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On the eastern slope I picked up the *Arkansas River which I eventually followed all the way to Wichita, KS on US-50 and US-54. Some where along the eastern slope I saw about a half dozen mountain sheep along the road and before arriving in Pueblo I saw about a dozen antelope.

* FYI – Anyone one growing up in Kansas pronounces the river’s name as the Ar-kan-zes River (like our state). Everyone else in the world calls it the Ar-kan-saw River (like the other state).

May 16 - The day started out okay but by the time I reached the Kansas boarder the wind was brutal! It would have been bad in a normal vehicle but in a Jeep pulling a trailer with a 17’ kayak on top the 35+ mph side winds from the south were horrible! I had to keep a death grip on the steering wheel to keep it from being pulled out of hand. I had followed the Arkansas River from it’s near infancy all the way to Wichita.

About 5:00 that afternoon I called my sister. Me, “Hey Sis, what is the wind like there?” Kathy, “Oh, its really bad.” Me, “I just can’t take it any longer. I’ve gotta stop for the day.” Kathy, “I understand. Where are you?” … I honk my horn. … Kathy, “What was that sound?” Me, “I’m waiting for someone to come to the door.” Kathy, “huh?” Me, “I’m in your driveway.” Kathy, “You brat (or something to that effect).”

Sedgwick County Zoo

June 2 & 3 - I drove I-35 (the Kansas State Turnpike) all the way to the Kansas City area before hopping on the I-435 bypass, SR-152, SR-169, and arrived at the home of my old junior high and high school buddy’s home, Jack and Rose Lynch. It was a great couple of days just catching up on what’s new, talking about old times, and renewing our friendship.

Jack & Rose Fort OdesaTwo old school buddies

As we talked about history and genealogy she just about hit the ceiling when I told her I was going to Büdingen, Germany later this year. Büdingen is where she was stationed overseas. She couldn’t believe that anyone in the US had heard of this small town. It was a fun tour and a great talk about Germany.

I continued on US-24 east to SR-23 down to I-70 and finally Sweet Springs. There I met Betsy Stuerke (a.k.a. TCOR [Third Cousin Once Removed]) and when out for a great BBQ dinner in Concordia.

The Missouri River and Betsy "Wall" Stuerke (a.k.a. TCOR Third Cousin Once Removed).

Joe Manicapelli and Orvis Wall (another TCOR).
Tavern at Arrow Rock, MO

That was a fun and interesting morning we spent with Joe. We drove to Arrow Rock for lunch in an old tavern and later saw the Wall farm that was owned by Richard Wall (son of Preston) which is today owned by Betsy Stuerke (aka TCOR).

My GGG Grandfather, Preston Wall, purchased this land from the widow of the William Ashley.

William Ashley was born in Virginia about 1778. As a young man he moved to Missouri where he became a trader. He later joined the army and fought in the War of 1812. He was elected lieutenant governor of Missouri in 1820. He and Andrew Henry formed the Rocky Mountain Fur Company in 1822.

Ashley's company was the first to depend primarily upon trapping the beaver rather than buying them from Native Americans. May 30, 1823, Ashley and his party of 70 men were attacked by 600 Arikaras. Twelve of Ashley's men were killed and the rest were forced to retreat.

He was later elected to the House of Representatives but was twice defeated for the post of governor of Missouri. William died of pneumonia on 26th March, 1838 and is buried on the property.

June 6 & 7 - Booneville, MO marked the eastern most spot on the trip. It was time to turn the Jeep northwestward and start the return to Seattle. I backtracked on I-70 to US-65, drove north to Chillicothe, turned west on US-36 through St Joseph, MO, Hiawatha, KS, north on US-75 to Nebraska City, and SR-2 into Lincoln, NE.

By the time I arrived in Lincoln, NE Orvis and Shelia had returned from our Wall reunion in Missouri. We visited two nights and a day seeing old family sites, a talking about family history, but my favorite part was the ride in the 1910 Buick. Now that was cool.

Orvis Wall's 1910 Buick

June 8 - I traveled west out of Lincoln on US-34 following the North Platte River and later crossing the South Loup River to Grand Island. I then turned northwest on SR-2 passing the Nebraska National Forest before turning north on US-83 and traveling through the Sand Hills, crossing the middle and north forks of the Loup River, into Murdo, South Dakota, AND the first real rain of the entire trip.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument

June 12 - I woke up in Billings, MT with a rash on my arm that itches like crazy. What the? Did I catch something in the hot tub? This is really nuts. Oh well, I try to put it out of my mind and keep heading westward. I traveled west on I-90 through Missoula, Deer Lodge, and Wallace, ID where I stopped, visited Patti’s Uncle Gregg, and had dinner at the Jameson before heading off to Spokane, WA for the night.

June 13 - The final day was a blast across I-90 back to Seattle. It was a good trip. I’d love to do parts of it again BUT in the end I must confess. I love foreign travel more. NO I don’t love foreign countries more. I love foreign travel more. I like stepping out of my comfort zone and being enveloped by a foreign country, foreign language, different currency, foods, animals, and customs. I love America and want to see more (and I will) but the rest of the world is calling me.