🚗2000 ~July 14-17, Trip to St Louis, Missouri

Day 1: Friday, July 14, 2000 

On Friday, July 14, I drove from Illinois to Saint Louis, Missouri, with my granddaughter.

It took us around six hours. My husband said, "When you arrive in Fenton, look for the pink elephant."
We hadn't traveled far enough to see the elephant, so I called my husband on a payphone and asked, "We're in Fenton. Where do I go next?"
I was just a few miles from where he was living, but the directions he gave me had me going in circles.
So I called him back, and he met me at the gas station where I called him from. I followed him to the RV park with no problem, and I never saw a Pink elephant.

Day 2: Saturday, July 15, 2000

It was time to get the oil changed in my husband's Saturn, so my granddaughter and I went with him to Saturn of South County, located at 11157 Lindberg Business Ct, St. Louis, Missouri.
While sitting in the lobby waiting for my oil change, I saw a beautiful black Saturn in the showcase and fell in love with it.
I asked the salesperson, Lin, if I could test drive the Satu, and she went to get the keys.
I traded my Firebird for a Blackberry LS1Saturn.
I signed all the paperwork, but I couldn't officially take the car back home until Monday because I needed to order the title from the bank.

Later that day, we went to the St. Louis Arch, but we did not take the elevator to the top.
We visited the Museum of Westward Expansion, which took us on a journey into the past, where we saw tools, guns, animals, and wagons used by explorers, pioneers, cowboys, and Native Americans. 

St Louis Arch

There were animated figures that told the story of Peace Medal diplomacy in the US during the nineteenth century with William Clark, Red Cloud, Chief Oglala, Sergeant Banks, & Charles Barber.

In the interactive Museum, we saw the life of the Cowboys.

We saw the Tipi Plains Indians, nomadic buffalo hunters.

We saw the sod house of the earlier pioneers.

We saw the Appaloosa, which was a symbol of transportation into the West.

We saw the longhorn steer cattle drive westward.

We saw the bison that was hunted and killed for food, clothing, and shelter.

We saw the bear, which was also crucial during the migration into the West.

For lunch, we ordered hamburgers, fries, and soda to drink from McDonald's.
McDonald's is located on the Missouri River aboard a boat, featuring a Ronald McDonald statue, smoke pipes, and the golden arch M on what appears to be a wheel.
We parked in the pier parking lot and walked down a ramp onto the boat. The boat was tied to the pier, and we could feel its movement as we sat and ate.

McDonald's Floating on the Missouri River 

Day 3: Sunday, July 16, 2000

On Sunday, we all visited Grant's Farm, the former home of the Bush Family —a 281-acre farm and landmark in Grant Wood Village, MO.
In the 1800s, Ulysses S. Grant farmed part of the land.
We paid $12 to park and were told we would have to stand in line to ride the tram to the farm.

We boarded the tram, which took about fifteen minutes. On the ride to the park, we saw Axis Deer, American Bison, Aoudads, Black Buck Antelope, Galloway, Highland Cows, Pere David Deer, Red Deer, Wapiti, Watusi, and Zebra.

When we disembarked from the tram, we walked to the Bauernhof, a German word for the farmstead, which was a nineteenth-century Bavarian farm, stables, and carriage house.

At the Brat Haus, they were serving Bratwurst, Pretzels, and Chicken Strips.

A Bauernhof

It was very hot, and when Hannah spotted the mist spray, she couldn't wait to get it, too. She followed her.

Mist to cool off

Hannah is standing in the mist to cool off.

Hannah is next to the Carriage.

We are carrying next to the Carriage.

Caution: Horses might bite.

We stopped to see the corralled 35 mares, stallions, and Folds Clydesdales. Clydesdales are 188 feet high and weigh 2,000 to 2,300 pounds. They are bay in color, with a blaze of white faces; they have a black mane and tail. Their legs and feet are covered in white feathers on all four limbs.

Hannah at Grants Farm 

Camels at Grants Farm 

Day 4: Monday, July 17, 2000
On Monday, I finalized the paperwork on my new Saturn LS, so I could drive it home for six hours.

My granddaughter and I had a great trip. We toured the St. Louis Arch, visited Grant's Farm, ate lunch on the Floating McDonald's, and I bought a Saturn.

🎢2001 ~ Nov 9-12, Two Days in Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

Day 1: Friday, November 9, 2001

My husband drove our 2001 Damon Escaper RV through the crowded streets of Branson, Missouri, to Silver Dollar RV Park.

As we rode through Branson, we saw feet sticking out of a large sign along the highway that said "Big Feet, Big Laugh."

We rode past the Country tonight, The Lumber Jack, Legends in Concert "The Brett Family Singers," and The Remington Theater.

We parked our RV at Silver Dollar City Theme RV Park.

2001 Damon Escaper RV at Silver Dollar RV Park 

We stayed three nights and two days, including two days at Silver Dollar City Theme Park. We went both days from daylight to dark.

The Lumber Jack 

Legends 

To Big Laughs Two Big Feet 

Day 2 & 3: Saturday 10 & Sunday 11, November 2001

The Silver Dollar City RV Park ran a shuttle bus between the RV park and the Silver Dollar City Theme Park. 

We were at Silver Dollar City Park from the moment it opened until it closed both days.

We watched all the shows and traveled inside Marvel Cave, which is also part of the park, at no extra cost.

Marvel Cave opened as a tourist attraction in the late 1800s. Silver Dollar City's entrance was built around Marvel Cave.

 Silver Dollar Coffin

Silver Dollar Coffin

 Christmas Trees

Resting on a bench 

 Christman Candy Store

The Silver Dollar Frisco

Day 3: Sunday, November 11, 2001 

We travel down several steps and ramps—almost 500 feet—into Marvel Cave.
After a 60-minute tour, we were transported out of the cave by a cable car pulled up from the ground; otherwise, we would have had to climb 1070 feet back to the top.

Marvel Cave Group Picture

View of Marvel Cave 

Rock formations still grow today in the ancient surroundings of the deepest parts of Marvel Cave.

Explorers from all over the world have sought out this cave for its size, geological interest, and its suspected marble and gold treasures. 

No treasure, except its timeless beauty, was found. 

The Osage Indians left stories of their visits to the cave, describing the strange howling noises emanating from its vast depths, and they named it Devil's Cave.

The tours of Marvel Cave are an adventurous way to learn the cave's history, an hour-long journey to the earth's dark depths. 

Silver Dollar City Theme Park was decorated for the Christmas holidays with a vast green wreath around the entrance, "Silver Dollar City," topped with a large red-and-gold bow.

"This was a great place to take pictures."

Inside the park, we saw the Silver Dollar Post Office, Feed & Fix-it Shed, a large saw blade with writing on it, an old train steam engine, a 1877 Steamer, & Silver Dollar Coffins made to order.

We saw Huck Finn's River Blast and listened to Southern Gospel music at Echo Hollow Amphitheater.

I sat on a bench with signs that read "Buy your Grains at Sullivan's Mill" and "Fresh bread baked daily."

Dine in the Mine's all-you-can-eat buffet. Stock your Wagon General Store, and visit Grandfather's Man…

Silver Dollar Entrance at Christmas

Christmas Tree and Packages 

Family Group Singing 

Filling the air were the smells of hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows, parched peanuts, and freshly made Cotton Candy.

After dark, the park comes alive with thousands of Christmas lights and a Christmas parade riding down Main Street.

In the parade, we saw Ragged Ann and Andy, the gifts of Christmas, with SilverDollarsCity's Train leading the way.

We saw the Gingerbread House, a Snowglobe filled with snow falling around Frosty.

We saw a Jack-in-the-Box.

We saw Josep and Mary holding the Christ Child Jesus with a star shining brightly above them.

The Gifts of Christmas Silver Dollar City Parade

Silver Dollar Parade 

There was the lighting of the five-story special effects Christmas tree, every hour on the hour after dark. 

We heard the songs of Sleigh Ride, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells softly playing throughout the park coming from stores, trees, & Christmas Carolers.

In the Living Nativity area, we watched a musical performance celebrating the Angel Gabriel's announcement of the birth of the Christ Child. 

Day 4: Monday, November 12, 2001 

As we were leaving Branson, we saw Hollywood Wax Museum, Presley's Country Jubilee, Jennifer's American Theater, Grand Palace, Radisson Hotel, Old Grand Victorian Hotel, At the Hop 50s, Grand women of Country (Leona Williams, Margo Smith, Helen Cornelius, Jean Shepard), Christmas Shop, and the Dixie Stampede.

We had a great time, enjoyed the music, the park, the lights, and the weather was cool but not too cold.

Leaving Branson 

Leaving Branson

I would love to go back someday. 

2002 ~ June 29-July 6, Luxury RV Campground Gulf Shores, Crossing Mobile Bay, Theadore, AL & Biloxi, MS

Hubby drove our  Damon Escaper RV to Gulf Shores, Alabama. 

We stayed at Luxury RV Campground in Gulf Shores from June 29 to July 6.

Saturday, June 29, 2002
We spent most of the day riding to Gulf Shores, which takes about six hours. We rode our bicycles to the Gulf Shores beach.

Sunday, June 30, 2002
We rode to Biloxi, Mississippi, where we spent the day. We saw the Beau Rivage Casino, the President Casino, the Boardwalk Resort, and the Biloxi Lighthouse.

Casino

Treasure Bay Casino

Biloxi MS

Monday, July 1, 2002
We rode over to Pensacola, where we toured the Naval Airplane Museum, and we ate supper at Lambert's Café III, "the home of the trowed rolls" in Foley. Come Hungry, leave full & hopefully have a laugh or two!

Tuesday, July 2, 2002

We toured Fort Meyers "Morgan" in Mobile Bay, and we rode the ferry across Mobile Bay to Dauphin Island.

Ferry taking Cars across Mobile Bay.

Riding the ferry across Mobile Bay

Crossing the Mobile Bayship

The Tall Ship that we saw as we crossed Mobile Bay

The Tall Ship that we saw as we crossed Mobile Bay

We saw many people boating, sailing, and fishing.

Wednesday, July 3, 2002

We drove to Bellingrath Gardens, located at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, AL 36582.

The Bellingrath Gardens are located on sixty-five acres of Southern Estate, including the rose garden. 

We visited the Delchamps Gallery of Boehm Porcelain, the most extensive public collection of Boehm porcelain in the United States.  

In the Bellingrath home, we saw priceless antiques and furniture.

Bellingrath Gardens 

Inside Bellingrath Museum

Bellingrath Gardens 

Bellingrath Gardens 

We took a relaxing, scenic cruise along the Fowl River aboard the Southern Belle River Boat and saw some of the most picturesque natural sights.
Mobile Bay is the perfect place to connect with nature. We saw Osprey, pelicans, blue herons, seagulls, egrets, and songbirds.

Riding the Southern Belle Cruise boat 

Bird in Nest

Taking the Southern Belle Cruise boat

Waiting on the Southern Belle boat

The freshwater mixes with the saltwater of the Bay, and there are many lovely homes along Mobile Bay. 

Mobile Bay is loaded with vegetation, including delta grass, Spanish moss, live oaks, cypress, and southern pines, which support the wildlife in the Bay. 

Thursday, July 4, 2002

We went to the Gulf Coast Emporium Science Museum and IMAX Dome Theater in Mobile, Alabama.
My husband was trying to get into a parking spot when someone backed into the front of our LS Satun.
The accident broke out the passenger's headlight and bent the hood. 

We exchanged insurance information, then went to the Gulf Coast Emporium Science Museum, where we explored 100 hands-on science exhibits. 

In Mobile Bay, large ships were arriving for the Tall Ship Parade, scheduled for July 4, 2002, later that evening. 

Please note that Sail Mobile, part of the tall ship program, is one of the most popular events. 

Mobile's Sail Mobile program plans to display approximately 30 ships, including 5 to 6 class-A vessels and 10 to 12 class-B ships, over five days from July 3 to 7, 2002.

We rode back to Luxury RV Park, sat on a picnic table, and watched the Fourth of July fireworks show over the Gulf Shore Beach. We were just a few blocks from the beach.

While staying in the park, we enjoyed the swimming pool and riding our bikes to the beach.

For dinner, we ate fried oysters and shrimp at Gulf Shores Sea and Suds, where they have the freshest seafood at affordable prices.

We visited the Tanger Outlets Stores in Foley, AL. 

Friday, July 5, 2002 

We rode to the Harley-Davidson located at 3260 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile. I bought a white T-shirt with a picture of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the front, inside a red star.

Harley Davidson T-Shirt

For supper, we ate fried oysters, French fries, and iced tea at the Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores.

Saturday, July 6, 2002 

Traveled six hours in our RV to Florence, and we stopped to eat lunch at a Country Market. 

🚗~2002 Wednesday, July 22, Day Trip to Tullahoma, Tennessee

My daughter-in-law had an interview with the Tullahoma Board of Education.

We traveled to Tullahoma, Tennessee, on a beautiful, bright, sunny day.

My grandson was wearing a bright orange American Eagle T-shirt, below-the-knee denim shorts, and brown tennis shoes, smiling.

Hannah and Jake 

My granddaughter wore a bright red t-shirt with "What Would Jesus Do" printed on the front, denim shorts, and gray tennis shoes.

I was wearing a white T-shirt with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle printed on the front (that I had purchased at the Harley-Davidson Store in Gulf Shores, Alabama), denim shorts, white tennis shoes, and white socks with an American flag and USA on the neck.

My daughter-in-law was wearing a long black skirt, a mint-green pullover, and black sandals.

While Jake, Hannah, and I were interviewing my daughter-in-law, we walked over to the Gano/Bussell log cabin.

It is the oldest known structure in Tullahoma, built about 1850. 

Gano/Bussell Log Cabin

Standing on the porch of Gano/Bussell Log Cabin

The log cabin once stood at 607 Atlantic Street, where it was dismantled and later reassembled at its current location, 404 South Jackson Street, at the Public Square.

The reassembled log cabin received a tin roof, steps to the back and front, and a covered front porch.

A wooden rocker and bench are placed on the front porch for visitors to relax.

The smell of fresh herbs came from the fenced-in herb garden nearby.

Here, we took pictures and made videos.

Besides the Board of Education building, we saw the Tullahoma Public School (now Civic Center) school buses, the Red Cross building, and a Confederate Cemetery Historical Marker that read:

1 mile SW has buried 407 unknown Confederates. Many of these died in one of the hospitals established here when Tullahoma was headquarters for the Army of Tennessee during the first six months of 1863, following the Battle of Murfreesboro and preceding the withdrawal of the Army of Chattanooga.

Tullahoma Public School 

Red Cross building 

CONFEDERATE CEMETERY

The kids posed for a picture at the South Jackson Civic Center, built in 1886 as the first public school.

We ate lunch after my daughter-in-law finished her interview. 

We then rode to Lynchburg, Tennessee, where we toured the Jack Daniel Distillery.

We each took turns taking pictures beside the life-size image of Jasper Newton, "Jack Daniel."

Jake tried to poke his finger up Jack's nose.

Jake, Hannah, and a picture of Jack Daniel

Several displays at the visitors' center explained the basic steps to making Tennessee whiskey.  

1. Mix the mash (corn, barley, malt, and yeast) with iron-free spring water.  

2. Ferment the mash for 6 days. No heat is applied, but the 2-story towers of mash bubbled furiously with the carbon dioxide generated as the sugars are converted to alcohol. Fermentation results in the mash having about a 24% alcohol level.

3. Boil the mash and cool the resulting vapor to extract the alcohol. The liquor is now 70% alcohol (140 proof), and just a tiny whiff will hit you like a bag of rocks!

4. Slowly drip the liquor through 10 feet of maple charcoal to "mellow" the flavor. As it is collected from the bottom of the charcoal tower, it is still 140 proofs, but the sharpness is gone. As I understand it, only after this mellowing stage can the liquor be declared "Tennessee whiskey."

5. Add spring water to cut the whisky to 80 proof (40% alcohol).  

6. Place in a charred oak barrel and age for at least 4 years in an unheated/uncooled warehouse. The changing temperatures push the whisky in and out of the barrel's pores, extracting sugars and giving it its color.

Pull the barrels and the bottle!

After visiting the museum, we watched a short film by Jack Daniel about some independent spirits calling Lynchburg home. 

We were taken on a group tour of the distillery process.

We visited the barrel warehouses, stills, spring, and bottle plants.

We saw the iron safe that killed Jack. 

One morning, Jack could not remember the combination to his safe, kicked it, got gangrene, and later died.

Several whiskey labels are distilled here: Old No. 7, Gentleman Jack, Tennessee Honey, Tennessee Fire, Green Label, Silver Select, Winter Jack, and No. 27 Gold.

Our guide, a longtime Distillery member, resembled Jack Daniel's, but in a much larger form.

Standing next to Jack Daniel 

After our tour, I photographed the grandkids next to our much larger version of Jack Daniel's

We thanked him, walked back through the visitor's center, went through the front door of our car, and headed home.

OUR Guide, Hannah, Jake

Our Guide, Statue of Jack Daniels

Set on the Wall near the flower vines at Jack Daniels.