We were greeted to some nice sunny skies and above 60-degree weather for the first time during our trip. We left Rolla and headed to Fort Leonard Wood, Joey reported here in 1983 for Drill Sergeants School and was here for about 2 months. While the area has changed significantly, the main purpose of this base is to train the engineering corps. We visited the United Stated Army Engineer Museum which is dedicated to preserving the history of the Army Corps of Engineers from the Revolutionary War to present day. The museum was extremely interesting and loaded with historical information about the roles the engineering corps played throughout history and their contributions to our successes in so many wars. If you have never been to an Army base (raising my hand), it was amazing, the base is like a small town. Everything you need is right there, as it should be for our brave men and women!
After leaving the base, we decided to make this a short and relaxing day. We planned our next stop in Carthage, MO. We lucked out and booked a room at the Boots Court Motel. This hotel was established in 1939 by Arthur Boots and is designed in the Streamline Moderne Style. So cute with typical “Art Deco” style influence, complete with the neon sign! It’s “Radio in Every Room” claim is because it was one of the first major hotels to offer a radio in every room, a luxury at the time. Today, there is still a radio but no TV, which honestly was very refreshing. It’s rumored that Clark Cable stayed here while traveling cross country. Frankly, some of you may not give a damn, but I think it’s pretty cool. 😎
Next up some dinner. Based on the recommendation from the motel, we picked The Lucky J Steakhouse and Arena, a restaurant and a professional equine and rodeo arena. Designed with a large 50-foot glass window separating the restaurant from the arena you can eat and watch live horse shows, barrel racing and team roping events. Sadly, no events tonight, but the food, atmosphere and cocktails were great. On a side note, you know you are in cowboy country when the guy sitting next to you orders a Crown and Coke and a spit cup! Lol.
Tomorrow, we head out of Missouri, a quick jaunt through Kansas and then on to Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plains. Too corny?
A special shout out to my girl Julie for her birthday today! 🎂
See you down the road.
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