Decided to bypass Branson and took a nice leisurely drive thru one of the many Mark Twain National Forests in MO and landed at the Wilson Creek National Battlefield near Springfield.  Another drive–thru site that began the battle for control of MO. and eventually ended with the divided state remaining under control of the Union.  Bloody Hill was aptly named – 2500 died.  Up to this point I was familiar with many of the eastern sites but this tour has given me an new appreciation of the importance of the control of middle America, especially the states with divided sympathies.

On to Independence to see the Harry Truman home and library.  His is an interesting love story.  He left his job in Kansas City to return home and help his father and brother with the family farm.  While visiting a cousin, he returned a cake plate to the Wallace home across the street and the door was answered by Bess (whom he’d had a crush on since 1^st grade).  The Wallace’s were the moneyed family in town and Harry was considered out of their circle.  Much to Bess’s mother’s consternation, a 9 year courtship began and after several proposal refusals, when Harry returned from WWI, she said “yes” & they were married. Mother-in-law, Madge, never felt Harry worthy of her daughter, even when she lived in the White House with them. 

He was a reluctant candidate for VP and saw FDR only once during his presidency & knew nothing about the bomb construction that was taking place until after Roosevelt died.  When he asked Eleanor if there was anything he could do for her, she replied that it was him that was going to need help.

After returning to Independence (on borrowed train fare), the Truman’s lived a quiet and simple life.  As a welcome home present, friends painted the house white.  A tour of the house shows a kitchen table set for 2 and a nailed down linoleum tile he’d fixed.  He resisted secret service protection until it was thrust upon him (and people began gathering pieces of the house as souvenirs) and was famous for his daily walks to the Truman Library, a mile and a half from the house.

Wandered over to Jefferson City to see the capitol.  Perched on the Missouri River along the Lewis & Clark Trail, it was surrounded by flowering trees and has a beautifully decorated interior dome.  In addition to the state history, there was a walk-thru exhibit of the complicated allegiances of the state during the civil war.

Was excited about seeing Lake of the Ozarks but the reality got in the way of what I’d visualized.  It’s become a huge resort and condo vacation area and found myself anxious to move on.  Another wing of Mark Twain National Forest and an interesting lawn decoration.

Back on the road toward Eminence, MO along the Ozark Scenic Highway which is lined with several hot springs  Stopped at Round Springs and ran into a young couple who were taking a long weekend vacation and they put me onto Ally Springs and Big Springs.  Bright blue hot water gushing out from as far away as 50 miles below the surface.  The latter at 

288 million gallons per day, enough to fill a football stadium. The National Scenic Riverways Act of 1964 protected these areas or most of it would have been dammed up and the springs would have been lost under several feet of water. Stayed at a comfy lodge overlooking the Current River in Van Buren but passed up the Stray Dog Barbecue.  Not an appetizing name for a restaurant.

Headed north toward St. Louis but stopped off at Elephant Rocks State Park for a hike among the huge boulders.  The huge boulders were formed by underground magma and when eroded, looked like a circus train of elephants.

Julia Dent was born in the St. Louis area and when her brother brought home his handsome roommate, Ulysses, from West Point for a visit, sparks were ignited.  Unfortunately, her father had chosen to side with the Confederacy so a video dinner conversation at the park site, simulated an imagined spirited conversation between the father and his future son-in-law. I was the sole visitor on this rainy day for the house and grounds tour and had the most delightful conversation with the young ranger.  She was especially interested in my trip and I, in her decision to work for the park service.

Couldn’t go thru Illinois without stopping off at the Lincoln Museum.  In addition to the artifacts, the holographic presentations are wonderful.  Especially moving is the librarian’s account of a soldier’s experience in the Civil War. I won’t spoil the surprise ending for you.

Went to Ottawa with the intent of hiking Starved Rock but ran into the midst of the terrible flooding along the Illinois River.   One of the entrances was closed and the trails were impassable so I hunkered down in my motel along with a number of local evacuees whose homes were under water.

The return to Chicago was to join the celebration of the wedding of my son, Jay and his fiancée, Chandra.  A wonderful gathering of family and friends from far (Chandra’s brother & family from Kenya and her mom’s best friend from Scotland) and sorta far (LA, San Diego, Lexington, KY and Washington DC).  They planned the entire event which was dominated by outstanding food and family gatherings which  gave us lots of opportunities to get to know each other. The ceremony was officiated by a good friend of the couple who made it personal and very entertaining.

Spent the following  two weeks in the kind and generous care of wonderful friends, Judy in Lincolnshire and Jeanne in Viroqua.  On the trip over to Oshkosh to visit my sister, I reacquainted myself with some of the beauty of WI. More back roads over spring-leafed hills and along the Kickapoo River and a pretty little town I saw for the first time. Will continue the blog when I get back on the road.