Kansas City, Missouri

The drive from Aurora to Kansas City was a little more uneventful than I had planned. The north/south route from Joplin is US 71, a decent looking highway on the map. A few towns on the way, perhaps an antique mall or two. That was the plan. We exited I-44 west and got onto US 71 / I-49. Figuring I-49 was just a local spur for the Joplin area, I declined to stop at the first antique mall, also the location of a Super Walmart. Bad decision. Apparently someone changed the designation of that particular highway and the entire length is now Interstate 49. And there is virtually nothing in the way of towns - just boring 70 mph speed limit. We finally wound up stopping for lunch 10 miles from our destination. Someone needs to notify the map companies of the change.

We had experienced a problem early on with the main awning so we found an RV parts store and got a replacement part. Wasn't sure how to install it, hoping for instructions in the box. No joy. All it said was that once you get it installed, fix the bottom two threads of the knurled knob so that it won't vibrate loose and get lost. An hour later and the awning was up after taking everything apart that would come apart. Fixing the threads was easier said than done, so that remained undone.

 Visited the steamboat Arabia museum. Got several more pictures. Hopefully they turn out ok as I had forgotten to bring the tripod on the trip and they don't approve of using flash because the excess light can damage the old clothing on display.

Returning to the motorhome we stopped to get some silicon spray at Camping World. Like the RV store across the highway, they had none. But we didn't come away empty handed. Bought a three-wheeled bike for Joyce - a fold up type. It's in the car right now, but might have to think about finding another place to stow it. Not sure I want to carry it around in the back of the car for the next seven weeks. We also bought a new propane grill.

English padlocks recovered from the Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856.