30 Sept - O'Fallon, IL - Wal-Mart Parking Lot!

We left St. Joseph, MO, this am. A few things we noticed about the town in parting: Carlos O’Kelly Mexican Food, many vacant storefronts in downtown, “No problem,” response again to “thank you”, lots of neighborhood watering holes, St. Patrick’s Mexican Fiesta, long lines at all the fast food windows, inaccessibility to Missouri River waterfront, many smokers, and the fact that St. Joe is a part of the greater Kansas City area as demonstrated by the Kansas City events in the newspaper (KC) from the annual debutante ball to chili cook-offs to the football game and NASCAR.

Because this was a hot weekend in Kansas City, we drove east instead of south so that we would miss the traffic. No one told us about the road! The highway patrol must collect all the pieces that have fallen off cars and have those warehoused in some great lost and found for anyone crazy enough to brave another trip to pick up pieces. Other than the awful road, the lush green fields and hills were beautiful. Autumn is beginning to color the landscape.

As we approached St. Louis, we got caught in the traffic and interstate system. We drove much farther than intended, stopping in O’Fallon, IL. The Mississippi was its muddy self and the sunset was incredibly beautiful.

To tonight we are enjoying the hospitality of a Wal-Mart parking lot, and glad to have it. It is noisy so far with a steady stream of cars coming and going. I think everyone comes here to shop. The photo of the day speaks for itself!