Prior to now we have gone to every state in the vicinity except Kansas. Oversight now corrected. We left OKC headed north on I-35. Once over the border we entered the KTA, a turnpike that bypasses Wichita and Topeka with beautiful roads, through even better scenery. Rolling hills, bright green pastures, happy cows. Every 50 miles or so there is an island rest stop between the north and south bound lanes with gas, McDonald's, travel info and picnic tables. There are no hassles with getting off/on the tollroad or finding a parking place big enough for us. The choices are limited, but the convenience cannot be beat.
We camped at Perry Lake (Corps of Engineers) northeast of Topeka. Sure wish I had taken a picture, it is a very pretty spot. Worth a return trip! We walked, rode bikes and rested. We took a trip down to Lawrence; home of KU, fabulous old homes, and the Kansas River. It has a thriving downtown that reminds us of Austin in the early '60's. Another day we drove to Topeka, the capital. The setting is just as pretty, but more industrial than Lawrence.
We are now just southeast of St. Louis. Russell and I have driven through the city but never stopped for any amount of time. Villa Ridge, a very small town is roughly 40 miles out on I-44. The park is a true campground- not a fancy RV resort; great trees, a small lake, fire rings, nice picnic tables. The owner told me the same story as other parks in the area, booked up through Memorial Day. But when I explained our situation, to follow, he said, "you come on in, we'll work this out."
Our situation is that Kyle is meeting us here on Wednesday evening. He and Russell are then driving to Montreal where Kyle will be living for the next several months. so in looking for a place to stay it was important to be somewhere that I would feel comfortable not only in the park, but getting around and doing things. This is such a place, so we will be here for a month. That allows us time to help Kyle, see the city, and decide on our next destination.
Next blog: a trip to the Arch!
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