So everyone and their mother is renting a van and going #vanlife. So the big question is why can't I? And we absolutely can and we will because this America! Whoah... too much! Anyway... we went to Byerly RV Rentals and got us an RV...
We picked Northwest Missouri as our destination area, so in case it sucked we can easily go home in 2-3 hours. I used the Missouri Travel Guide to list out all the stops I want to make and Kevin planned out what is feasible in 5 days including RV pick up and drop off.
RV Camping at Katy Roundhouse
After some hurried and rigorous packing we arrive at Katy Roundhouse Campground. The campground has 30 full hook up sites that are all pull through, it sits right at Katy Trail. We did not bring our bikes but I was paranoid that we were going to run out of water and toilet was going to overflow so wanted the first stop to have FULL hook up. We didn't need it all of it because it takes more time to hook them up and we just started so there are hardly anything in our black and gray tanks. Hooking up to electric was nice.
Then we had our first meal. We packed our food so we did not have to bother with cooking. Some people like camp fires and cooking their food that way but we like to camp more than prep meals. Georgia was obviously salty she did not get a second dinner.
Having full hook up was nice specially if it is your first time camping with an RV. Even know we knew how many gallons the tanks were, it is not like we measure them when we use it at home. Also, how you "RV" shower and consume water is very different from your home use
Boone's Lick State Historic Site
Woke up to freezing temperatures and our first stop was Boone's Lick State Historic Site for a quick hike around the site.
Nestled in Missouri's heartland, is a it is like a step back in time. With its well-preserved 19th-century structures and rustic charm, this site offers a captivating glimpse into America's frontier history. Stroll through historic trading posts, imagine pioneers forging their path westward, and uncover the intriguing stories of salt production that lend this place its unique name
Then we thought... not too cold... we can proceed to Arrow Rock and do the Walking Tour.. nope... everything was closed because it was Thanksgiving. We did get to do another hike which is always a Georgia approved activity
Jim the Wonder Dog: Missouri's Most Famous Canine
Since Georgia was being a good girl we thought maybe she would like to meet a good boy. Off we went to meet Jim the Wonder dog. Jim the Wonder dog can apparently understand human speech.
Jim the Wonder Dog was a Llewellin Setter who lived in Marshall, Missouri, in the early 1900s. He was known for his remarkable intelligence and abilities, including his ability to track birds, predict the weather, and even communicate with his owner, Sam Van Arsdale, in English.
Jim's fame spread far and wide, and he was eventually invited to perform before the Missouri Legislature. He impressed the lawmakers with his skills, and they even passed a resolution declaring him Missouri's official wonder dog. Jim the Wonder Dog died in 1937, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most extraordinary dogs that ever lived.
Georgia was not impressed and did not get what all the fuss was about.
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park: A Hidden Gem in Missouri
Understanding that there wasn't really much to do today because everything was close we went to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park to hike, hook up our RV.
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park is a 1,105-acre park located in Saline County, Missouri. The park is named after Annie and Abel Van Meter, who donated the land to the state in 1932. The park features a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Old Fort, a hand-dug earthwork built by the Missouria Indians, and the Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center.
We did not stay long in the park. We wanted a spot to hook up our RV so we can eat lunch. After lunch we went to Chillicothe, MO.
Chillicothe Murals: A Vibrant Outdoor Gallery in Missouri
Chillicothe, MO which is where the first machine to slice bread was invented. Kevin thought there was free bread to be had... there wasn't. The city was littered with awesome murals though... can you see us in some of them?
Chillicothe, Missouri, is home to a collection of over two dozen murals that depict the city's rich history and culture. The murals are located throughout downtown Chillicothe, and they offer a unique and colorful way to explore the city.
The murals depict a variety of scenes, including train depots, farms, businesses, and historical events. Some of the most popular murals include the "Home of Sliced Bread" mural, which depicts the Chillicothe Baking Company, and the "Chillicothe Railroad" mural, which depicts the city's important role in the railroad industry.
The Chillicothe murals are a free and family-friendly attraction. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the murals, or they can join a guided tour offered by the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce.
Since Georgia was adequately tired we decided that it was a good day and head on to Crowder State Park where we are camping for the night.
That my friends is our Thanksgiving RV camping adventure in Missouri. Have you considered a camping trip for Thanksgiving?
Read the rest of our winter adventure here Surviving the Cold: Winter Camping in Northwest Missouri
Let us know if you have plans to camp for thanksgiving.
TTYL