Robert Stuart Trail 1812 — 1813

Day 35: September 15th, 2007 Kansas City — St. Charles

For breakfast I will meet Johanna at the “First Watch” restaurant, which is in walking distance of my hotel. Before, I already packed all my stuff together and stored it in my little truck. When I arrive at the restaurant, Johanna is already there and has made a reservation for a table. This place is really busy for a Saturday morning. But just when I arrive, our table is ready. The food is excellent and we have a funny breakfast.

Around 10am we say good–bye and I walk back to my car. There is a gas station close to the hotel. Then I take Highway 24 out of the city — which takes quite a while considering the size of this city.

Highway 24, MO

Then I continue on the bigger Highway 24 along the Missouri River. The Interstate was not really inviting for me. But I also didn’t wanted to drive on the very small highways, because I have traveled these roads already so many times.

Highway 24, Mussel Fork, MO

Just past Keytesville I continue on the smaller Highway 5 in southern direction.

Highway 87, MO

At Glasgow I turn onto Highway 87.

Highway 5/40/87, Boonville, MO

On Highway 87/5/40 I follow the Missouri River to Boonville, Missouri.

Highway 179, MO

Highway 179/Row St, Jamestown, MO

Highway 179, MO

Through Jamestown I take Highway 98/179/87, which is also Row Street here.

On the already many times traveled Highway 179 I follow the river to Jefferson City. From there I take Highway 94.

Missouri River, MO

Highway 94, MO

Although these are all paved roads, they sometimes offer real nice views of the landscape around the Missouri River — and I haven’t traveled these highways in this direction yet.

On Highway 94 I drive through Dutzow, Missouri.

Unfortunately there is a lot of traffic. Especially in the area of Kansas City people drive like crazy. And also here in the area of St. Charles. After being this long time in the solitude you still must get used to it again.

Around 7pm I check in at the Motel 6. However, they only have smoking rooms left! Seems like I have no other choice than to take one of those. My neighbors look also pretty broken, who are shredding wood on their pickup with a chain saw. First I thought they are doing some repair or maintenance work. Then I realized they also just have rented the room.

First I check the video taping of today. Then I leave for the Outback Steakhouse. Despite searching around for a while, I am not able to find it, although I had been there last year…

But finally I see a Lonestar, which I take. And I must admit that I really like it in the meantime. In the past I always wanted to go to the Outback Steakhouse. But in the meantime…

The dinner is also really good. Just before nine I pay and drive back. At my motel I do my usual book keeping, diary and enter the GPS coordinates for tomorrow. Lucky me, the chain saw next door is also already quiet which gives me the chance to get sufficient sleep this night…