Our posts may not be in chronilogical order, So let’s start with the short trip that got this Geezer thing rolling.

Jean’s View

Rob and I have known Rick and Claire since 1985, when we moved to the Cuba, Missouri area. It came as a big surprise when we realized the 4 of us were only close friends for a year when Rick and Claire moved away!  We kept in touch, but not all that often, until Facebook helped us discover Rick and I were both into photography.  We planned a few get togethers and this is the story of the most recent.

Rick thought we should see what the Azalea and Dogwood Festival was like in Charleston, Missouri. He made reservations for us to stay in a motel in Jackson and the fun began.

Rick and Claire picked us up Saturday morning and we headed south. They’d never been to Echo Bluff State Park so we altered our route to go by.

On the way was Round Spring Conservation Area, we pulled in and took photos! The redbuds were about at their peak!

Last Mother’s Day Rob spotted otters there, but none showed themselves this time.

We stopped to admire the beauty of Echo Bluff and see if the wild horses were about, but they were also not seen.

Because Rob and I are looking for a small travel trailer, we all kept our eyes peeled, and I told about seeing a man’s garage was a pile of melted metal and ashes, I asked him “Was it Lightning?”

His reply was “No, it was a fire.”

Consequently, every time we saw something that had burned, (which seemed like rather a lot!) someone would ask “Was it lightning?” and the other 3 would reply, “No, it was a fire.”

Arriving in Charleston, we drove what may have been the parade route, many lovely houses with nice landscaping along there. Finally found a place to park and walked a block or so to the vendor tents. It’s a typical small town festival, but actually a little bigger than I had thought it would be. Lots of the usual stuff. The different thing was…..Pig Racing!

The pigs were cute and it was free. Can’t beat that.

We ate some pulled pork and wandered around. They had the red-est dogwoods I’d ever seen all over the place!

Got a couple flower pictures on the way back to the car.

 

A pleasant drive found us at Steelegate Winery to check it out for the eclipse and maybe taste a little wine, and have a small snack. Some kids were taking prom pictures there.

Then we moved on to Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. What a grand place! 4 stories, 2 of those brick, a covered bridge and a little waterfall!

Another batch of young folk showed up there to take prom pictures. Mostly cowboys and the girls all dressed up. Look what the locals drive to prom.

 

After a group shot

The Original Geezers. Claire, Rick, Jean and Rob -copyright Jean Brandenburg

 

we found the motel, then went downtown to Bussards. Quite a wait, even at 8pm! It gave Rick a chance to plan his early morning shoot of the clock and street lights. I opted for it right then, so I could sleep in!

 

A quick drive across that beautiful bridge and Rick found us a spot with another view and reflections. We stayed away from the Purple Pony. (a strip joint, oh my!)

Rick stayed up half the night editing pictures, but we had a nice complimentary breakfast in the motel, and since it was raining we headed home.

The route home took us through Arcadia Valley and some great scenery. If it hadn’t been raining we would have made numerous stops. As it was, a stop at mutual friends, Greg and Thea’s place, seemed in order!

Surprise Greg! He was doing a bit of plumbing work, but stopped to visit with us. A bit later Thea came home and we had a wonderful visit!

Greg and Thea will definitely be guest posters on Geezers, as they have had many interesting travel stories.

It was nice to be home. A bit later Rick sent Rob a picture of trailer for sale they saw on the way. 🙂

For me, most trips are about getting some new photos.  This was indeed a success, in that regard.  My advice is give some small town festival a try, and have a plan B if it’s not all that exciting.  Going with friends is also a bonus, because you get to visit so much more.

Geez On!