I was happy to roll out from the Pike Camp Access and head to the Lake of the Ozarks. This campsite is tucked away, right on one of the beautiful fingers of the lake.
Believe it or not, there are castle ruins in Missouri! It was built in 1905 and destroyed by fire in 1942. After wandering the ruins, I also checked out a sizable natural land bridge.
Tired from another busy day of sightseeing and driving, I pulled into Delta Lake, hoping to have a good Internet connection for a solid day of catching up on work
Talk about a couple of crazy, packed-full days of hitting destinations of national importance and learning more about the one National Park Service unit dedicated to Conservation.
I am so fortunate to have friends like MaryBeth and Tommy, who will host me in their homes and show me the sites! Plus, I visited the home and studio of America's most famous sculptor.
After an awesome weekend with Marybeth and Tommy and a fascinating visit at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park, I found another Vermont State Park for a couple of nights.
Bennington, VT, was so much more than I expected. From the sixth largest monument in the United States to Early churches to the Bennington Museum and even CHOCOLATE!
I was very happy to get to the campsite after having my jeep repaired. Once I walked through the woods to the water, I felt much better and was looking forward to the rest of my stay.
What a cool day spent learning more about the Great Lakes and touring one of the massive ships that moved coal across the lakes. Unfortunately, I also got to visit a mechanic.
On my last night in Michigan, I managed to get a spot right across from the banks of Lake Erie, and after a busy day, I ate a bowl of cereal on the beach.
Pressing eastward, I stopped in Monroe, MI, to visit a National Battlefield Park and found a Catholic Church with an impressive painted ceiling before camping by Lake Erie.
Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, and I was excited to learn more about this iconic structure and its impact on Lake Superior.
After time in the mountains at my Mom's, I headed to Longmont to do some final preparations and shopping, and more importantly, to see my sons one more time.
Staying at this state park is the most convenient location for seeing my sons in Longmont and Boulder. Plus I managed to get a great site right on one of the ponds.
