Eisenhower Library Gets A Makeover

Above, the Place of Meditation is the final resting place of the President,
 First Lady, and their first-born son, Doud. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A little over three years ago, I stopped in and stayed overnight in Abilene, Kansas.

Abilene is the boyhood home and presidential library of our 34th president, Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Above, the statue of Gen. Eisenhower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library campus includes his boyhood home, burial site and museum. The entire campus has recently been reopened after being renovated.

According to KSN.com:

ABILENE, Kan. (KSNW) – The story of President Dwight D. Eisenhower began in Kansas. Now, 200,000 people a year visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in the neighborhood where he grew up in Abilene.

Over the years, an entire campus has grown up around the family home. It recently reopened after a renovation project. The makeover includes interactive displays and the flexibility to rotate exhibits. 

“It gives us the opportunity to be a little bit more flexible with the artifacts,” said Dawn Hammatt, the director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home. “We can rotate our artifacts more simply and that will give the visitors a different experience when they come.” 

With upgrades in technology, visitors can now choose the time and place they want to learn more about the Kansas president.

When I visited the museum, it seemed more focused on Eisenhower the general, rather than as president.

To read more, go here.

Glad I'm Not There Now!

Above, The Beast at the Limon KOA in November 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in November 2016, I was heading back west into Colorado from Kansas along Interstate 70 

after visiting the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas.

The weather was cool, but manageable.

However, parts of that stretch of I-70 into Limon, Colorado were closed due to blizzard conditions.

KOAA News reported:

A powerful spring snow storm has caused multiple road closures on Colorado's eastern plains. 

High wind warnings and blizzard warnings have been issued across eastern Colorado and western Kansas. Blizzard conditions are expected to last through Saturday morning. 

CDOT said that I-70 has been closed from Limon to the Kansas border with no estimated time of reopening. The closure is extending to Airpark Road as of 3:50 p.m.

News such as this certainly does bring back travel memories. I stayed at the Limon, Colorado KOA. I remember it mostly for all the bunnies running around.

To read more, go here. 

T + L: Interstate 70

Above, the Capitol Building in Topeka, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On my return trip home from Metropolis, Illinois, Memphis, Tennessee and Springfield, Illinois, I took Interstate 70 from St. Louis, Missouri to Colorado.

Along the way, I stopped in Topeka, Kansas to visit with State Senator Greg Smith at the State Capitol and Abilene, Kansas to see the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum.

It just so happens that Travel + Leisure has an article on things to see and do along Interstate 70.

They begin with:

There’s an interstate highway that runs through the entirety of Middle America, starting in Cove Fort, Utah, and pushes eastward to its terminus in Baltimore, Maryland. Interstate 70 covers 2,150 miles, and passes major attractions like the magnificent Rockies of Colorado and the iconic city of St. Louis, Missouri. Of course, there are lesser-known pit stops you'll find on an I-70 road trip, like the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum in Abilene, Kansas, that punctuate even the flattest stretches of plains and prairie.

Above, the graves of President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Interstate 70 is a good road for RVs as The Beast took to the highway very well.

To read more, go here. 

2 More Reviews Posted At TripAdvisor

Above, inside the Eisenhower boyhood home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

TripAdvisor has approved and posted the last two reviews of attractions visited during my cross-country trip to Metropolis, Illinois.

The attractions posted are:

• Monument Valley: Goulding's Lodge and Tours
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

Above, the "Ear of the Wind" arch in Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To go to TripAdvisor, go here.

Six Reviews Posted At TripAdvisor

Above, a photograph of Elvis on display at Sun Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

TripAdvisor has approved and posted my first six review on attractions I visited during my recent cross-country trip to Metropolis, Illinois. They are now ready for viewing.

They are:

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
• Graceland
• Sun Studio
• Meteor Crater
• Lincoln Home National Historic Site
• Lincoln Tomb and War Memorials

Above, the Meditation Garden at Graceland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have since added two more attractions and they are now pending approval:

• Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum
• Monument Valley: Goulding's Lodge and Tours

To go to TripAdvisor, go here.

Trip Souvenirs

Above, the Super Museum had a lot of goods for sale, but I passed on them. I've too much stuff already. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my recent 3-week trip to and from Metropolis, Illinois I stopped off at a number of attractions, but bought very little souvenirs.

I bought some books, but as far as knick-knacks, not much. I have enough stuff as it is. The two new tires I had to get in St. Louis, Missouri and the electric ceramic heater I bought in Kansas don't count.

At Meteor Crater in Arizona, the only thing that "suited my fancy" was an Arizona cookbook.

The only thing I picked up at the Super Museum in Metropolis was this magnet for The Beast:

At Graceland, I did pick up a magnet for The Beast but the only other things were a hat and t-shirts for friends. I did buy a CD of Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii.

I am picky about things like knick-knacks. A lot of items I saw that looked good had "Made In China" stamped on them. I avoided those. A lot of other travelers felt the same way, as I overheard.

At Sun Studio, I bought myself a hat and a CD of The Million Dollar Quartet:

Then, when I went to Springfield, Illinois, I picked up two Lincoln busts (one was carved from a piece of coal, which I found was unique) and a book on the Lincoln Museum.

Here's the busts:

At the Eisenhower Library, I didn't see anything that I particularly wanted. But, when I went on to Colorado, and after crossing Wolf Creek Pass, I stopped in Pagosa Springs for coffee and a snack. But, the restaurant had a gift shop and I found two Indian wool mats that I am using for the dinette's back rests to protect them from Sierra's claws.

I didn't find anything I wanted in Monument Valley. But I took plenty of photographs while there and at other places. Those are sufficient for me.

Some of these places I had been to already and I still have some things I bought back then. I transferred a couple of magnets from the house to The Beast.

Home Again!

Above, with the Noel Neill statue in Metropolis, Illinois.

After exactly three weeks since I left, I am back home from the longest roadtrip (or any kind of travel) ever for me. Sierra is happy to be back at home, I'm sure. She has become a good traveling cat.

I initially planned this as a two to two and a half week trip. But, the little problem in St. Louis that necessitated the purchase of two tires changed all that.

Above, with Kansas State Senator Greg Smith in the State Capitol.

Despite that, it was a great trip. I got to see and experience many things. I was able to meet Kansas State Senator Greg Smith in person at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka. It almost seemed like we've known each other for years.

Above, Meteor Crater, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first attraction stop was Meteor Crater in Arizona. I've wanted to see it and this was a great opportunity to do so. I wasn't disappointed.

It was pretty much an entertainment and political trip. I went to attend the celebration of life services for Noel Neill in Metropolis, Illinois and a visit to the Super Museum. Then, a jaunt down to Memphis, Tennessee to visit Graceland (my second time) and the Sun Studio.

Above, Sun Studio in Memphis. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After Memphis, it was back up to Springfield, Illinois to see Lincoln's tomb, home and the Lincoln Museum. It was fun to catch the Election Night news coverage while at camp in Springfield.

Above, Lincoln's Tomb. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, I headed west to visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. From there, I headed to Colorado. I stopped in Durango to ride the train, but they weren't running as they were switching to their winter schedule. At least I didn't go out of my way to go there. I was disappointed that Durango had grown three-fold since I was last there. It was almost like driving in Los Angeles. It is no longer the small town I remembered.

Above, Election Night coverage in The Beast. Photo by Armand Vaquer..

Then, I left Durango to go to Monument Valley in Utah, the location for many John Wayne movies. The drive got interesting as I stopped for fuel in Cortez, Colorado and was hit by a brief blizzard.

Monument Valley was enjoyable, even though it was windy and frigid. But the tour made it all worthwhile.

Above, "The Mittens" at Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Following Monument Valley, I drove into Arizona to see Grand Canyon National Park. I wasn't planning to stay long. Good thing I didn't, the place was getting crowded with people. It had been about 24 years since I was last there and there were many changes. One, was the Visitor Center, an the other was Tusayan, the town south of the national park. It has grown considerably and is crowded with people. A lot of hotels have sprung up there.

I was debating whether to stay in Williams, Arizona or Kingman, Arizona for the last night of the trip. I eventually decided on neither and pressed ahead to Needles, California to make today's drive much shorter.

I was surprised that it was so cold in many places I visited. It seemed like autumn was skipped over and we're already into winter. At one point, while in Topeka, I bought a ceramic heater at a local Walmart. I'm glad I did. Although The Beast has a house heater, it eats up propane quite a bit.

Above, the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Speaking of The Beast, it ran flawlessly. No problems with it. The tire matter was due to "pilot error".

All in all, it was a fun time and three weeks went by pretty fast. I visited some states for the first time. The states on this trip included Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado and Utah.

It was no surprise to me that Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton. I saw VERY few Clinton signs, but Trump signs were everywhere.

I stayed at several campgrounds/RV parks on this trip. The best one has to be the Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, Kansas. It has to be the most immaculate RV park I've ever seen.

I'm glad I made the trip.

Eisenhower Library Photos

Above, the Eisenhower statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As promised, once I am at a campground with some decent Wi-Fi service, I would post pictures from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum in Abilene, Kansas.

So, here they are:

Above, the graves inside the Place of Meditation. Photo by Armand Vaquer..

Above, the Eisenhower tomb. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Visitor Center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Place of Meditation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Eisenhower boyhood home. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the living room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the dining room and kitchen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the parlor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the ENIGMA decoding machine. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Eisenhower's 1942 Cadillac Staff Car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, campaign memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Eisenhower campaign memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Eisenhower Library. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

Above, the statue of Gen. Eisenhower at the Library's central mall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The day started off with a hearty breakfast in Abilene, Kansas atthe Hitching Post Restaurant, a block away from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.

I checked for reviews and found that it had received a lot of good ratings. I had their western omelette. Very good!

Following breakfast, as it wasn't yet 9:00, the Eisenhower Library's opening time, I went to gas up The Beast.

Shortly before 9:00, I went to the Place of Meditation, where President and Mrs. Eisenhower are buried along with one of their sons.

After that, I headed to the visitor center to get my ticket to see the boyhood home (Eisenhower's father bought it for $1,000) and Museum. The Library is just a research center, but they do have interesting displays on World War II on the second floor lobby.

After watching a film on the life of our 34th president, I went to the boyhood home and toured it.

Following that, I went to the museum and looked over all the exibits that ranged from Eisenhower's service as Allied commanding general to President of the United States.

After touring all of the facilites, I then headed west to Limon, Colorado. I made it to the Limon KOA Kampground in the late afternoon.

I will have to post another blog of photos of the Eisenhower Library and Museum as the Wi-Fi here is rather week (many campgrounds are notorious for weak Wi-Fi). I got lucky at the last two campgrounds as they had good Wi-Fi. The above photo took a long time to load.

Change of Plans, Etc.

Above, The Beast at the Covered Wagon Campground in Abilene, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A couple of things.

The infusion of cash finally came through. So now I have plenty of dough to get myself home and then some!

I am currently safely "tucked away" at the Covered Wagon Campground in Abilene, Kansas. I'll tour the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum tomorrow. After that, it is onward to Colorado. The owners of the campground must be very trusting souls. The office was closed and all I had to do was to get one of their envelopes, fill out my information, put a check in it and drop it into a red mailbox.

Next, in looking at the AccuWeather website, it appears that the roads may be too rough for The Beast and the temperatures too cold to go to Montrose, Colorado. Instead, it looks like I'll be heading south from Colorado Springs to Pueblo (I was last there in 1987 on insurance claims catastrophe duty for ten days). From Pueblo, I'll head to Durango. It appears to be an easier route to take. This wouldn't be a concern if this were the middle of summer. There's always the chance for some autumn snow in the Rockies.

Eventually, I'll go from Durango (and maybe make a stop at Mesa Verde National Park) to Monument Valley in Utah (location for several John Wayne/John Ford western classics). After Monument Valley, it will be the Grand Canyon and then home from there. If the Durango train is running (the shorter winter season trip) when I get there, I'll take a ride. It has been nearly 30 years since I last did so.

It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks since I started this "little" road trip.

A Visit With Sen. Greg Smith

Above, the west front of the Kansas Capitol Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Well, I made it to Abilene, Kansas, "The Home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower".

I am at the Covered Wagon Campground, a few blocks away from the Eisenhower Library and Museum. I will likely take the tour tomorrow.

I am still waiting for the money transfer, but I have enough to press ahead to Abilene. The transfer will be completed by tomorrow at the latest.

Above, yours truly with Sen. Greg Smith in the Capitol Building.

Before leaving Topeka, I stopped by the State Capitol Building to pay a quick social call on Kansas State Senator Greg Smith (Overland Park). As luck would have it, I arrived at the committee room where Sen. Smith was chairing a committee and found him just outside the room. They just began their lunch break.

He recognized me immediately and we chatted for a while on politics, local and national and other things of interest. Unfortunately, he lost his re-election bid during the primary by an "alleged" Republican moderate (like me, Smith is a conservative). His term ends in January.

Above, a shot of the Capitol with the sun just behind it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One thing he told me that I found interesting is that Kansas is neither a Red State or Blue State. He called it a "Purple State". This is probably due to the numbers of moderate Republicans. Kansas may not be as reliable for Republicans as in years past, although Donald Trump won the state last week.

The Kansas State Capitol Building had recently undergone a restoration and it reminded me of the California State Capitol Building in Sacramento.

As I needed to get on to Abilene and Greg probably had a lunch appointment, we said our goodbyes and I proceeded to The Beast.

It was a joy to finally meet him in person.