ECLIPSE SUMMARY
Day 1 - I headed down Colorado to Amache National Historic Site. During WWII, this area served as a Japanese internment camp. There weren't many buildings left but plenty of informative signs told of what had transpired here. I continued on to Hutchinson (Kansas) where I spent the night in a truck stop parking lot.
Day 2 - Out at Hutch Vintage Market, I saw Big John and Big Greaser (a Muffler Man). I then learned all about salt at Strataca by taking a tour of an old mine 650-feet underground. I continued on to Wichita and visited the Old Cowtown Museum, which recreated the town as it used to look around the 1870s. I got in one last Muffler Man then drove out to Springfield (Missouri) for another night at a truck stop.
Day 3 - After visiting Carl the Chef Muffler Man and an unexpected used car lot knight, I arrived at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Along with an excellent museum, one could drive the loop to see many of the actual battle locations. I then made my way to Poplar Bluff.
Day 4 - The day of the eclipse! I got another surprise statue on my way into town. There were numerous activities going on, including some crafts at the art museum. I bought a lovely necklace which reminded me of the eclipse from a local artist, Jackie Roberts. I ended up watching the event at Ozark Ridge, a wonderful golf course on the outskirts of town. They even let me ride around in a golf cart for fun! The eclipse was incredible! The temperature dropped, all wind stopped, and the stars even came out as day turned into a deep twighlight. Afterwards, while all the traffic left the area, I headed towards Lake Wappapello. At Chaonia Landing, I got another Muffler Man, Chief Wappalese. I then spend a night at the state park overlooking the lake. The stars were spectacular!
Day 5 - As I slowly began to make my way back home, I enjoyed many state parks and springs of the Ozarks: Big Spring, Rocky Falls, Alley Spring, Round Spring (with a couple of squabbling varmints), Echo Bluff and Devil's Well. I grabbed a malt in the town of Eminence, saw a small stonehenge in Rolla and gave my greetings to a (headless) Mega Mayor Muffler Man in Uranus.
Day 6 - I had one last fling in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, visiting the castle and walking out to the spring among incredible flowers. I then drove up to Topeka, passing towns such as Tightwad and Peculiar.
Day 7 - It was a long day of driving, made even longer by the fact that the minivan lost a bolt holding on a brake calliper. It was quite a scary and stressful event, especially since I didn't have cell phone service. But eventually a super helpful Napa Auto Parts store and a local mechanic got me back on the road. The minivan and I made it safely home.