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Alfera's Far From Home Journey

Day 7 on the road and going east!

As you might have surmised, there are not hookups for the cable or modem at all campgrounds. So, suffice it to say, I will try and bring you up to date.

We have some news for those that might be planning a trip across the midlands this summer. Do not take I-80 through Nebraska or Wyoming! Our minds will hear the thumpity thump thump of those roads for days after it is now over. What a mess and the road repairs are supposed to last through the summer of course. LOL But, aside of that, the sights were very beautiful. Nothing really to stop and see as fantastic, but, the natural beauty of this land really seemed to shine as the early crops were starting to come out of the ground and there seemed to be such an urgency to plant and sew those seeds while the season was yet young. Anybody who ever says that the farmers in this country don't work from sunrise to sunset and then some, has never taken a trip across this great land.

This is a trip that cannot be matched by bus, rail or plane. This is one where we have the opportunity to see the riches of our country for what they really are, hard working people and small towns that support the farmers who support all the big cities. The big cities where all the crops are traded and sold, the beef is consumed and traded on the "Big boards" and yet, the farmer is still the one who may not get all the money, but the one who posses all the riches this land has to offer.

Well, before I get too far off in that train of thought, I guess I should bring you up to date.

On day 7 we drove to Scott Air Force Base in ILLINOIS, can never spell that right, but this was in a town called O'Fallon just east of St. Louis. We would have made many more miles this day, however, one should never go through this wonderful city of St. Louis without taking time to see the River Boat Casino's and the Gateway Arch. Karol got out of the RV and went all over under the Arch and tried her best to get a full picture even laying down on the ground beneath it. No such luck. So she had to settle for a couple of pictures of the massive structure that has been and will continue to be such a magnificent work of architecture and art as well. This was a beautiful day for this as the sun was shining and it was in the 70's with only mild humidity. The people were all over in the park and there were a couple of people flying some real fancy kites and to hear them as they took the currents of wind and soared were something. These people must fly kites for a living, they were very good.

The river was moving very fast and it was apparent that there had been several days of rain driving the currents. The long barges pulled by tug boats demonstrating the commerce the river holds as the backbone of development from the past and still has a place in today's fast paced, gotta have it now world. The "Old Man River Just Keeps Rolling Along." That just seemed to fit in there so, there it went.

The frequent sightings of the Eagles has gone by the wayside, however, the hawks are still ever present. Seems as though they don't dominate as much space as an Eagle pair would. There are many things for the Eagles or Hawks to eat this time of year as there is so much going on in the cycle of life. Seems as though there are more squirrels with the big fluffy tails here than in other places. But, that is part of going back east, the wildlife is wonderful but, different from that we have out in our little part of the world we call "home."

The Air Force base has a wonderful campground and the sites are in the wooded area beyond the far reaches of the air strip. The pups love it here, there is a large grassy place to play catch and run till they will sleep and dream tonight and have a good trip tomorrow. In the morning we will get some fresh foods like fruit and a new sponge for dishes (Joey wanted to eat the other one). Travel with the kids in the RV is a good deal of fun and they will let us know when they are ready to stop and play for a little. The base and campground here are the reason we cut it short as to our stay. The average cost per night at a military base is between 10 to 18 dollars a day. This base is $15 per day with water, electric, good reception on the antenna and a laundry and shower facility. The Showers here are the cleanest and most modern we have seen yet in our trip. Completely handicap accessible with sites specially designed for those who are traveling with a disability. This was a very welcome sight to see.

I have a couple of pictures to share from today, I hope you enjoy them.

First, I missed the picture of Karol and Yogi at the other campground. (It is on Page 4, you didn't miss it, Don.— Jude )

Second, the family we were fortunate enough to meet as new friends where we stayed for two days. Scott, Charlie, Barbara and of course, Jane the wonder dog.

Next are a few pictures of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. For those that were brave enough, you can go to the top of the arch and look out, needless to say, neither of us was that brave so maybe we will have to make this trip yet another time.

Some of you have tried to write to us on the road, I must apologize, I had the settings on this account to block all mail as I have not used this account except for on line research.

I have changed the settings and will just delete the trash mail that seems to come with having an AOL account.

We will be sending and receiving mail on a more regular basis.

Have a great day and evening,

Don, Karol and Company.