Independence,MO to Lexington,MO
Started the day with a balmy 55 deg that rose to about 82deg. Nancy claims its good since we need to get used to the heat of deep south texas again.
After an adequate breakfast by the same caterer as last night we headed out. First to the pist office in town where we mailed halloween cards to the grand kids... Its early but better that than forget.
Lots of rollers this morning as we headed to Fort Osage. Beautiful scenery and then suddenly, as we neared fort osage: the missouri river in all its swollen glory.
We tored the museum and fort. It focused more on lewis and clark expedition than the santa fe trail. We also toured the fort which was built wood stockade type. There were 2 groups of school childtrn to enhance our experience :)
We then continued onward to us 24 and made our way thru 2 small towns till we hit us 224. The river highway.
Evidence of flooding way above the roads is still there. The Union Pacific tracks paralleling the river are not being used at this time until the whole section can be deemed safe. Apparently the road was covered with water and only reopened to traffic 6 wks ago. We took a break at an army corp of engineer park on the river and then proceeded thro towns namer Napolean (pop 230),Waterloo ( pop noy listed,but smaller than Napolean), Nd Wellington (po 325).
Stopped at a war memorial at the river where a bridge over the missouri had been....but its been gone awhile.
Entered Lexington and was immediately greeted by another statue of the "madonn of the trail" then after a slight turn andinto the town where scarecrows adorbed lampposts in dwcoration for an autumn festival this coming weekend.
Stopped at a mcdonalds for lunch: fish sandwich.
After making our way to our home for the evening, the Wentworth Military Academy, we made camp and showered.
At 1630 we were treated to a historical town bus tour by the local president of the santa fe trail association. This lasted until 1800 then to chow in the mess hall.
Food was adequate, they did run outof some food. I think this is the first time we are witbout ice cream!
Todays trip was 47 miles.
After dinner we forewent our usual walk and went in tonthe gym to work on the blog.
Tomorrow we head to arrow springs ~55 miles.
This morning one of our swiss friends flew out of kansas city to return home with his pink bike friday. His father in law remainsfor the duration. E