Traveling from Northern Virginia to Northern Missouri

We drove from Luray, Virginia to Platte City, Missouri in 5 days. We drove a total of 1,593 miles. Not the most direct route but we were on a mission. I was invited to attend the adoption of a little guy that I had placed in one of my foster homes when he was only 4 days old. It was an emotional journey for the foster parents but finally, they were able to adopt Jaxon at the age of 18 months. So, we wanted to share this special day with them. We left Virginia a bit early and re-routed our plans a bit so we could still arrive in at our daughter's on time. It all worked out great.

On the way, we stayed at two campgrounds that we had stayed at previously so that was nice. We knew where they were and how they were laid out so there were no surprises. While researching this type of lifestyle a couple years ago, I came across someone who said you should follow the "230" rule. When driving/pulling an RV, it takes a lot more concentration and it tires you out easily. So, the "230" rule means that you should only drive a maximum of 230 miles a day and you should get to your destination no later than 2:30. We also know not to drive over 65 miles an hour. So, we try hard to stick by these safety rules.

I was glad when we were getting out of the south... there were just so many confederate flags flying everywhere. Being from Kansas, we just don't see very many people flying the confederate flag. There are some, but not many. Well, that's different in the South! People had them in front of their homes, on their homes, cars and garages. We saw several HUGE confederate flags flying on tall hilltops. I believe we all know the reason for them flying this particular flag. For those who don't seem to know, .....
This is our flag!!

We stayed at one campground called Tanbark Campground in Dickson Tennessee. Remember that we are campers. We have met all kinds of people and and seen all kinds of campers. But we were not prepared for this campground. It was only $17.00 and we were tired.... The owner was wonderful! Friendly and welcoming and helpful. But... only about 2-3 campers had the ability to travel and those campers were actually very nice ones. However, the vast majority had obviously been there a very long time; flat tires, junk surrounding their campers, mold covering their campers etc. You get the picture. But as usual, the folks there would do anything for you and were very nice, just struggling to get by.

When we arrived at Ozark Mountain Springs RV Park near Mountain View, Mo. we were happy to be back. We loved this campground when we stayed just 3 months ago. The owner and others working there are super friendly! We pulled in, began to hook up our water, electric and .... SEWER. Our waste management system is GONE!!

GONE!

We had not emptied our tanks for several days so we have no idea when or how it disappeared. We called our warranty company and it is covered but only if a professional fixed it. Well, we called nearby Springfield Missouri and no one had any openings for a week or more. There were two places in Carthage Missouri and one had the parts available. So, we headed there since it was on our way anyway. Tom got the parts and he fixed it and to hell with the warranty. Luckily I married a handy guy!

While in Carthage Missouri we ate at the Cafe downtown. We ended up talking with the owner for a long time. He talked about the history of the town, how he came to own the Cafe etc. What a great time we had!! These are the interesting people we love to meet along our way. This is why we travel.

This is the owner!

And the town of Carthage is great! Unique old houses that have been well maintained and a beautiful court house (below).

We arrived in Newton just in time to drop off Honaee at the campsite and get to the court house for the adoption. This is a family that began foster care about a year and a half ago. They already had 5 year old twins, a girl and a boy and they wanted to foster and depending on the situation they would consider adoption. They are a quiet, loving family and I was excited to have them for foster parents. One day I called them about a 4 day old baby boy. I met them at the hospital and they left with their new foster placement. Well, as with any couple, they immediately fell in love with this little bundle. He really was (and is) an exceptionally beautiful and happy baby! This foster family, as with all foster families weathered through months of uncertainty as we tried to reunite him with his biological family if possible. There were lots of emotional ups and downs. When I retired, they were just learning that the biological family was not going to be an option. This is the only foster family I became friends with on Facebook. They like to travel and were interested in our retirement plans. So, one day I received an invitation to the adoption finalization. I just couldn't resist! We re-routed our travel plans and left a day early and arrived in time for this special event. Here is a picture of the adoption finalization.  Jaxon is officially part of their family, and he has his forever family! Happiness all around!

I'm on the far left. Amy, who is now the foster home worker, is on the far right and was a co-worker of mine.
Our good friend and judge Joe is in the middle. And the rest are the happy family!

We had about 10 minutes of unaccounted time in Newton. The last I knew, my former supervisor was struggling... due to various reasons, she was carrying a full caseload plus performing her duties as supervisor. Too much for anyone and especially difficult for her because she has a huge heart and cares so much for the foster families and the children in care. As with so many state run/state contracted agencies, the committed employees are often worked to the bone. I was so fortunate to have her as my supervisor as I ended my career in social work. She is one of the most genuine, compassionate and "real" people I know. Many people can say all the right words but she actually believes those words and acts on them. It's just so difficult to see her struggle and not be able to help. I loved surprising her at work and she truly was surprised and met me with a great big hug. Miss you Jennifer (and team)!!

We were only in Newton for 17 hours which was just enough time to spend the evening with good friends we miss so much! We ate at Two Olive in Wichita and sat and talked long after the massive amount of yummy food had disappeared. It was good to talk with friends that know us. We meet lots of people along the way but nothing compares to long time friends. We talked about family, adventures, fly fishing, craft projects and of course.... politics, with friends who are like-minded!

Joe, Joe, Tom, me, Sheryle, Bobbi

There are so many up sides to living this lifestyle but as with any thing, there are down sides too. We moved Honalee to the Kansas City Missouri area to be near our daughter and family for the month of December. Well, we soon discovered that we have limited campground options in the area. Many reviews of campgrounds described them as dirty, with trailers that hadn't been moved in years. We settled on the one with the best reviews and is described as a resort. We had actually stayed there once when we were bringing Honalee home over a year ago. Well, apparently things change when you say you are staying over 3 weeks. Then they call you "long term" and they have limited sites for long term people. They have to put you at a site that has metered electric. So the sites are closer together and the area is run down. We ended up way up on a hill with a steep drop off in the back and VERY close to our neighbor. Not at all desirable. And I have to remind myself that we are here to be with the kids and spend time with them. We have been spoiled with the beautiful campgrounds in Virginia and West Virginia and there will be more in our future!

A couple days after arriving, we were told we could move to another site!! The new site is spacious and treed and peaceful! We can relax and enjoy our stay here!