, you could feel the wind try to move us. Temps were in the 60s but the wind made it feel colder. 

As we pulled into Dalton Union Winery, Cidery and Brewery, we saw the signs for a St Patrick’s Day party. Perfect.