Days 12-13: Going Home

"Scenic" in Kansas may not be the same as "scenic" in Colorado, but there are lovely spots east of the Rockies. Steve looked at the Highways and Byways book and decided it was worth checking out Route 91 from Eminence to Salem even though it was out of our way to St. Louis. He would have liked to have avoided the Interstate altogether and crossed the state on backroads, but I wasn't quick enough figuring out the GPS alternatives, and we were on our way to Springfield on the Interstate before we knew it. But the last part getting to Eminence was rolling countryside and lovely. Too bad we didn't have that the whole way.

The book suggests that Route 91 is best in spring with the dogwood and redbud and fall when the leaves change. The sumac had changed when we traveled, but in a couple weeks this route will no doubt be gorgeous. This overlook is just north of Eminence. A service road leads into a network of horse trails that would be fun to explore--watching where you step, of course. 

Near the Salem end of the route is a string of state parks. We picnicked at Round Spring State Park.

The spring itself is turquoise, which reminded me of glacial lakes around Banff. The sign said the color was from the minerals taken out of the limestone conduit underground, which would essentially be the same as the ground rock carried into lakes by glaciers further north than Missouri.

We had a pleasant evening in St. Louis with Steve's brother and sister-in-law. Nan always waits to walk the dog until I can join her to stretch my legs, something I look forward to. Then Tuesday we headed north, expressway all the way, accelerating time from late summer to early fall. Woke up to this.

And so ends another travel adventure. It is a real pain sorting and editing photos every night as we travel, but the fact is, I enjoy looking back at these posts, so I keep doing it. Until next time...