Steamboat Arabia, The National World War 1 Museum and Memorial, Watkins Woolen Mill, all while camping!

On Monday May 12, we set off for Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson, Missouri. We were camping with best friends who have a camper almost identical to ours. In fact, we copied off of them. 

We arrived shortly afternoon and enjoyed just sitting outdoors all afternoon. The weather was gorgeous.  About 6:00 Terry grilled some pork steaks, while Debby made a fresh salad with lettuce from her garden. 

Afterwards we enjoyed the campfire until we retreated to the camper with open windows for the night.

Tuesday morning after a hearty breakfast of donuts, your choice, chocolate covered, powdered sugar, or coconut and 2 pots of coffee, we were ready to go to Steamboat Arabia Museum. 

The Steamboat Arabia was one of many casualties of the perilous Missouri River—the longest river in the United States that claimed nearly 400 other steamboats over its 2,500-mile course. In September 1856, the Arabia was carrying over 200 tons of cargo intended for general stores and homes in 16 midwestern frontier towns. The steamer was still fully loaded when it hit a tree snag and sank just 6 miles west of Kansas City. Due to erosion, the Missouri River changed course over time, and the Arabia was buried underground for over a century – along with all of its precious cargo. Lying 45 feet deep beneath a Kansas cornfield, the Arabia’s payload was protected from light and oxygen and, thus, was remarkably well preserved.

In the winter of 1988, five men and their families banded together to begin the adventure of a lifetime … recovering the Steamboat Arabia's long-lost treasure. What they found will astound you.

A replica of the boat. 

A replica of the original paddlewheel with some original hardware. It's set in water and goes round and round as you tour. 

This is David Luttrell, one of the remaining living of the original 5 who uncovered the boat. He was so interesting to talk to. He pulled out his cell phone and showed us rock carvings he's made. He is 91 years old, he told us.

We also visited with Matt Hawley, a son of one of the original crew. He is on YouTube as Arabia Steamboat Museum. 

 

Be sure and click on the pictures to enlarge. Trust me pictures don't do it any justice; it is just absolutely fascinating!!!  There are still many tubs of items waiting to be restored

We crossed the street and ate at City Diner. It has been on that corner since the 1940's.

With full bellies we went to The National WW1 Museum and Memorial. 

These letters, mailed from a soldier to his parents, back home were amazing artwork. 

We arrived back at the campground shortly after 5. It was our turn to make supper. With our cast iron grill, I grilled new potatoes with veggies, while Bernie grilled some franks. We enjoyed another campfire before turning it. This time the air conditioner came on after a couple hours in bed. It was just too humid. 

Wednesday, we didn't have to be out of the campground until 2.  

After a breakfast of champions, once again, we headed to the other side of the camp to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. 

Tristian, our tour guide was fantastic. He is a full-time college student majoring in Computer science.

If you have not been to these places, you must put them on your bucket list!