Day 10-July 15, 2017-Independence, MO, Kansas City, MO-Harry S. Truman, Churches, BBQ, casino and dancing
Drove 213 miles in 5 hours
Temp got up to 90 today but not as humid. Actually quite pleasant.
Drove through Springfield on I-44 and then US 13 NW to Independence. Got to the campground early, set up and read outside for a while. A nice breeze and a shady spot. The KC Royals Kauffman Stadium is only 5 minutes away and there’s a game tonight but we decided to forego the major league game knowing we have a lot ofminor league games coming up in the near future. We’re in the Harry S. Truman Historical District area of Independence and it’s all about Harry S. His home from 1919 til his death is right around the corner from the campground right in the midst of other beautiful homes built in the mid 1800s. The Clinton Soda Fountain where Harry S. worked as a boy is still in town, there’s the Truman Library and Museum, Truman Depot and his office and courtroom. Quite a few mansions around too. There are tours through these buildings but we’re too late and it would be difficult to talk Harry U. into this. As we’re driving through town we noticed a huge silver spire in the air that towered over everything else so we had to chase it down. It’s the Community of Christ Temple international headquarters and is huge. Designed in 1920 the 300’ tall sanctuary spire is based on the nautilus seashell. Inside there is an auditorium that seats 5600, a 113-rank Aeolian Skinner 6,334 pipe organ, a children’s peace pavilion. Inside the temple is two theaters, a museum, a bookstore and a 102-rank Casavant Freres pipe organ. (Sue S., I’m sure you’ll know what these organs are). Across the street is the original site of the Mormon temple lot dedicated by Joseph Smith in 1831. The Church of Christ is now on the lot but two inscribed cornerstones were found when they built the church. Other old beautiful churches are located throughout town. Independence is also on the Sante Fe, Oregon and California trails there is a lot of pioneer history throughout the city. We’re in the “BBQ capital of the world” and we heard the best place for BBQ is The Smokehouse. The minute we walked in the aroma just about filled us up. The extensive menu was hard to choose from but we managed. We got the sampler and split it and had enough to bring some home. Even though Harry had driven all day today we still drove into Kansas City (past the ballgame, now in progress). There are over 200 fountains in Kansas City but everyone we spoke to said if you only see one (and I knew I could only get Harry to one) see the J. C. Nichols Fountain. Built in 1910 the 4 horsemen represent the four great rivers of the world, the Mississippi, Volga, Seine and Rhine. It was a beautiful fountain, beautiful night and a city bustling with people out for Saturday nightlife. We then drove from south to north through the whole city from the Country Club District, through the Crown Center District, Downtown District, 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District and Crossroads District to the Waterfront and the Isle of Capri Casino. We had a great view of the Christopher S. Bond Bridge at sunset. Only stayed in the casino about a half hour and broke even but on the way out we heard some music so we followed it to the Lone Wolf Restaurant on the second floor and found a great band playing. I would have taken a lot more pictures and videos of the band but I had my choice of videoing or dancing and when you get chance……Dance!