In the past, whenever I thought of the “Great Plains”, this is what I imagined – beautiful

Twelve weeks into my cross-country road trip and I’ve visited 15 states, and just getting started in Missouri. I’ll spend two nights in Columbia, Missouri for tomorrow’s solar eclipse and then I have three nights booked in St. Louis.

Tonight and tomorrow night in Columbia, Missouri.

Just east of Kansas City, true KC barbecue 😋

Today I drive from Wichita, Kansas to Columbia, Missouri. I really don’t know anything about Columbia other than it’s in the direct path of tomorrow’s eclipse and I was able to book a room for tonight and tomorrow.

Drive should take no more than six hours (with stops for gas and lunch) unless there’s heavy eclipse traffic.

While it definitely has some positive aspects, I must say, this was the least attractive city I’ve visited so far.

Some nice walking paths along the Arkansas river. Downtown/Old Town area is nice but there’s just not much there in terms of bars/restaurants/shops, not what I’d call a “vibrant” neighborhood. I do like that they have lots of outdoor sculpture.

Yeah, I know barbecue is more associated with Kansas City than Wichita, but…

Spare Ribs 😋

View from my room – not bad 😀

Today’s route…