First of all, U-Haul - in their brilliance - won't rent cargo trailers to be pulled behind Explorers. Some policy because of the number of claims... Then, a new one is about $2200, with a good used one being close to that. I found a few home-made ones - no thanks!
So after wasting a few hours on that, I spent a little time looking for a pop-up camper. Those cost 12k-16k, with good used ones running 3k-4k - so no. I could get a "fixer-upper" for $600-$800, but I'm not home with tools and supplies to fix it up!
There's no help for it, we're going to have to pull in to a couple of hotels to make up the difference. Along with that, we actually get to leave a day earlier than planned, so have a chance to make up a little of the sight-seeing we're missing dealing with the changes. Since we didn't get to Hannibal or Stanton to see the caves we wanted there, we decided we should go through Osage Beach (Lake of the Ozarks) and see the caves there. The good news: we have time-share not far from there, and could get to stay in a 3-bedroom suite cheaper than a crummy hotel!
In addition, we decided to try to add a little bit of Arkansas (another state for the kiddos!). That has turned into a side trip to visit my friend Jimmy. BONUS! We're going to meet up with another group of MO letterboxers on our way through to Arkansas. So - all new trails, maps to be printed, sights to figure out, mileage to calculate, stopping points and reservations to do...
And what were my little angels doing while daddy spent hours and hours on the computer? Two things: 1) they were getting a lot of bookwork caught up; and 2) getting the packing started...
Quick Stats:
total mileage so far - 2954
hours driving - 50
States - 10 (73 counties, 6 state capitals)
sites/parks/monuments - 19
Junior Ranger badges - 8 (& 1 Junior Paleontologist badge!)
letterboxes - 26 (2 Blue Diamonds!)
Meet & Greets - 1 (6 Exchanges, 4 PTs)
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