060818-Kansas & Cowboys

Kansas
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Salina, Texas
Sundowner RVP

Although we have taken up the custom of boon docking (usually at Wal-Mart), we do need to pick a park for a couple of day a week to dump tanks, reload water and do some house cleaning.
Peter has been shedding for a while now. I don’t think he is finished yet, but it’s getting so bad that I‘m coughing hairballs.

Bought new throw rugs at Wal-Mart so I can toss the old ones. HAD TO …The vacuum cleaner took one look at the old ones and begged me not to plug it in.

By the way – I ended a streak that lasted five months. Up until yesterday I had not paid over 2.99 for a gallon of gas.
We were driving south thru Kansas, and it’s a pretty big state but with lots of open and empty spaces. Our gas gauge was at an eighth and we had no idea where the next station would be or the price, so we pulled in at the first one we saw and pumped until it shut off at $75 and we paid $3.08/gal.


Monday, August 14, 2006
Abilene, Kansas
Dwight D. Eisenhower Park

The complex is a beautiful park setting with about 5 buildings. The house they lived in till 1946, the library, museum, visitors center and meditation center.

What struck me right away was the fact that both Eisenhower and Truman came from the same part of the country. Abilene and Independence are only about 150 miles apart. They both come from poor families and they gained their recognition as leaders by serving in the military. Their paths crossed professionally as well when Truman assumed the role of Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of which Eisenhower was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Of course we all know that Eisenhower became the next president after Truman declined to run again.

The buildings were large and richly filled with exhibits and memorabilia of the similar period of Truman.
Of course, besides being the successful general that ended to war, Eisenhower is most notably remembered for the idea and construction of the INTERSTATE HIGHWAY SYSTEM that we all enjoy.
Its initial purpose was to be able to transport military personnel and equipment across the country rapidly as needed, but it also created a major boon to personal and vacation travel.

Of the many quotes that were attributed to “Ike”, one that was displayed on a wall caught my eye because it seemed as important to day as it did when he said it back in 1944.

“If we don’t defend ourselves on the Rhine, we will have to defend ourselves in New York

Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
National Cowboy and Western Museum

This attraction was so much more than I expected, and I will list it as a highlight of this trip.
To start with, the main building was enormous with many sections and wings that one could almost get lost in. There were beautiful exhibits devoted to just statues (large and small) depicting aspects of the early western lifestyle. Other areas housed painting by many famous artists displaying American and Indian examples of art and their culture.

Of course, the most popular area (to me at least) was the area devoted to our radio, movie, and television heroes, the media cowboys. They were all represented, from Tom Mix, to the singing cowboys, to our more recent favorites.
How many do you remember? Hoot Gibson, Ken Maynard, Hopalong Cassidy, Tex Ritter, Gabby Hayes, Roy Rodgers, Gene Autry, Herb Jeffries (the first black cowboy star), The Lone Ranger, Wild Bill Hitchcock, The Cisco Kid, Maverick, Sugerfoot, The Rebel, Matt Dillon, Maverick, and probably a few I missed. Another area was devoted to the Rodeo and the famous riders and ropers.
This is a must see on your list if you are ever in Oklahoma City.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

We were planning on having lunch with a friend’s brother who lives here, but our signals got crossed and the weather was getting hotter by the minute. By the time we headed out of town, the temperature had hit 102 and the prediction for tomorrow is 104.

Crossing the Oklahoma panhandle, we entered the Texas panhandle and arrived in Amarillo. The weather was 15 degrees cooler and planned on staying that way.

By the way, can you name two other states that have “pan handles”?

If you were thinking Florida and Idaho, you get a gold star.

060811_Nebraska.2

Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Ashland, Nebraska
THE STRATEGIC AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

We finally found the real SAC Museum and it was well worth the effort. It’s dedicated to and a tribute to General Curtis Lamay, who was responsible for and the first commander of the Strategic Air Command, located outside of Omaha. He originally started with a hundred B-36 Stratofortresses, but finally expanded it to many hundreds of B-52 that now circle the earth constantly.

We took a guided tour and walked our little toes off, and thoroughly enjoyed every step of it.

Regardless of how many aircraft museums we visit, large and small, we enjoy them all. Each venue and each exhibit, represents a piece of history with a lesson or an inspiration.
Keep in mind that the history of mechanical flight is barely more than 100 years old … from Kitty Hawk to Cape Canaveral. Both commercial; and military aviation has progressed in as little as a lifetime from crossing a beach, to crossing and ocean, to going around the world, … to going to the moon. Each model or type of aircraft represents somebody’s dream come true and another milestone for the imagination and creativeness of man in guiding and planning his own future. From the tiny bi-plane to the largest B-52, each has changed the lives of many and inspired others to make more changes. Planes have affected all our lives, our economy, and our place in the world. I lust love looking at planes, listening to the stories about them and the men that built and flew them.

Thursday, August 10, 2006
Kearney, Nebraska
THE Great Platt River Road Archway Monument

The first time I saw this structure was in the movie “ABOUT SCHMIDT”, with Jack Nicholson. The next time I saw it was in 2003 as I drove under it in my newly acquired motor home on its maiden voyage, but did not stop. I always regretted not stopping. This time we did, and it was a great experience.

It actually is quite new, being built in 2000, and is very modern in its basic architecture. It’s handicap friendly and so is the staff.

It’s an exhibit that allows you to “walk thru time” from the early American settlers view, with models and visual and audio enhancements.

Each person gets to wear wireless headphones which explains and guide you thru the galleries. Usually, one enters the exhibit on a long, upwards escalator ride thru a movie screen, and although Peter was willing to jump on it, I opted for the elevator ride to the top. I was more worried about my walker being a problem than Peter.
The “journey” was museum quality and totally enjoyable. It was worth the trip.

060809 – Boys town

060809 – Boys town

Nebraska
Monday, August 07, 2006

Highway 29 from Independence, Missouri actually runs thru Kansas, back to Missouri , then Iowa and finally Omaha.

We spent the night in Council Bluffs, Iowa then headed out in the morning for Freedom Park in search of the Naval Museum. I’m going to have to learn not to be so dependant on my GPS and not so trusting of things I read in travel suggestion notes.

First, my GPS got us as far as the Omaha Correctional Facility and then dead ended. Pulling out a conventional map, I re-routed the Beast to the highway and found a road sign to Freedom Park. It lead us to a small marina and a fenced in area with a few navy planes, vehicles and a Mine Sweeper. The first sign claimed it to be the Naval Museum, and the second sign reported it as temporarily closed. Well, at least we did find it.

Next on our list was The Old Toy Museum in Omaha and that building was up for sale and unoccupied. As we sought out the Strategic Air and Space Museum, things seemed suspiciously wrong. The address was a side street, containing a lots of small cottage type offices – mostly medical, but there was a sign over one which did indeed say STRATEGIC AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM. On closer inspection, there was no doorway and on inquiry with nearby offices, no one knew anything about it. I finally went on line, found it and directions. It’s in Ashland, about 25 miles out of town. I hope we have better luck tomorrow.

The weather has cooled down to high 70s with periodic rain. At least a break from the heat, but apparently only temporarily.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006
BOYS TOWN, Nebraska

From early evening thru the night and all morning we were serenaded by tremendous rains storms on our roof. Checked for water spots and the Beast is holding up quite well except for a small leak in the seal of a side forward window. Pretty minor but differcult to pinpoint.

In the rain, we headed for BOYS TOWN, not knowing what to expect. It turned out to be a wonderful experience.

When I was a little guy, anytime my brother or I would get into trouble, my Dad would threaten to send us to Father Flanagan’s BOYS TOWN. In those days, we would get requests for donations in the mail many times a year, and each time one would be delivered, Dad would tell us that Father Flanagan was checking up on us. WE didn’t have to know too much about BOYS TOWN other than we didn’t want to be sent there. It was enough to get our attention and improve our behavior for a little while at least.

At the visitors center, we were given a brief lecture on the make-up of the area and a small map for a self tour. As the rain stopped, we were able to drive around the grounds and were truly impressed, The “town” is really a small village, like “Mayberry USA”, with its own Post Office, Fire and Rescue Station, High School, sports stadium, auditorium, medical clinic and vocational training facilities.
The most beautiful sight was the residential area – not dorms or barracks, but real homes (72 of them) , on winding, tree lined streets with manicured lawns and swing sets in the back. Each home contains a “family” consisting of 2 teacher (a married couple) and 6-8 children, ages 10-18. Each child has his own room.
Since 1979, they have accepted girls and hence have renamed the village Girls and BOYS TOWN.
There were no gates, or fences, or any other form of enclosures. It just looked like a beautiful neighborhood that you could be proud to live in.
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The Historical building was quite educational and chronicled the simple beginnings of Father Flanagan and his desire to help lost and wayward boys. He envisioned the future of our country in their hands. His dedication and efforts were extraordinary and involved children all over the world, as he was called by President Truman to work with post war refugee children in Europe.

The visit left me quite moved. Gee Dad, you were right about wanting me to go to BOYS TOWN … I think everyone should see it..

060804 - Missouri

Missouri

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

As a stop over in Fulton, MO, we selected a Wal-Mart super center. These stores are huge, open 24 hours a day, and have excellent security in the form of personnel and video surveillance. The parking lots are lighted all the time and it gives us a feeling of safety.

Late in the afternoon, we opted for a nap with the generator and air conditioner going full blast since it was like a furnace outside. The heat index was 105 which take into account the massive humidity.

WE were awakened a couple of hours later by a thunderous storm, complete with lightning and 60 mph winds and small hailstones. A few minutes later, everything went black. We felt like unwary travelers in a scary movie. Apparently the storm had knocked out the power to the entire store and parking lot.

When the storm had passed, another followed soon after and lasted till late evening.

We watched TV as it frequently interrupted programs with weather warnings and new of power outages, and to tell the truth were a little concerned about spending the night. Peter reassured me that he would stand guard for the night and that made me fell a little better.

At about 11:00 pm, as we were shutting down and preparing for sleep, like a miracle, the store and parking lot was a blaze of light. Much to my surprise, there were and had been at least 50 cars in the lot all the time, but were not visible because of the complete blackness that cloaked the area.

I suspect they belonged to the employees because no one came out to drive away and during the blackout, there were no signs of headlights or cars leaving. Wonder how it felt to be in the dark that long? Also don’t remember seeing any moving lights inside the store either. Strange, huh?

Friday, August 4, 2006
Independence, Missouri

Independence is really a small town that lives in the shadows of it more popular and well known adjoining cities of Kansas City, Mo and Kansas City, KS. However, it does lay claim to its most famous resident and hometown hero, Harry S. Truman. That’s where his Presidential Library is.

After touring this monument dedicated to one of our most important and significatant.statesman in American history, it is hard to believe that a man of such humble beginnings could rise to such a level of power.

He worked as a farmer till he turned 18 then earned 3 dollars a week in a Kansas City drugstore and felt rich. It was not until his hitch in the army and participation in World War 1 as an artillery officer, and a returning hero, did his attributes of leadership begin to appear. After serving 10 years in local government, he ran for and won a seat in the Senate, supported by some powerful but not necessarily honest political “bosses”. Nevertheless, he performed well enough to get re-elected and impress President Roosevelt who requested him as his running mate.

The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

He ended World war 2 with 2 bombs, rebuilt Europe and prevented Communism from taking over with the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan and Berlin Airlift, and fought the North Koreans back to the 38th parallel. All in less than 8 years.

This building is a great tribute to a man how became great while still being humble.

060801 - SPRINGFIELD,IL

ILLINOIS

Tuesday, August 01, 2006
As we travel along the midsection of the country, this past week’s weather has been like a steam bath. If the temperature doesn’t get you, the humidity will. With the thermometer almost exploding in the high 90s, and over 100 in some places, something called the heat index has been reported as high as 122 in some areas.
Usually we are not too affected on the road with the windows open and our fan blowing, but we have taken to using our generator and roof air conditioner during driving hours to keep from becoming dehydrated and heat sleepy.

Our roof a/c requires the power of our on-board generator to run, and the two of them have been doing yeoman’s duty. When we boondock, they are running right up until bedtime.

Another noteworthy observation, is the amount of road and highway construction going on as we travel. Most of the time, it doesn’t slow us down more that a few miles at a time, but occasionally there are stops where alternating traffic has to be performed. I would suggest a look see at investing in some big companies like Caterpillar and cement makers.

I Always tell Peter that if his mother could see him she would be very proud of him. He grew up strong, handsome, well behaved and learned a very noble profession as a Service Dog, and everyone loves a man in uniform. I’m not sure that he understands, but the important thing is that I do, and I am very proud of him.

We finally have crossed a time zone and picked up a sorely missed hour of sleep.

Springfield, Illinois
We searched out and found a small but interesting Air Combat Museum and enjoyed talking to the men who rebuilt and flew them at air shows.

Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb
Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, this small but significant monument houses the remains of our former president, his wife, children, and some relatives. In fact, the last member of the family died in 1985 ending the line. There is a circular hallway, that is decorated with various statues of Lincoln in different poses and ½ way round is his tombstone. The setting and aura of the building is quite awe inspiring and reverent.
Its one of those places you are glad you’ve visited and never will forget.

On exiting the tomb, an attractive, young, redhead was photographing the building and asked us to pose in the picture. She then introduced herself as a reporter for a Philadelphia newspaper, doing a sort of man-in-the-street interview regarding the views of our country, its current status and how September 11th affected us.

I think she was really attracted more to Peter than me (he’s such a babe magnet), and we spent about a half hour discussing our travels and thoughts. If we do actually get any recognition or print space, I’ll let you know. If nothing else, it was a great experience and we wish her well with her project.

The Museum of Funeral Customs was more of a commercial for morticians than anything else, but it was air conditioned and offered a good place to keep out of the heat for an hour or so.
We’re told that Kansas City is the geographic center of the United States, and we are heading for Independence, Missouri next - just across the river from KC.

060729 - Ohio

Ohio – July,2006

This week we played tourist in the state of Ohio. After leaving upstate New York, we carefully bypassed Cleveland (some of you will understand), and headed south for Akron.

As par for the course, we couldn’t find a local museum ( Re: Toy Marbles), and it was in a neighborhood of questionable safety, so we abandon our search and headed for a Wal-Mart.
The next morning, we sought and found a charming aircraft museum (MAPS – Military Aviation Preservation Society). It had a nice variety of vintage and modern war planes, as well as a shop where they rebuilt old planes and even get them flying again. They encourage teenagers and youths to participate in the reconstruction and get a very good crew of kids who learn to appreciate the history of aviation.

Then it was off to Canton for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This was quite a thrill. Besides the usually display of memorabilia of uniforms, equipment and the like, they had more movies and clips than anyone could watch in a weekend available. It was like a drug – the more we watched, the more we wanted to see.
In the actual Hall of Fame, it felt like a shrine with all of these busts displayed around the room in a subdued light. In the middle of the room was a bank of large computerized viewing screens where you could select any team, position, or time period and then watch more videos. They day went fast and so did my stamina and endurance. By the time we got back to the beast, it was all I could do to pull myself up that first big step.

Our next stop, Dayton, Ohio – found us at the United States Air Force Museum.
Having been to what I thought was the best air museum I’d seen so far being the Boeing in Seattle, I was really impressed here in Dayton.

We started out with a small problem … the handicap parking section was full (and believe me, I do everything I can to squeeze in anyplace I can), so we had to stay at the RV and Bus section which was at the opposite end of the lot, about ¼ mile away. It was quite a walk till we got to the front door, and I kept thinking about the walk back later.

Inside, we opted for a couple of movies at the Imax theatre and they were terrific. One about flight and the other about the Blue Angels.

The museum was actually about 6 large hangers (and I mean blimp hanger large), starting with early flight all the way up to space travel. Many displays were enhanced with scenery and manikins of the period. There were planes on the floor, and hanging from the walls and ceiling. It reminded me of my childhood when my brother and I would build model ships and planes and then hang them from shelves to simulate flying.

In one “room”, they had a B-52, which is a huge plane. Its wingspan is longer than the first flight of the Wright brothers, and the hanger still had room for at least 30 other aircraft, including a super cargo carrier.

By the way, something I did not know, … the Wright brothers grew up and had their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. They selected Kitty Hawk Virginia for their test flights because of the weather conditions and wind currents.

By 4:30 we were really tired, and with legs and back giving out, we headed for the exit. Just then, they announced the museum was closing in 30 minutes. We could barely see the outline of the Beast in the distance, and finally climbed in 40 minutes later and collapsed. The one great advantage to the Beast is that once you’re inside – you are home. After a great sandwich and glass of cold lemonade and a 15 minute nap, we started the engine and headed for camp and an early night’s sleep.