Odds and the End

Here are a few odds and the end of our terrific trip west, and alas, the last post about it. But don't lose heart, the trip to New England has only just begun!

In Kansas we looked for signs of the Santa Fe Trail:

We could barely make out what we think must be the wagon tracks.

A place where helium was discovered.

And a visit to Independence, KA, made famous by Laura Ingalls Wilder in her book, "Little House on the Prairie"

If you are a "Little House" fan, the best collection of memorabilia is in Mansfield Missouri, where she wrote the books. The museum there is filled with items from her childhood and mentioned in her books, including Pa's fiddle.

Almanzo Wilder built this house, starting with just two rooms.

Almanzo, Laura, and their daughter, Rose are buried in the town cemetary. The rest of the family, including Laura's infant son are buried in DeSmet, South Dakota.

Near Rutherford, Tennessee is where Davy Crockett had a cabin at the time he was killed in the Alamo. His mother lived nearby and is buried here.

Replica of Davy Crockett's cabin, constructed using some of the original materials.

His mother's grave.

It was over 100 degrees that day.

The Gibson County Courthouse has a bust of Davy Crockett, who was a state legislator instrumental in organizing the county.

We tried to visit this Teapot Museum in Trenton, TN. The lady in the Art Gallary who gave us directions said, "It's probably closed, but just go ask someone in the Fire Station next door, and they'll give you a key. You don't want to miss it."
The best we could do is a few teacups in the window. We went inside the Fire Station and hollered, but no one answered. Maybe they were all gone to a fire?

DeSoto Caverns near Birmingham, AL is very touristy...made into a theme park. The best part about the caverns themselves is....

The cool respite from 100+degree weather we returned to.

Hope you enjoyed traveling along with us. Next up is my trip to New England.