Location: Columbus-Belmont State Park, KY
Our plan WAS to head for Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. It's supposed to have these amazing natural water chutes that you can ride. Given that a huge thunderstorm descended down upon us last night, and is still continuing this morning, we decided to change plans. (BTW - thunderstorms in the mid-west are amazing. The thunder rolls on forever with continuous lightening flashes). So, what do any self-respecting chocolate makers due when it rains? Find another chocolate maker. We've been a follower of Askinosie Chocolate for awhile so decided to visit them in person, in Springfield, MO.
Here's their chocolate making facility. It's pretty small, but gave us some inspiration for the new chocolate laboratory we are building out this summer.
They were making a white chocolate with goat milk. We could see it conching in the Bauermeister.
Of course we sampled several bars.
We decided on 3 of them - Ecuador, Honduras and Philippines. Good thing Ned and I each have our favorites, no fighting that way.
There was an impressive amount of cocoa beans in their warehouse next door. We have at most 6 or 7 bags at a time. Talk about a small batch company!
I was impressed with their whiskey bar. A limited edition for the price of $14.
As we drove thru Missouri, one of the sights on the side of the road.
A stop to stretch our legs we came across these little gems. Anyone want a ham...or two?
The weather looked better in Kentucky than Missouri, so we decided to keep driving - over the Mississippi River. We're camped tonight at Columbus-Belmont State Park, an amazing place!! So glad we decided to push on and camp here.
Great camp spot overlooking the Mississippi River. Even comes with our own little swinging bench.
The Civil War history here is interesting. U.S. Grant and Gen Polk had an epic battle. Grant pushed Polk back, Polk got reinforcements and pushed Grant back. Both sides claimed victory. After the battle, Polk and Buford (on the Union Side) would frequently meet for dinner. Over champagne they would discuss horses and the war. Ned and I are currently reading a couple of books on the Civil War. They both emphasize that most of the officers were graduates of West Point and even though they fought on opposite sides, they still had a great deal of respect for each other. This site confirmed this.
We also visited a local cemetery where a 150 yr. old tree crashed onto a monument. Talking with one of the local workers here he said that apparently the guy who was buried under the monument was a real scoundrel. He insisted upon being buried at this spot, even though no one wanted him there. Karma - dude.
There was a local cat who followed us around and was very friendly.
Very Friendly!
After a busy day, Ned grilled up some bratwurst at our campsite.
Still amazed that the Mississippi River is right behind us. What a view!
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