Homeward

After the kids finished their strenuous hike up the sand dune (total of 1,400 feet elevation change in one hour) we drove through the southern stretch of the Rocky Mountains to Colorado Springs.  We stayed at the Academy Inn and Ellis felt like it was one of the fancies hotels he had ever stayed.

Monday, August 4 we drove from Colorado Springs to east of St. Louis, Missouri.  We spent the night in Collinsville, Illinois.  We ate at Lutz's BBQ in Colombia, Missouri which was a highlight of the day.  The other highlight was when Andrew found the 50th state licence plate.  West Virginia had alluded us for the entire trip until we checked in to the hotel and began unloading the car at 10:45 in the evening. We found all 50 states, 7 Canadian providence, and 1 Mexican state car licence plate.

We met my sister, nieces, and Janie our dog in Coldwater, Michigan to pick up Janie from her adventures with the Hills.  We appreciate their willingness to let Janie stay with them.

Upon arrival at home our odometer read 4,943 miles.
It was a great trip.