We didn't make it out of the state before our first stop. The Hubbell Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation was operated by the Hubbell family until the mid 1960's when it was taken over by the park service. The Navajos still raise sheep for their weaving, which is demonstrated in the store.

Our main destination was Minnesota. Now, most of our friends know to hide when we pull out the camera, but family is fair game. Quinn had his second birthday during our trip, and Jenny planned a nice little party for him. He was a lot of fun to be with, and I love that serious expression he's usually wearing.

We do have at least one shot of an outing with friends. Barb & Steve took us on a nice little hike in a beautiful Minnesota park overlooking the river. Sorry guys.

Sara & Casey didn't escape either.

I know, Iowa. But you should know there are a few things besides cows and corn in the state.

We took the scenic route which winds it's way through - well yes, corn & cows. But on our way, in the middle of farm country, is a Iowa Welcome Center located on a conservancy center & wildlife refuge. So, we stopped and toured.

Located in Harpers Ferry, Iowa The Effigy Mounds National Monument is beautiful.

Prehistoric burial mounds are preserved here, some are shaped as bears. The path takes you along the Mississippi River offering some breathtaking views.

Moving southward, our next stop was the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO. It was completed in 1965 and stands 630 feet above the city offering some great views.

Since it is 40 years old, the pods you ride up to the top resemble very small space craft - very small with sloping, rounded tops. Did I mention VERY SMALL!!! My claustrophobia had a field day.

Once at the top however, the views were worth it

The Bonne Terre Mine, in Bonne Terre, MO. first opened as the St. Joe Lead Mine in 1870 and operated until 1961. Then around 1980 or so West End Dive bought it. Seems the water had filled up the lower level and with the large area it covered they could use it for open-water diving and certification classes. So, when you tour it's not only walking through the mine, but there's a boat ride from the dock the divers use. Ah, man's ingenuity at it's best.

The caverns are expansive and the several levels are supported by the huge pillars carved from the rock. It's hard to imagine men tunneling into solid rock, then removing enough debris to create rooms 50 to 60 feet high and wider than my house.

And with the water dripping, stalagmites are forming, as well as soda straws and some small stalactites, damns and beautiful flowstone

In case you don't know or remember, we love to go to old battlefields, forts, anything historic. Since we were heading south, we wanted to see Vicksburg Battlefield. This was fitting since we were listening to Shelby Foote's narrative as we drove along.

Like most battlefields, what we see now is placid, green fields and hills with beautiful stands of trees. Along the route are numerous monuments to the various divisions from the different states. The largest is for Illinois - a huge domed rotunda whose steps inspired me to do my Rocky imitation.

The highlight was the Cairo, a Union ironclad salvaged from the Yazoo River in the 1960's and restored for viewing.