Missouri River Run Vacation - Anniversary

 Anytime I travel with my husband I can expect to have a good time as long as he is able to tag along, if I break away and do something alone I usually hear about it. This trip was on a whim, one night while sharing a bottle of wine with Jack, I suggested we take a vacation, and make part of the trip on Amtrak, by the night we had a plan and reservations would take place the following week.

 I had two Air B&B's booked and the following Monday I purchased the train tickets, Missouri River Run, we would fly into St Louis and catch a train to Herman Missouri, stay three nights, then catch the train to Kansas City Missouri and stay three nights, then fly home to Denver. When I had told Jack the accommodations were booked he realized the trip was a go and purchase the plane tickets. 

The St Louis Amtrak station has been newly remodeled since we have made this trip, so at the time of our travel, the week of our thirtieth wedding anniversary we took the lift from the St Louis airport to the St Louis bus station. Our train arrived within a couple hours, before leaving St Louis I had a quick lunch at the Kentucky fried chicken, there in the station.  Good train ride along the Missouri River, for about four hours. We had plenty of room and Jack got us something to drink, and listened to an audio book or music for most of the train ride, his first time traveling by train. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, that is how I do it. Took a  few pictures and sat back and relaxed. We were up and ready to jump off when they made the stop in Herman, a conductor placed a small step on the ground, helped with luggage and, as the train stopped, I would guess for all of five minutes, we were helped off and soon standing near the station, across the street from a park overlooking the Missouri river, and park benches in a foot of water.

Flying into St Louis, much of the land was in standing water, heavy rains had hit that spring and much of the valley was flooded, well, Herman Missouri had seen some of that rain, and the standing water was in much of the low lands near streets and parks close to the river. The Fourth of July events took place, some were moved to other locations, but the parade and fire works were there in town and we made it to both.

Jack had made plans to meet family in Herman so we drove with them to most of the winery's and saw a lot of the country, when we were walking the town was accommodating, although town closed at 9 pm so everything had to be done during daylight. The first night we found one restaurant open and had a very nice dinner, an older building with wooden beams, wooden floors, great wine and white linens. When I brought up a similar experience we had in Pagosa Springs many years ago, Jack did not remember our dinner in the cabin, with a horse drawn sleigh ride in the snow, how does anyone not remember something like that, I think he needs something for his memory. Well, that night was nice, the Air B&B was nice, a home right in town, walking distance from the train. There were mosquitoes and chiggers and we both got bit, I learned in the next few hours that jeans and a long sleeved shirt or jacket would pay off.

It was unfortunate that the day we left Herman on a train, the three hour train ride would be interrupted by flooding and washed out tracks, our trip to Kansas City Missouri ended on a gray hound bus. We transferred and the wait allowed for Jack to get out and walk through a small town somewhere on the way, as some of us waited on the train for the busses to arrive. Soon we were in Kansas City and the train station, as nice as the pictures kept us entertained for sometime, we then took a lift to the old mansion near the city where we would be staying for the next three nights. Within walking distance from most of the sites we wanted to see, we each got in about 10,000 steps daily.

 

Of the many sites in the City of Fountains a few come to mind, the Shakespeare in the Park and art museum, the WWI tower and museum, the walks to the Pizza Place, and the movie out that summer about the Beatles and the Union Station and shopping center near by. The tour bus took us all over, the shopping district, the down town and the last night we met up with Jack's Aunt Shirley and her husband and son, they were traveling and were on their way back to Oklahoma and were able to meet up for dinner at a great barbeque restaurant near the city. With great hospitality were learned that our host at the house were newly weds, they met while biking and have started this Air B&B business as a way to finance expenses and keep this newly renovated mansion up and paid for. The house was beautiful and Jack and I each had a room on the second floor with a bathroom across the hall. Quiet, clean and very comfortable, a 10 for sure.

We packed it up and returned to Denver, at the airport we caught a train to Union Station where we caught a bus to home with a short ride by a lift driver. Jack has come to appreciate the security of getting around a city without having to rent a car. Lift also has scooters in the city, paid through the same App that car trips are booked and paid. 

It's two years later, we need to return to Herman, I enjoyed the visit and the winery's are very nice, It's just that Jack is returning for the pouring of a bottle of whiskey at Copper Mule distillery. He purchased the 18 bottle that will be poured June 5th at a festival.  Other locations will have live music and drinks.  Jack would have gone alone, but I agreed to meet up with him Friday after he had a chance to  visit his family for a couple days. 

After a two hour flight from Denver to St Louis I met up with Jack at the passenger pick up at the airport. He rented a red Toyota Camery, brand new car with black leather interior. We make it to Herman and met or host Nancy, who happened to be a geo collector since the age of five, the garden terrace had hundreds maybe thousands of them all throughout.  Her husband was there to meet us as well. They have run their bed and breakfast "The cottage " for 25 years. Like Barbara in Raton they are thinking they have been in the business long enough and would like to live closer to the grandchildren. 

After settling in, we visited and then went to a desert restaurant and ordered a light bite to eat and wine, Jack had a red and I had a Prosecco. Starting the next morning with breakfast on the host, we then got a start touring.

First stop Adam Puckta, where I got a wine slushy, and purchased some wine to be shipped home. There waslive music,we stayed for an hour, people watching, lots of vrides and there girl friends, others in hats, dresses and shorts just having a good time listening to the music.

Next we drove to Copper Mule, where they have built a new tasting and event center which is going to have food and a smoking room, the distillery poured Jack's whiskey from barrel 6 bottle 18, he received it and got a signature from JD, the man behi.d the idea.  I spoke to him, he was kind and seemed to be enjoying enjoying himself. We shopped, soaked up the view and the Blue grass music in the outdoors.

The rolling hills of Missouri are full of dark wooded forrests. The graceful hills allowing for a wonderfully view. The humidity does low altitude allows for easy breathing. 

We didn't stay for the barbeque, we were told about a restaurant in town called Dos Slosh, we drove to there and had a late lunch. Next stop would be Stone Hill Winery. More live music and a wine slushy, Jack did some shopping and I was close to falling asleep so we took off and went to Oak Glenn, this is where it had to pick up or I was going to drop. I got a crisp cool Moscato and we picked a table overlooking the Missouri River, more breadth taking view of rolling hills and forests. 

The music was good,another pop rock live, playing popular tunes. The crowd was really into it and people were dancing, More bride to be parties and couples of all ages. Now it was picking up. Finished one drink and we out of there, now back to town to Hermanhoff. The last song played just as we got settled, one more drink for me, a German white, which Jack purchased to bring home. Six o'clock approached and I asked for Subway,then we made it back to the cottage to change and get rested up.

I changed, ate and Jack thought it would be nice to get out and walk around. We found our way over to the hotel where we had visited the night before but didn't stay, due to crowds. We found a table aand stayed for a couple songs, no drinks, we then made our way back to the cottage, just before dark we made our way to the retrace where the fireflies were just showing up, we had a glass of the blackberry wine we picked out at Addam Puckta, one to many for me. We went in after a call to afield and I showered and went to bed.

HERE WE GO AGAIN

     This morning I worked my way through the long  line at the United Airlines at Denver International Airport. With one check in bag and one carry on which fits nicely on top, and  my back pack that I use daily I made my way through the lines. Until baggage check on this was fine, now I'm carrying a bag and running through airports. Did I mention I'm carrying a few note books  and paper backs, with all my make up. To say the least it is kind of heavy. Well that got me to thinking, and I am going to write a review as I run through each of these air ports and train stations as well as hotels.
  First is Union Station. I was let off at the opposite end of the station, and I nearly ran to the other end to reach an elevator. Now I'm familiar with the trains and I knew to look out side to see which track the   A train was on at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. There are two different elevators and ticketing may only  be available at the station or the far end of the platform  I was able to get tickets and board train in 10 minutes.
  Now Denver, my home airport and fairly new, this classy airport has moving side walks. Allows me to rest, put down the bag and site see as I move through the airport. I was rushed the whole time and there were crowds. A straight shot from light rail to check in, security near by and the trains directly below one floor. The train is the only way to get to the terminal and I then used the moving walk ways to get to my gate.
When  I arrived in Chicago I thought the airport was very nice, with plenty of places to eat and a few stores for gifts and last minute must haves. I did  quite alot of walking due to the fact that Ohara does not having moving walk ways. Stopping at a nice Sushi restaurant for lunch and to rest up for the other 1/4 mile walk to my gate F25 the other end of terminal two . Overall  the airport was nice and accommodated us. I took an air bus to Erie. 

  Arriving an hour later after flying over part of the lake, and a golf course looking down at all the trees, which later after looking more closely were pine ,fir a lot like home in Colorado. We  landed at the small Erie airport. Some of the luggage was brought off the plane and handed to the passengers as they walked off the plane. I headed towards baggage claim for mine which was just down the hallway. I was drawn to the car rental and ended up with a Nissan Alantra for the next two days. Late to baggage claim, a passenger let me know my bags had been removed, so straggling down the hallway  I was asked to wait while they got the last passengers to their plane. Grateful to now have my belongings I headed to the car with all in hand. The drive around the Peninsula was great, and the next day I drove down to Bay Front. A car is a must have in Erie. 

   This morning the Lift experience was good, he arrived in five minutes and helped with all my luggage.  I arrived early enough to have breakfast in Union Station PA. 
  Dashing out for breakfast Tuesday morning before making my way to the airport.   I walk to Park street about three blocks away from Longwood Inn, there are shops, and small restaurants that are very urban. I finish breakfast at fresh cuts a juice and omelet later then made my way back. At the train tracks I decide to ask a local where the trains go. How to get to the airport and if I can get a day pass. I pay as I get on, a local fair to Park station, the train which seats like a bus travels the street rails for sometime then we dip below the street to a subway system that takes us for some time till I find my way by asking more questions of this nice young lady. We part at Park street station, I find my self above ground at Commons Park. Freedom Trail, City center, the original shore line of Boston. Half of the tall buildings around me stand on man made land. Then an hour later I'm on the train again and making my way to the airport. Two trains, one shuttle later I arrive at the rental car center. Very nice, large facility with all rentals in a central building with attached garage. Half hour and I'm in a red Chevy  with auto seats.

  I do want to mention I traveled through the airport even though I will not be flying out of Boston. I felt like I was on an Island alright , as I was. Very quiet, no shops. Security at the front door. Driving through the Ted William's tunnel was nothing I've ever experienced. Twice or thrice that of the Eisenhower tunnel in Colorado, it seemed to go on and on.
   Now I know I put a lot of emphasis on the moving side walks, after the small airport in PA I can honestly say that I do not expect to much, the reasoning for checking my bags came to me while carrying my bags on a lay over. Unless you know what to expect plan for the worse, be surprised by the better and weigh  the carry on luggage before leaving home. To my surprise the small airport in Manchester Boston had easy access to airport  from car rental, just a short sky walk to the other terminal. As well, they were moving walk ways on the the cross walk. I took pictures, rested and found that I had arrived early enough to walk over to the observatory deck, take pictures, watch a plane or two take off.

 Watched  it rain for a solid twenty minutes and took a couple more pictures  before making my way through security. A large aircraft a comfortable and easy take off from Manchester, first time flying with South west airlines. They have a similar boarding approach to a 5K I ran. We all were placed in a corral according when we made early check in. Second group to board the plane, general seating, I found a window seat. Good flight, comfortable with good weather.
Transferring at Chicago again, prepared this time with very little carry on, did have a chance to stop in to a couple restaurants for a bite to eat and a drink. Meals and appetizers reasonable, a glass of wine any where from 10 to 20 dollars a glass.  Really Chicago, my meal card declined,  my food budget for this trip is spent. Will see where the most expense comes in after the trip.
  Arriving in Denver on time I am confronted with the fact the light rail will be down for repairs. I call ahead and ask Jack to  pick me up at the airport, a Lift would have been quite expensive. There was a bus available instead of the A line, unexpected wrench thrown into my travel plans, got home by eleven, and Jack helped me get my luggage into the house. My luggage now five pounds heavier, with this trip now over, I look back and see that the system works well I am looking forward to more adventures to come. I was one of the lucky travelers, Amtrak did cause some missed connections I know that other arrangements were made for the travels when this happened. Moving walk ways are almost a must when long distance walking is required, and  beverage and food or snacks are also essential. Good time, will start making plans for next trip.
With a year behind, well almost, I find myself again at DIA, with travel plans to fly direct to San Diego,  good thing leaving a day before a large storm is to hit Colorado,  Iam soon in the air for a two hour flight. Entering San Diego was a great experience as we flew right over the city to touch down at the airport. Picking up my luggage I made my way toward public transportation pick up, a short walk over an enclosed walkway, soon on a shuttle by Wyndham to arrive at the hotel all within 45 minutes. This town really moves.
I will leave San Diego by train, the Union station is also a central stop for the Metro, which is the public trains for the city, With a small station, easy to manage, I am helped right away to check my bags, and then wait there for a half hour. Looking g around at the familiar Union Station decor, large vaulted ceilings,  wood benches and large windows. I bought a chi tea at the only eatery, a small counter shop there, looking out across the street is downtown buildings with large glass windows,   Three hours later I exit on to the platform at the Los Angels Union station, a large station with many corridors and levels, I turn wrong and wonder down toward an entrance,  with many shops, I am turned back down the hallway to the other end near a food court. I have arrived and soon meet up with my second cousin Linda we make our way outside into the warm California sun,to see her Mom, the adventures begin.
My next next airport is the famous LAX,  as large as DIA, I stopped for lunch at California kitchen and the made my way through the terminal toward my gate, and as luck would have it thereby a Irish bar, stopped for a glass of wine then made my way toward the gate to board. This was a nice airport with busses and gates and I didnt need them, but I'm sure there were moving sidewalks too.
Tip for traveling, it seems easier to leave during the week days then on a weekend. The lines areare shorter and it seems the airport workers are enthusiastic about being there , 

It's 2021,CoVID is behind us, yet many mandates are in place. Mask requirements in all airports and on all planes, Social distancing when possible. Everything seems to move smoothly on the airports. Denver to St Louis,  I'm traveling alone, I check one bag, with the help of a United attendant, I get the keyossk to give me a paper boarding pass, something didn't work like it should have when I checked in the night before, I should have had an e ticket, it showed up on the phone after I had a paper ticket in hand. In a TSA line next,  same as it ever was, and up to my gate. I walked a mile, it seemed as though the gate numbers were turned around, B8 was at the other end, I got my steps in for the day. Now airplanes have Apps for movies( United) and movies free on the seats(Delta), Music and TV. More comfortable way to pass the time.

 St Louis airport, easy to get around in, not alot of moving between floors. Some walking with moving sidewalks. 

First time in Salt Lake City airport,  we flew in over Salt Lake, very impressive, large. The mountain range west of the airport is beautiful,  high as the foothills.Near to the city it is a grand thing protecting Salt Lake from anything coming from the west. The airport was clean, it had moving side walks and a few shops.  We ate at California Kitchen. We had a delayed flight into Denver, the airport was nice, we sat at the end of the terminal waiting for a airbus, it reminded me of Chicago, easier to get around in though, not a sprawled out.

Traveling to San Diego

I need to leave Denver for a few days, required to spend down my PTO at work. I wanted to do more genealogy research and after spending time at the family research center I figured that
California was the best choice for spring break. I will be with family, second cousins, for Saint Patrick's day, my spring break this year.
First stop, Denver Union station for tickets and then to DIA for an afternoon flight to San Diego.
Funny story about my choice of hotels, I knew to book direct and I picked  Wyndham hotel, Bay Side, got home,  logged on and ended up with two nights at Wyndham Beach front, a little more than I had intended to spend, close to Balboa Park, where I will be spending  most time.
After having lunch at the Mesa Verde restaurant I took the train to my gate and boarded the plane , C8. Sat with a couple for the two hour flight, with good weather we touched down in San Diego at about 1:30, the Wyndham shuttle picked us up and delivered us to bayside. I walked the area, and bought entrance to the Marine time museum of San Diego, spent the after noon looking at sailing ship, and a Russian sub. Starting with the India, on to the H.M.S. Surprise, B-39 Soviet Sub, America, a Steam Ferry where I bought souvenirs then walked the last pier to see the California and the San Salvador. With photography and models the experience was  nothing like that of  the last trip, I was really impressed by the India's rigging all throughout. 

First night and I had to get rest, I had walked a few miles site seeing and the night sails outside my balcony window were starting to make morning seem closer, as I showered and looked out at the India lit up in lights my fist day came to a close.
  Next day a close walk I made my way to the Midway, standing  close to the front of the line, I was greeted by a Mother and her daughter that flown in from Denver that morning. The recent air tragedy and bad weather were canceling SW flights out of Denver. We paid, and boarded, first stop the Hanger, then the flight deck with a tour to the tower, while in the tour we spent time on the bridge. Back to the flight deck, and then through the galley, birthing the engine room and the offices, with displays of uniforms, squadrons and history of helicopters and CIC which was the most incredible experience,  three compartments all equipment , radar, visual all lit  up and working. Good time and about 2.5 mile walk, large ship, mostly Navy commissioned 1943. Brought onto San Diego in 2003.

I did it again, with the last Lyft experience in Erie PA, I was sure that it would be worth trying again, within four minutes my driver found  me and had me at Balboa park in 15. First stop, the famous San Diego Zoo,, and with 2.5 miles already that day I opted for the bus tour. Full circle round the park, through forests of trees, steep hills a great view of most of what the zoo had to offer. Till I started out on the paths, a whole new experience, bridges, sky gondolas and paths to walk  for miles, the jungle animals and the bird atrium was great.
Alright, next a walking tour of Balboa park, left the zoo walked south to Spanish Village Art studios, a small village of Spanish architecture , and artists at work. I bought three small water colors, one of the flamingos one of the California building and a piece the artist had won some awards on, a water color of five bicycles. Small pieces, but very well done. Continuing through Balboa park I was at ahh at the architectural beauty of the park, for every building was so similar yet distinct in the detail. I didn't get to tour any museums although I did walk the stair way of the music conservatory, where young ballerinas were in class, the moment reminded me of a dream, wandering around looking at the statues and the arch ways, no other around except a few other tourists. A private event at the space museum, which is next to the gymnasium, a quick ride on the free bus to the veterans museum and I called a lift and was back at Wyndham for the night. A plate of shrimp and pasta good conversation with a tourist from Texas that had just had a 16 day tour at sea, .and was glad to be on land. A hot shower and a good movie and I was out for the night. 

Hopped on the Surfliner to Northern California with stops at Ocean side, Capistrano,  and San Jose, and Irvine the three hour train ride was comfy and the ocean and houses were beautiful.

I arrived in LA, just outside of Orange County where I will get off next time, so may stops, the LA Union Station is large, with underground walkways and lots of food courts, I got on the phone and was soon found by Linda, and her Mom was with her, we met at the car, after a short walk together through the station. Driving to the house I picked out on Air B&B, within walking distance from a shopping center and a few restaurants, the master bedroom is what I rented with a master bath. Nice house owned by an Asian man and I met his daughter who was staying in California during the summer, she and I and a couple others were there during the week. Full use of the house, with a large theatre living room and a very nice neighborhood. I walked mornings to the shopping center, and by mid day the cousins picked me up for site seeing, and the parade for St Patricks' day, we also went to the Hollywood part of town where we went to the Chinese Theatre, walk of the stars, and a view of the Hollywood on the hill. 

The most memorable times are with the Cousins, we had a BBQ at Lisa's one night and Mike her brother and his new wife and baby were there. The Knotts Berry Farm took most the second day, we enjoyed rides and talking over lunch, tip: Linda knows KBF after working there for so many years, she got us around the park in record time with lunch and rides behind us we called it a day. The walking was to much after two days of only walking, we made plans to see a show next time I'm in town. 

After doing some work with Dad's family genealogy, I had a good idea of the questions that I needed to ask to fill in some blanks on his mothers family line. I had quite a bit of help from the cousins and Sharon took us to some of the cemetery's so that I could get pictures. 

I followed up by mail, and see posts on face book. Linda is a new Grandma second time, and her daughter recently married. Wendy is now a Grandma and her daughter is in Boston. Laurie and Lisa's kids are still young. And Mike has his new wife and baby. We will be in touch again and this is some good records for the research I was able to do on the Clark family tree. Good Times.  

CATALOG SHOPPERS

Continuing on the theme, traveling by plane, train and car I now found myself with my second cousins from California, that I have not see since Madison had Pacific Coast competition for president Nationals in Synchronized ice skating.
With the plan to spend time with them, I was fortunate not to have to rent a car every time I'm in California Linda offers to drive, and that is what she did, all over LA. We weren't alone much, the time we did take a day trip the A to the casino A we were fortunate to see the super bloom going on this spring, all along the mountainside were Poppies of orange, small compared to the poppies you find in the average garden, these two and a half inch orange blossom were covering the mountains and road sides, it was like a rust dusting the hills.
Anaheim beach was having their blossom festival the week I was there, I talked the three cousins into the Saint Patrick's day parade instead.  We all have spent time together before, usually a trip to Disneyland or  spend time at family's homes, I was fortunate enough to have lunch with them in the 90s and we made it again,  this time more than once.
But the driving was some of the good times catching up and laughing at all the things we had not been able to share, not that we don't care it just is life keeps moving and we needed this time to catch up, to laugh and hurt together. Come to find out, they live in the same city and have their whole lives, and they were just now catching up. Linda told us all about the Greek trip she took with the church, she lived there for over a month. Wendy wants to date again, not anytime soon though and Lisa  and Lori are watching their girls grow up and become women. Linda and I will be Grandparents, well Linda and her brother Michael are
I will be this fall.

We touched base again on Thanks giving, Wendy's son had a little boy Leighton James Von Barte, and Lori's son had another baby Skyla both were born the Thursday before Thanks giving. 

I also became a grand parent, Emberly May Ferry was born a week early August 31, 2019.

TRAVELING BY TRAIN

Train stations have a kind of special attraction, of leaving a place to see the unknown. Denver Union station, newly remodeled in 2011 has a hotel, several places to by food as well as sit down restaurants. There is a book store, flower shop and a gift store. The two story station has balconies and beautiful interior.  Trains and buses are accommodated 24 hours a day.
  The Boston Union station which is very similar is somewhat older with many of the same features. 
The town of Erie has a Union station as well, much smaller with an office, the historical benches which are located on all Union Station, also a long corridor leading to the platform.
  A must to visit, if only for the atmosphere.

I would soon book my next train adventure the following spring. After a short ride from bay front  Wyndham to the San Diego Union station I was soon on board what the west coast calls the Surfliner traveling along the Atlantic ocean from the sunny San Diego to Los Angels. The ride was much more scenic than the North Eastern ride from Erie PA through NY to Boston Massachusetts. Houses on mountain sides, and each stop with a scenic town to visit, not much different from the east coast travels I did in June of 2018. Although the train was a little different, just as comfortable maybe more so, with a short three hours through towns like Ocean side, Anaheim  and following the coastline with a great view of beach front property and miles of ocean.  Enjoyable part of the March 2019 trip toCA to visit my family.

Intriguing as it may have been, Jack took me up on the next ride, from St Louis to Herman Missouri.  Known as the Missouri River Run. The station in St Louis has been closed for remodel, so Union station was not where we departed, a close walk to the bus station our trip continued to Herman Missouri.  We arrived in a couple hours. The train made a quick stop, we stepped off , in a small town located at the river side a single room station there along side the tracks marked the stop for Herman. Well not much to boast about, no Union station till Kansas City Missouri. The Union Station is one to talk about with fountains, shops and restaurants.  A science museum and tour busses coming and going. Hotels near by with sky walk ways to and from Union Station. Large enough to keep us both occupied for a couple hours, with the famous barbecue restaurants near by. It also served as a good visual land mark, kept us walking, as we always new how far we were from the Station. While there we visited the WWI museum and it was a half mile walk from the Union Station.

MOVING SIDE WSLKS

Making my way through five different airports, Denver International, Ohara Chicago, Erie PA, short visit to Logan airport located on an island near Boston, and Manchester airport located in New Hampshire, in a course of seven days I am traveling through a small airport with walking side walks here on Manchester NH.

DELAYS

I found the intriguing plan of traveling by train to be full of delays and a very long day. It seems that Amtrak has many delays due to the fact CSX owns the rails and gets right-of-way on the rails. We had to pull off at one point to let a freight train by. The stewards were kind, as we tried to make all connections, they  served complimentary snacks and water. Long, with unavoidable delays. Comfortable and accommodating train and attendants. 

After two more long distance trips by train, I took the Pacific Surfliner from San Diego to Los Angels, CA. Also road the Missouri River Run from Saint Louis to Kansas Cit Missouri.  

I read now that the Amtrak company pays CSX a user's fee to keep their rails on time, and even though this is true the freight trains continue to cause considerable amount of delays. 

I did not experiance any delays in CA, but the rails experienced considerable amount of flooding on the Missouri area and our ride was canceled an hour out of Herman Missouri and we were routed to Kansas city by buss. Nice ride, with an hour of delays.