July 9: Goin’ to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come

Site of Black Man Lynching 1880s

Emerald City (Kansas City)

Kaw Park - View Upriver (North)

Lewis  & Clark Mural

Today I decided to take a rest day and extended my hotel room for another night, with the plan to check out some sights in a Kansas City. Some rest day! By the end of the day, I had achieved a new high elevation for Missouri and traveled 45 miles, the equivalent of a full day’s ride.

My priority goal was Kaw Park, at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers. The trip required traveling through all of Kansas City MO, and crossing the Kansas River into Kansas. I didn’t realize it was 22 miles away.  I was happy to come upon the mural in the downtown area of KC. It is the entire side of a building a block wide.  I was going to pose the question, what is wrong with this mural? But I decided the mural is fine, just as long as the viewer doesn’t assume the mural depicts a scene at KC.  The mural includes Sacajawea and her child. She joined the expedition later. Sacagawea was a very important member of the expetition, and I understand why the artist wanted to include her. 

Kaw Park is actually in Kansas and I had to cross the Kansas River to get there. Once there I got a very interesting view. Staring straight ahead (east) I was looking downriver along  the Missouri River toward St. Louis. On my right, the brownish water of the Kansas River flows in. And to the left (north) Is upriver for the Missouri. It looks blue! I took a video at this point, but I don’t  think I can include the video in this blog.  Too bad, I didn’t take a couple more pictures as a backup. Lewis & Clark must have been excited with this spot, because the Missouri is turning northward  (upriver that is). The water looks clearer, And the size of the river has decreased compared to the start of  the journey.  We are making progress.

On the way to Kaw Park I rode through Independence Square, site of the Truman Library and Museum. Closed for renovation until October, I believe. Many of the businesses  surrounding the square are still closed due to COVID. It really hit this area hard as far as business closures.  And the Square is on top of the highest hill in the area apparently,  Elevation topped out at 1034.  Highest point in Missouri so far. The elevation of the river is 715 at Kaw Park, and since I am going upriver, I should never descend this low on the rest of the trip.

Finally, in regard to the virus situation, enforcement of mask wearing is more severe in Kansas City than anywhere. I’ve been elsewhere.  The Mayor has required masks to enter any business establishment, including gas stations, restaurants, etc.

Miles: 45

Elevations: High 1034 at Independence Square; Low 715 at Kaw Park

Broke through t(e 1000 foot elevation, first t8me since Dubuque, IA

Max speed: 34.4

View from Bluff Top