On to Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy

I got to sit back with my feet up in the air while Robin drove!

(As always, click to make picture bigger)

Great trip from Prairie Dog State Park to Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy. We started on KS-383 through beautiful prairie and farm lands.

We fueled up. 43.06 gallons $118.43.

Got on I-70 to Limon the US-24 to Colorado Springs. 157 miles for 3 hours and 20 minutes.

The Air Force Academy Family Camp is fantastic. We're in site 34 @ $27/night full hookups. Satellite works in this one peeking between the trees. Verizon works fine. We were here in 2016.

To Prairie Dog State Park, Norton, KS

Relatively short day (181 miles in a little less than 4 hours) to a wonderful state park "Prairie Dog State Park" in Norton, KS.

All on US-36. Easy ride, very little traffic. Great seeing the small towns. We did pass through the geographical center of the USA in Lebanon, KS LINK

The park is amazing. We are in site CR6 with full hookups and an amazing view of the lake and prairies. Cost is $25/night. Lots of available sites.

Animals enjoy outdoors. Even Minoux is out since no neighbors

Never seen one with the outer ring

They really have Prairie Dogs here

The town has many brick paved streets!

To Washington, Kansas

47.6 gal of diesel @$2.829/Gal; $134.66

Another day (actually only a few hours) on US-36. 4 lanes most of the way with beautiful corn fields on all sides. A lot of fields haven't been planted because of the rains.

Our destination was the City of Washington, Kansas city park. They have a small campground on a creek.Some site have 50 amp service most have 30. Dump station available. Its on a honor system so you just put your $15 in a box. We never saw anyone and we were the only ones here. What a deal and what a nice little park. Thanks Washington!

Might add that we endured quite the storm over night. Thunder as loud as I've ever heard.

PS: I forgot to mention that we went through the town where "Sliced Bread" was invented. LINK

And, we were on the Pony Express Highway mush of the day. Lots of monuments to that.

To Pershing State Park, MO.

55.219 gal of diesel @$2.939/Gal; $162.29

Campsite #6 only $23 but an $8 reservation fee! 30 amp at site. water/sewer elsewhere.

Great trip on US-36/I-72.

Stayed in the General of the Army John "Blackjack" Pershing State Park, Laclede MO. Amazing that such a influential man came from this tiny town.

Touring Springfield, Illinois (day 2) - Inspect the Troops

Another great day. We started with the Lincoln Museum LINK. We were amazed. Such a great exhibition of Abe's life with fantastic displays. Don't pass this up if you're in the area...or make a special trip! This is just a sample of exhibits. It went on and on.

We took a break and had lunch at a place that's only been around since 1884 - Maldaners LINK
My meal was great. Robin's burger was just ok. We'd go back if ever here again.

Then we did the train depot

Every Tue at 1900, the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment conducts a flag lowering ceremony at the Lincoln Tomb (LINK). They are reenactors dressed and equipped in period. Their wives also dress. They do a great job of firing honors and drill as it was done then.

Before it started, their Colonel came across the field and said he noticed I was Army (ball cap)We chatted for a few about my career and then asked if I would join him during the ceremony for the inspection of the troops! I did and it was fun. It was a distance away so pictures are not very clear.

(to be added)

Afterwards, they open the tomb site for participants to view,

What a great time in Springfield! Every single person we encountered went our of their way to speak and welcome us to their city, and not just people in the tourist business - people on the street.

We can now add 2 new states: Indiana and Illinois!