I should not complain, but ...

I understand that not having access to the internet for a few days or hours may be good for me. I understand that I am not actually suffering and I have plenty of options to entertain myself. Still, the Missouri State Parks should not make a big deal out of providing internet as a new feature of their modernization efforts if their internet is not working.

We moved our camper to Branson, MO. Yes, I understand that this is a super tourist area with water parks, duck boats, country singers, salt water taffy, etc. and I know my kids will laugh at us for calling this a camping adventure, but after complaining about no internet I might as well go all of the way.

Back to the internet thing. There were signs in the office and I was given a brochure. It explained that the state recognized that many folks like to check their email and post pictures of their adventures on  Facebook. Who would not want to visit Missouri after viewing my photos? The brochure gave basic advice on how to connect to the hotspots that are available on the roofs of each shower building and warned visitors that you might want to consider not making credit card purchases and might want to install a virus protector. I hiked around the campground sitting outside several shower buildings without luck. I mentioned the problem to a couple of maintenance girls. They pointed at the devices on top of the building, but I suggested they try their phones if they did not believe me. They said they would tell someone. It is really just the principle of the thing. We have our own mobile hotspot and our phones would work to allow us to connect using our computers or iPads. It is just the principle of the thing. If they just did not have that brochure.

On another topic. it is national coffee day. Of the many special celebrations that are possible, I never miss national coffee day.

  

I paid my respects by purchasing a couple of no fat lattes and an unusual apple thing that I could have with ice cream or a slice of cheese. The barista said that folks up north sometimes eat their apple pie with a slice of cheese. I said that I did know that, but I prefer ice cream.

OK - moving on.

Holiday Inn Express

Spending the day in a Holiday Inn. No, I am not wimping out on camping. I need to prepare and then run my online class this evening. Bandwidth, bandwidth, bandwidth. I won't even wash clothes.

A picture to keep you busy until tomorrow.

A hat to live by

Cindy loves to read or send me inspirational quotes she finds online - things that are intended to help me find motivation or direction for my life. I think I have found something far better - an inspirational hat. I have many hats. This is the case because I keep forgetting the one I am supposed to have with me. I have a thin covering of hair on the top of my head and I must seek coverage to limit sun or cold exposure. I found this hat in the gift shop at Ha Ha Tonka (laughing waters) state park.

Ha Ha Tonka state park did have some other interesting things. This is the remains (it burned in the 1940s) of the Castle at Ha Ha Tonka. Those in the castle had a tremendous view overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks.

4G - 2 bars

The Lake of the Ozarks looks to be a river sitting behind a dam. Our view does not show a great body of water, but the map shows it goes on forever. It would likely be a fun opportunity if you had a boat.

The campgrounds are very nice and nearly empty. We do like offseason for this reason, but the emptiness can also get a bit creepy.

Internet connections are always an issue. We have to use our phones or our mobile hotspot, but with 4G and 2 bars (at best) tasks such as uploading an image takes great patience. I may have to resort to McDonald to keep this blog going. Great coffee for a fast food establishment. I have to work on trips such as this so we will be finding a hotel Thursday so I can connect, prepare for, and hold my online class.

Cindy was able to stream the Twins last night. One more win and they are in the playoff game with the Yankees. I do hope they wrap it up today because we have a 25 gig bandwidth cap and things would get really expensive if we had to continue to stream for more games.

Go Twins!

P.S. I do get tired of hearing from Cindy how I should have shown more faith in Buxton.

Folgers for All

The fall trip for 2017 will take us to the Ozarks. Our original plan was to go West, but the fires in so many areas caused us to change our original plan. We have decided to visit the Ozarks.

As long as our health and mental capacity hold, we enjoy travel by car and camping. We no longer sleep on the ground, but have settled on a smaller camper - the rPod. It is perfect for our needs and interests. I am not a fan of air travel and I enjoy driving as a time to look and think. We have books. blogs, and music on the radio and have a great time making decisions about direction and side trips as we go.

Rest stops in different states have always been a source of interest. Many are constructed to reflect something interesting about the state.

Our entry into Iowa allowed us to visit an "information center and rest stop" built in the form of a barn and silo. The barn was a two-story affair. Within the barn, I noticed a second mini-barn on the second floor. A coffee bar in the shape of a barn.

Coffee is my thing so I headed up the stairs. I had hopes of a latte or an assortment of fine brews allowing choice and maybe even samples. Nope. One option. Now, I am pretty sure that the $1.50 cup I purchased was Folgers. It was warm and it was coffee. Maybe if it was early in the morning and I needed to hit the road it would be sufficient, but I had hoped for more in the middle of the afternoon, 

I know I may sound like a snob, but a fancy barn within a barn should serve something other than a generic brew. My kids would expect something other than Bud Light if the barn within a barn was offering beer. This just happens to be my personal bias.

On the road and searching for some Tanzanian Peaberry.