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Surprise On The River Road - Missouri's Other Arch On The Arkansas Border

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  Although this article is not about a current trip, I have always been fascinated by this attraction that I saw years ago and it might be of interest to you. Rounding the curve, a strange object loomed up ahead on a trip up the Mississippi River road on old highway 61 to Missouri from Louisiana. Get off the Interstate and see things that you might not see otherwise! Here's what the Internet says about what we experienced: Exploring the Historic United States Highway 61 Arch ​ Nestled just inches from the Arkansas-Missouri state line in Mississippi County, Arkansas, stands a unique and historic structure: the United States Highway 61 Arch. ​ This concrete arch, erected in 1924, is the only known arch that spans a United States Highway in Arkansas, making it a significant landmark in the state's transportation history. ​ A Brief History The arch was constructed to mark the boundaries of the Mississippi County Road Improvement District upon the completion of the first hard-su...

A Nostalgic Stop on US Route 50: Garfield Armstrong's Skelly Service Station

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  Unearthing a piece of family history, a picture from around 1953 captures a bygone era on Highway 50 just north of Smithton, Missouri. The image showcases Garfield Armstrong's Skelly service station, a beacon for travelers on the corner where the narrow 2 lane paved highway met the gravel road leading into town. The Skelly brand, recognizable by its red and white logo, dotted American roadways in the mid-20th century. Garfield's station served as a vital stop for motorists, offering not just fuel but also a friendly face and a chance to stretch their legs and buy a soda pop during a long journey. The picture adds a personal touch with the inclusion of a 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe "woody" station wagon. This classic car, belonging to Garfield's brother-in-law, and my grandfather, A.F. Neumeyer, stands proudly beside the pumps. The woody, had steel body panels that were painted to look like wood grain. This was a more affordable and durable alternative t...

Fall 2024 Road Trip: Buckle Up!

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  Well, it's time for another road trip adventure! My trusty car, now a seasoned 9-year-old with over 100,000 miles on the clock, needs a little TLC before we hit the open road. A new A/C compressor and some fresh belts and hoses are on the to-do list, but it's a necessary investment for a worry-free journey. Reunion and Relatives We'll kick off our trip by revisiting familiar territory. First stop: Kansas City for another high school reunion. We’re having them every year now. It's always fun to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. After the reunion, we'll head to Missouri to catch up with some relatives. Colorado and Arizona Bound Once we've fulfilled our family obligations, it's time to embark on the real adventure. Colorado and Arizona are calling our names! We're excited to explore the stunning landscapes and experience the unique culture of these states. First Stop: Ross Prairie State Forest Before we head west, we'll make a ...

A Wyoming Family Reunion, Three Generations Strong

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  Introduction There's nothing quite like a family reunion, a celebration of shared heritage, love, and connection. It's the perfect recipe for creating lasting memories. Our recent gathering in Cody, Wyoming, was no exception. It  was a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and quality time, with three generations under one roof.  The Heart of the Reunion Joyce's storybook backyard retreat was the epicenter of our reunion. A quaint log cabin playhouse stands nestled amidst colorful flower beds, beautiful shade trees, and comfortable seating areas. A vibrant backyard, teeming with life and joy. No wonder this had been a stop on the annual Cody garden tour.  It was the ideal setting for relaxation and fun. Even the resident owl gave us a surprise visit. Corn hole tournaments and ladder golf ignited friendly competition, while card games offered a quieter escape. The evenings were filled with laughter as we shared stories, reminisced about past reunions, and simply...

Who Knew You Could Score A St. Pete Gem At Our RV Rally

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We rolled into the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Florida Roll'n Gators FMCA chapter, and what a blast it was! With a cozy crowd of 53 attendees, the event was filled with delicious food, friendly games, and a unique auction twist. Unlike your typical auctions, attendees brought items they no longer needed with “gator eggs-a bag of Lima beans for one dollar”, transforming the event into a treasure trove of hidden gems. That's where I stumbled upon a masterpiece! A local member, who happens to be an incredible artist, donated a captivating watercolor painting of St. Pete Beach. Needless to say, I had to bid on this beauty, and it's now proudly waiting to decorate a prime spot on my RV wall. This rally wasn't just about food and fun; it was about the unexpected finds and the camaraderie of the RV community. I also saw this funny sign at the campground art studio. Here’s a link to our Facebook page.

Florida RV Adventure: Owls, Friendly Campers, and Deep Ravines

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Have you ever played "I Spy" while exploring a new place? This trip, I challenged you to find an owl in a picture – keep your eyes peeled as you read! This adventure took me to Keystone Heights, Florida, a charming town nestled about 50 miles northeast of Orlando. Since it's a long drive from my home, I broke it up with a stop at Jonathan Dickinson State Park near Hobe Sound. This relaxing break allowed me to enjoy the scenery and ease into vacation mode. After setting up camp, we were greeted by our friendly neighbors, Gary, Lynn, and their dog, Major. Let's just say Niki was happy Major stayed inside their RV – his bark had a powerful presence! Gary and Lynn, seasoned campers themselves, were gearing up for a summer adventure as campground hosts in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Day two brought an early start as we hit the road for Keystone Heights. The strong winds posed no problems for our trusty tow vehicle and trailer. However, about 100 miles in, we encountere...

A story about Niki and the Easter Bunny

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  Niki, a small white dog that is a Maltese/Shih Tzu mix, tilted her head curiously at the sight of a basket overflowing with colorful eggs. In it sat a plump bunny with soft fur the color of cotton candy. It was the Easter Bunny! Niki had never met the Easter Bunny before, but she had heard stories about him from the other dogs in the neighborhood. They said he hopped around the world each year, hiding eggs for children to find. Niki wagged her tail excitedly and trotted over to the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny smiled and pulled a bright pink egg out of his basket. "Hello, Niki," the Easter Bunny said in a friendly voice. "I've heard a lot about you from the other dogs. They tell me you're a very good girl." Niki barked happily. She loved getting compliments on how good of a girl she was. "I'm here to hide some Easter eggs in your neighborhood," the Easter Bunny continued. "Would you like to help me?" Niki's tail wagged even fa...