Day 9: Independence to Jefferson City

Waking up near your next site it wonderful, and this was the third time we didn't have to start the day with a long drive - it's nice!

Anyway, we started off at the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.  Click here to see those pictures.  we stopped mid-day at a McDonald's to get some grub (and a few Monopoly game pieces) and let the kids have a while playing (while I get some photos uploaded).  While sitting at the table, I struck up a conversation with the gentleman next to me, John.  We had a great conversation about kids - me being a stay-at-home, and him being a grandparent.

During the conversation, John mentioned the Osage Fort - something nearby that he recommended, but we knew nothing about (I know, I know - all my research and there was a cool Indian fort recreation close by and I knew nothing about it?  It happens...)  Anyway, a quick Internet search brought up directions, and we decided to add it on the way out.

The drive there alone would have made it worthwhile - the trees were starting to turn colors, and the countryside was glorious! We actually got a little lost (and had no reception to check our map...), but kept driving the direction we knew we needed to go and enjoying the scenery.

Many of the old homes were pretty cool looking...squirrel! (That's a little joke between me and the kids. If you have a little one, and have seen the movie "UP", then you know...)

A really nice old church...

...with an historic connection to the Santa Fe Trail! Even lost we keep on learning. The kids were impressed that folks would take the time to place such markers for us to find.

When we finally made it to Fort Osage, we were not only surprised, but excited to find it out here.  Click here for those pictures.  It was a wonderful addition to our trip!

Now, the rest of the way in to Jefferson City was a blur.  We were tired.  We were close.  We didn't want to stop for anything (well, one quick stop for gas & bathroom...).  And so there are no pictures.  I didn't even think to grab the camera and get shots of the kids mobbing mommy when we finally got to her place, or a pic of us out for dinner at the Steak & Shake.  I know, pretty lame of me, but I was tired...

Quick Stats:
total mileage so far - 2667
hours driving - 45
States - 9 (68 counties, 6 state capitals)
sites/parks/monuments - 17
Junior Ranger badges - 7 (& 1 Junior Paleontologist badge!)