As I predicted last week, it’s been an interesting week basking in the afterglow of the trip (and also remembering some of the difficulties!), while trying to get geared up again for the ‘real world’ and a hectic Fall ahead of me!!
I haven’t quite decided when (or even if?) the ‘normal’ weekly mailings will re-start, and/or the new format of those – I’ll keep you posted, of course. In the meantime, here are some (still-incomplete!) backward glances, reflections, and more, as a final official ‘trip blog’. I hope you enjoy.
Ten Tidbits of Trip Trivia A collection of overall facts about the trip (Mileage, #pics, etc). [button link=”http://aftermathenterprises.com/looking-back-facts-figures-trip-trivia/”] Trip Trivia[/button]
Ten Things I Think I Think* The first list of early impressions about trip-related things in general. [button link=”http://aftermathenterprises.com/things-think-think/”] T^4[/button]
A Dozen QUICK Memories A dozen sample memories from the whole Branson-to-Branson trip. Almost at random, chosen from hundreds. These are fun memories, but not necessarily to be confused with THE Highlights. Indeed, some are picked because they weren’t seen often in earlier blogs. Enough disclaimers? 🙂 [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/10-Quick-Memories/”] Quick Memories[/button]
The River!! The star of the show – the reason for the whole trip! Needless to say, the River grows, and changes its very nature often from start to finish. It seems to grow from an innocent tyke to a tentative teen, feeling its way on its own, to a big burly athlete, muscling along where it wishes in more densely populated surroundings. And those surroundings change as much as the River. Watch the evolution: [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/The-River/i-QTQDnzB”] River’s Evolution[/button]
Wildlife Just some of the pictures of some of the wildlife encountered. [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/Wildlife/”] Wildlife[/button]
9 States! Welcome signs from all 9 states I was in. (Repeated Triva Question: Which TWO of these states do NOT contain the River?) [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/State-Welcome-Signs/i-xjkbbNQ”] State Welcomes[/button]
State Capitols I showcased these individually during the trip, but here are some selected outside shots of all 4 State Capitol Buildings in the same gallery. Pick your favorite(s). [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/State-Capitols/”] State Capitols[/button]
Bridges I don’t recall a lot of interest in this last time I posted some of these, but . . . here’s a look at all 80 of the Mo River Bridges that I encountered. [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/Bridges/”] Bridges[/button]
People!! Last, but not least, the people!! Some of the most treasured memories of all. I’ve discovered I’m missing pictures of some key folks, but I hope to correct that in the book. For now, however, here are many of my newest friends from along the Missouri. [button link=”http://www.ozarksscenesandseasons.com/Travel/Rollin-On-The-River-Mo-River-R/The-Official-Trip/LewisClark/People/”] People[/button]
Thanks, Gayle Harper! Speaking of ‘key people’, how can I not mention Gayle Harper, whose marvelous trip along the Mississippi was the inspiration for the idea which finally became my own trip on the Missouri. Gail is a fantastic photographer, an amazing writer, and has become a good friend and supporter. THANKS, Gail!! To see a short video about Gail’s adventure and her book click here: [button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0zmzxmkj4s”] Serendipity :-)[/button]
Corrections, Updates – and the Footnote One update, one correction, and the footnote from above:
Update I mentioned last week that I could not find the Tower that was rumored to be at the Confluence State Park. It turns out there IS a Tower, but it’s across the Mississippi River in Illinois! ACK!! I’m already planning a trip back up there for some better pictures, I hope. 🙂
Correction I left a word out of an update last week. The house in Arrow Rock for which Rita Barger sent in more information last week belonged to her husband’s UNCLE. The word ‘uncle’ was missing. 🙁 Sorry Rita and Richard.
*Footnote (see above) With apologies to Peter King (I think), the Sports Illustrated writer who frequently has a feature with a similar title.
So, what’s next – where do we go from here? I’m still working on answering that question. As I said last week, I’m sure the “River Remembrances” will continue to permeate my future mailings, in whatever (new, old?) form those may manifest. I WILL keep you posted. And I’d love to hear any thoughts YOU have!
In the meantime, THANKS to all of you for coming along these past few weeks!! Your notes, kind comments, and expressions of support were VERY valuable, and VERY much appreciated! Again, if you have any thoughts, comments, and/or suggestions, as we make this next transition, please feel free to send them along!!
The spirit of the River flows on!!