On our way!

on I435 west of Kansas City, MO

on I435 west of Kansas City, MO

Dateline - Carthage, MO  Drove an easy 280 miles today, straight (or nearly so) south on Highway 71, using I29 where they were together so we were in 3 states today; Iowa, Missouri, Kansas (going around Kansas City) and Missouri. We left home in Southwest Iowa at 9:30 am after doing final close-up things at the house and ended up in Carthage at EconoLodge in Southwest Missouri.  Don't remember ever seeing so much color in trees in the fall.  Of course, that may address the fact that my memory is a bit of a problem, but I think it is the most colorful fall we have had in the Midwest.  A few of these photos are in Kansas and rest in Carthage where we drove around looking the town over; Left click on any of the photos to see larger.

south of St. Joe, MO

We stopped for lunch at Arby's in Platte City, MO and also got gasoline for $3.18, sad to think we got a good deal because it was cheaper than the $3.33 price in Clarinda, when we it seems we should be paying a dollar or so less.  $4.57 for lunch and then $8.50 for supper here in Carthage at Long John Silvers.  We spent about an hour driving around part of Carthage after checking in at the motel.  Nice town, about 22,000 population or so.  We found site of one of the earliest battle sites in the Civil War and I am showing photo of a marker.  Also, drove by a very unique county courthouse and show it.  Plan to spend a bit more time looking around here in the morning and then some more time in Joplin, MO and finally on to Gravette, AR to Don & Bessie Runyan's place. 

Marker of Civil War battle in 1861

in Carthage, MO

In Civil War Battle park on Old Highway 66 north edge of Carthage

in Carthage, MO

Jasper County Court House, Carthage, MO

in Carthage, MO