VDR Trip, Day 5: Lawson, MO - Sioux City, IA

Lawson, MO – Sioux City, IA

277 mi, 4 hrs, 46 min

Appx fuel costs:  $88.13

Adm. Fees:  $ 24

Camping Fees:  $ 21

Leaving Lawson and slowly getting into Sioux City, IA

Stop #1: Western Historic Trails Center, Council Bluffs, IA ; Admission:  FREE

Stop #2:  Squirrel Cage Jail, Adm fees Adults $7 / Children $5

                                                                                                                                                                                             

Stop #3:  Union Pacific Railroad Museum, FREE admission

  Stop #4:  Golden Spike Monument, South 21^st Str and  9^th Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA

Stop #5: Steel Statue of War Eagle, Friend of the White man, Sioux City, IA   

       

 Sioux City, IA -  
Stop #6:  Big Monument to Lewis & Clark’s Only Fatality

There's 15 + geocaches around here!  I'm not gonna worry about looking for them because it's too time consuming for this stop.

                                  
Stop #7: Trinity Heights:  Giant Jesus and Mary

 

                                                                                                                                               

Camp at Stone State Park, Sioux City, IA $21/night

There are 4 EarthCaches here.  What’s an EarthCache?  An EarthCache is similar to a Virtual Cache in the way that there is no traditional cache container or a log book, but because of their purpose they differ greatly.  The purpose of an EarthCache is to share information about a particular geological feature of our planet Earth, and the object is to learn something about it. When you visit an EarthCache, you learn something interesting about the geology of the area. Usually the information is freely given but you have to do a bit of investigative work to answer proposed questions in order to claim the cache.

Whew!  That's a lot of little stops for one day. In fact, it's very possible that if we ever do get to go on this trip, I'll probably NOT stop at all of these.  I'll be really tired by the time we reach Sioux City and will be looking forward to some chill time at the state park. 

How about you?  Are you still with me on this trip or have you abandoned ship?  We're not even halfway there yet!  Hang on with me and let's go on some more adventures!  Stay tuned for tomorrow!

VDR Trip: Day 4, Independence sights

Lawson, MO – Independence, MO – Lawson, MO
111 miles, 2 hrs, 53 min
Appx fuel costs: $35.00
Adm. Fees: $62.00
Camping Fees: $21

Today we're waking up at the State Park and then heading out for a day of sightseeing.  Some things look like fun!  Well, for the grown-ups anyhow.  It's all about the history ya know!  We'll have to budget our time, though, because I'm pretty sure we'll spend too much time in one area and not have enough time for another area.   

Ready?

OK

Here we go!!!! Oh, and BTW, we will be doing the stopping and stuff in this order.

1st stop this morning:  ​ The Hall of Waters, 201 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO

​​
#2 - Jesse James Farm, 21216 Jesse James Farm Road, Kearney, MO
  Admission Fees: Adults $8/ Children $4.50

There are EIGHT virtual geocaches here! Yup!  That's right!  What's a virtual geocache, you ask?  Well, it's a geocache like any other geocache but it doesn't contain a physical treasure like you would find in a hidden ammo box or tupperware container.  Instead, the location is the treasure; a special place that should be easy to recognize as the "correct location".  This place might be strange, interesting, unique, or special in some way.  As you travel further with me on my virtual journey, you may see this symbol which will represent a virutal cache can be found nearby.

 #3 - (Optional) Rhino Tombstone, 101 East Kansas Street, Liberty, MO

​​

#4 - ​​First Daylight Bank Robbery, Jesse James Bank Museum, Liberty, MO 
Adults $6 / Children $3.50 = $19 

#5 - National Frontier Trails Center, 318 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050

​​Admission Fees: Adults $6, Children $3 = $18

This geocache symbol signifies a "multi-cache".  That's basically a geocache that you have to solve a puzzle to find instead of just finding the location.  It's a little more difficult to find unless you're a good puzzle solver.

 ​​#6 & #7- Harry S. Truman NHS and the Truman Farm Home. Admission is $4 for Adults and children under 15 are FREE.  Admission fee will permit visitation to BOTH the Truman Home and the Truman FARM Home.  (In my research, I got confused and thought they were both the same house, but they're not.  They ARE, in fact, two separate houses.)

BTW, another reason I enjoy the National Historic Sites and Parks is because I get to help my girls with their Junior Ranger books and I get to get my National Park Passport stamped.  I love stamping my Passport!!!  If you aren't familiar with the Passport program, follow the link by clicking on the words National Park Passport.   

#8 - (For the Girls) Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City, MO
Admission: FREE

Now, before heading back to the state park, I HAVE to complete a Geocaching Challenge.  What's that?  Oh, well, it's bascially the same as a virtual cache but the basic idea is to "Go somewhere, Do something".  Like getting a self video of yourself singing a song in Times Square, or take a picture of yourself walking through the Bradenburg Gate in Berlin. 

I'm choosing to look ONLY for music related challenges on this trip.  That being said, my first challenge will be to get a pic of myself playing the piano at the corner of "12th and Vine"!!!  (Recognize the Kansas City tune?")  Here's an example of the location.

Stay again at Watkins Mill State Park, Independence, MO (camp @ Watkins Mill State Park, Lawson, MO)  Camping fees: $21

VDR Trip: Day 3, Beaver, AR - Lawson, MO

Beaver, AR – Mansfield, MO – Lawson, MO

379 miles, 7 hrs, 25 min
Appx fuel costs: $66.33
Adm. Fees: $98
Camping Fees:  $21


Heading out early with a light brekkie in the tummy.  Destination:  Mansfield, MO

It has long been a desire of mine to visit the adult home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House on the Prairie series for those of you who don't know about her.  This is a photo of her family. 

So....

First stop:  Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum, Mansfield, MO.  Have some $$ on hand because a little admission fee is charged here.  $8 per adult and $4 per child.

Stop #2:  Since we've had a light breakfast, let's stop at Lambert's and enjoy some lunch before turning the horses northwards.

                                                   

#3 on the agenda:  Gotta pick up some silver ware for future lunches.   This little box you see here? This indicates that a geocache is at or near this location. One box means there's one geocache. So, when you start seeing more of them, well, now you know what it means.

Finish off the fun stuff with a Fantastic Cavern tour.  Admission fees for this one are kinda steep.  Adults are $22.50 and Children are $14.50.
 

And finally, heading on to the wonderful looking campsites at Watkins Mill State Park where camping fees are only $21 a night!  The park is adjacent to the the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site where we'll probably spend some time before heading out for sightseeing.  The following 4 boxes means there's 4 geocaches here at this state park and if I have a couple hours of free time, I'll be hiking around to find them.

Well, that's it for day three.  Time to get tucked into the pop up and get some sleep.  I've got lots of linky loos and geocache locations to hunt for tomorrow!

VDR Trip: Day 2, Beaver & Eureka Springs, AR

Day 2:

Beaver, AR – Eureka Springs, AR

16 miles

Appx fuel costs:  $

Adm. Fees:  $26 x 3 + $20 = $98

Well, now we're in Beaver, AR for our first full day of sightseeing and relaxing. Plans for today (Day 2) include typical Eureka Springs stuff. Since ES is only about 10 miles south of Beaver, we've got aaaalll day!!

In addition to visiting with the Mayor of Beaver, AR here are some other things we'll see and do.

#1: Gotta see the World's Largest Tuned Windchime!  Located at Celestial Windz Harmonic Bizaar. The owner here charges $5 to ring this windchime but if you're lucky he might be taking a nap somewhere and you'll get to experience it for free!!  There are about 10 geocaches within 1 mile of this location including a couple of  "Earthcache"s.  What's an Earthcache you say?  Well, click HERE to find out.

#2 - Thorncrown Chapel also called the Glass Chapel, is situated outside of the edge of town.  There is no admission fee but donations are accepted.

#3 - The Great Passion Play is something that I enjoy going to see everytime I'm in the Eureka Springs area.  Admission fees are $26 for adults and $13 for children.  For more ticket information, check this out.

#4 - Christ of the Ozarks - Located on Passion Play Drive.  Free Adm.

#5 - Slab of the Berlin Wall - Can't seem to find any admission information.  If you know something I don't, please hollah!!!

Well, that's it for Day 2.  The rest of the time will be spent fishing on Beaver Lake and resting up before leaving here bright and early in the morning.  I have some stops I wanna make before hitting Independence, MO!!!

The Virtual Dream Road Trip: Day 1

Livingston, LA - Beaver, AR
559 miles, 10 hrs, 31 min (give or take)
Approx. fuel cost:  $101.50

If you're just now joining me, then let me enlighten you as to what's going on here.  For three years, I've been dreaming of a road trip approximately 6000 miles Round Trip.  My ultimate destination is Banff National Park in Banff located just outside of Calgary, AB Canada.  From Louisiana, it's quite the drive. 

I made a little post the other day on Facebook and was inspired to start this "Virtual" Road Trip, exploring state parks, quirky roadside attractions, and geocaches along the way via the Informational Highway (a.k.a. the Internet). 

So, jump in and join me as we cross the countryside and see amazing wonders!!!

First off, on the ACTUAL trip, I plan to be hauling a pop up camper behind a Chevy Surburban SUV.  So, I guess I'll be doing things like keeping up with the mileage and current fuel costs.  I'll also need to look at "feeding" a family of 4 (or 5 depending on if the Teen goes with us).  So, I'll be looking at meal plans.

Load up!  We're headin' out!

Our first destination will be Beaver, Arkansas.  Beaver is a 10 hour drive from our starting point.  I initially didn't want to start out driving that far on our daily travels but in this case, I think it'll be okay.  We will plan to stay in Beaver for a couple of days while we visit with the Mayor (Who I know PERSONALLY!!!) of this cute little town.

During our drive, we will stop for breaks at some roadside attractions.  Here'a  list with a pic or two so you'll get the idea.  Also, when available, we'll be looking for geocaches at some of these location.  In case you aren't familier with geocaching, you can read all about it right here at this little linky loo.

Our first break will be in Redfield, AR: Mammoth Orange Drink Stand where we can get a refreshment.
There's a Geocache located within 150 feet of this spot!!

Little Rock: Billy Bass Adoption Center located inside the Flying Fish Restaurant in Little Rock, AR

Little Rock:  Old Mill park with Concrete Wood

Now doesn't THIS LOOK like a Lovely spot to stop for a picnic lunch!  I'm so glad that I found this one, that means we can really pass up the previous two in order to truly enjoy this little piece of heaven!  Oh, and there's also a geocache located only 180 feet from here!

Little Rock:  Roundtop Gas Station

Clinton, AR: Natural Bridge of Arkansas Now this looks like it would be a great place for a geocache, but I couldn't find one listed.  Hmm.  Oh well, this is only Day 1 of our trip.  We'll find MANY others!!

And finally our destination, Beaver, AR where we'll park the camper either at Beaver Lake Campgrounds, or in the yard of the lovely Mayor of Beaver, AR.  Whom I know PERSONALLY as I mentioned before!!! I'm guessing that she'll have been working all day on a scrumptious dinner for us so I have no need to worry about feeding the kids.  It'll be nice to sit and visit for a day or so.  Tomorrow, we'll venture into Eureka Springs and do some touristy stuff before heading on.