Day 15: Jefferson City to Branson

It took a lot longer getting packed and on the road than we though, but we got almost everything of Mary's in!  That being said, it was lunch before we got on the road.  We started out by driving about an hour southwest to the Lake of the Ozarks, and seeing Bridal Cave. Click here to see those pictures.

The cave is situated on a wonderful shoreline.

After the cave, it was on down the road to Springfield for a dinner Meet & Greet with some local letterboxers, and another visitor from New Mexico!  First though, we found this cool rest stop on the way there...

They had this huge floor mural of all the places we're going - how nice of them!

Okay, it's really the historic Route 66 - but it did help sink home to the kids that we are traveling roughly the same route.

More places we'll be soon...

I love that several of our stopping points are in the Route 66 towns, like Shamrock, Tucumcari & Holbrook.

There was also a fun play area for the kids to burn a little energy!

Quick Stats:
total mileage so far - 3191
hours driving - 55
States - 10 (80 counties, 6 state capitals)
sites/parks/monuments - 20
Junior Ranger badges - 8 (& 1 Junior Paleontologist badge!)
letterboxes - 26 (2 Blue Diamonds!)
Meet & Greets - 2 (13 Exchanges, 15 PTs)