April 15 Pam's trip

Tulsa to Eureka, Missouri
After having a profitable evening at the casino, and a restful, free night, I was ready to hit the road again.  The remaining miles in Oklahoma were uneventful, but the breeze was starting to pick up.  I entered Missouri outside of Joplin (famous for their devastation from a major tornado outbreak), and the world changed.  Missouri roads are not so nice, okay, they shake you up like a blender!  Also, the scenery suddenly changes.  More population, less open land, more trees and the dog wood and redbud trees are in bloom.  No more blooming cacti!  As the day progressed, the wind picked up out of the southeast - which means it was nudging me broadside all day and wasn't helping my gas mileage!  There were times that I'd hit a gap in the hillside, and bam! the wind would slam me!  And that says alot because this motorhome really doesn't get moved around by wind and 18 wheelers!  Between the rough road and fighting the wind, I was starting to get fatigued.  Fortunately, I was almost at my campground, or so I thought!  16 miles from my stop, I-44 traffic came to a screeching halt.  Traffic was at a total stand still - enough that we all shut down our engines!  About 1/2 mile away from me, down the hill and on the curve, there was a bad wreck.  With the help of my binoculars and my high view from the motorhome window, I could see everything.  We were all at a stand still for about an hour and when we finally got moving in one line, I could see the many vehicles that were going to be towed (looked like they were from not being able to stop for the initial accident).  The accident started with a travel trailer flipping - it was already loaded up on a flat bed.  That shakes you up and slows you down!  Fortunately I didn't have far to travel, and had a reservation at the KOA, so I was able to pull in, set up, and crack a much needed beer! It's an early night because tomorrow is St Louis and Indianapolis!

This Missouri rest area has small buildings (that are picnic shelters) looking like a little old fashioned town 

The building on the left was the restrooms, etc.

My baby taking a break.  She looks better with all wheels on the ground!!

A half and half mix was just what I needed after this day!