From Drought to Flood

We spent 12 days in the desert southwest where the air was dry and the land was shades of dusty gray, brown, orange, and red.

The wind blew. There were tumbleweeds and dust devils.  Cactus grew in the lowlands and pine trees in the highlands.

The only precipitation we saw were a few brief  sprinkles one afternoon.  

After leaving New Mexico we noticed a change.   Even the low hills of the Texas panhandle seemed green and lush, no longer the bleak scrub brush we described on the way out.

Through Oklahoma and especially now in Missouri slowly the view has changed. We are now surrounded by the same landscape and spring foliage we have at home.

And the rain!  It started yesterday (Friday) morning as we left Oklahoma and has continued to pour nonstop.  The lower ground around here is flooding: we can see large pools of water along the side of the road.   The Mississippi is 5 feet above flood level and some bridges were closed earlier this week.
------------------------

So we got as far as Joplin MO yesterday morning (i.e. not very far) when the truck battery died.  Thanks to AAA and an efficient and helpful repair shop we got a new alternator and were able to get moving again.

While in Joplin we met up with Uncle Brian who is on his way out to Las Vegas to see that beautiful baby who just happens to be his granddaughter.

Because of the delay we are still in Missouri, about an hour outside of St. Louis.  We found a really nice RV park (Pheasant Acres in St. James MO) on high ground with a very helpful owner.  Our campsite neighbors expertly guided us into our space in the dark and rain.  As it turns out, we are sharing the park with most of a local fire company.

We are still 13 hours from home.  Praying for no more unexpected delays!