The three of us joined up in Dallas. Judy and Dave nearly didn't make the first leg from Colorado Springs after being grounded by fog. Although I have flown millions of miles as a consultant, I am finding air travel less appealing these days. The airlines have yanked all the amenities, security is a pain, and the seats are too close together.

Anyway we crossed the mighty Missouri as we dipped down on final into St. Louis. The weather is beautiful here...balmy, cool, and redolent with the aromas of flowering fruit trees.

Tomorrow we head South to the "boot" to begin are explorations.