October 9, 2010: The WWII Missouri Convoy,
Lesterville, Missouri.
(drum roll please)
The 2010 WWII Missouri Convoy!
October 9, 2010
Lesterville, Missouri
Yes, that's right its back and with an all new location. With the kind permission of Tim Sherrer of the Railsplitters, Don Wardlaw and myself have taken up the gauntlet to resurrect The WWII Missouri Convoy for next year. We are sending this invitation to you so you can sign up. So get set and be on your mark.
So what is the plan? Starting from Convoy HQ in Lesterville a convoy of 99 miles in length consisting of and limited to fifteen WWII era vehicles. We will be making an erratic figure-eight route through the some of the best scenery and highest mountains in Missouri. With the fall colors this promises to be the most beautiful convoy of the season. About half the route will be on paved highways and the remainder on back forest service and county
gravel roads. Less the fifteen miles of the planned route will be traveled on numbered Mo. Highways; 21 (10 miles) and 49 (4 miles). The convoy will be a full eight hour day. As before only WWII correctly uniformed participants need apply. The limit on vehicles is due to the limited parking space at both the Tip Top Roadside Park, our host motel and to avoid congestion while on Hwy 21.* First come first served. Enter Now!
What will be different? This convoy is for our enjoyment. There are no plans for any official 'Show & Tell' stops along the way. Most assuredly there are many stops planned but all will be for our convenience. There will be no restaurant stop but we will have a C-Ration (BYO) lunch at Elephant Rocks State Park. One major difference noted over the previous Missouri convoys is that the gravel roads we will traverse are
not paved with limestone which will make for a less dusty convoy experience. However, should very dusty conditions prevail we will opt out for a paved road when prudent. Also at a point about half way through the convoy there will exist an opportunity for those who wish to cut their trip short. At the 54 mile point, following the Allied exploration of Johnson Shut-Ins State Park you may head back to Lesterville while the others press on through the remaining more rugged half of the
route in the Mark Twain National Forest.
MAJOR POINTS OF INTEREST & STOPS:
The Royal Gorge
Tip Top Roadside Park
Arcadia Academy
Main Street, Ironton
Fort Davidson & Battle of Pilot Knob
Elephant Rocks State Park
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
Mark Twain National Forest
Karkaghne Scenic Drive
Who to contact?
Axis Convoy Leader
Don Wardlaw 314-638-5746 (evenings)
Email: kradmelder@sbcglobal.net
or
Allies Convoy Leader
Terry Johns 314-522-6781 (days)
Email: halftrackjohns@att.net
Entrants may choose to stay at the HQ motel or the nearby campground.
(Presently, if you wish to stay at the HQ Motel tell Terry who plans to secure a group rate after New Year's Day.)
Convoy HQ:
Black River Family Restaurant & Motel
Hiway 21; Lesterville, MO 63654
Phone: 573-637-2600
Ask for Mike and tell them halftrack sent you!
Note there are only five rooms available, two with two beds!
Camping:
Parks Bluff Campground
PO Box 24 • Lesterville, MO 63654 • 573-637-2290
There will be no registration, meal or T-Shirt fees.
However, B&W copies of the Google Map directions will be distributed 1 per vehicle for $1.00@ at the start.
If you desire a good map I suggest this site to purchase one: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/marktwain/maps/
Ask for the yellow Salem, Potosi and Fredrickstown Ranger District map. You will need both sides.
If you buy one and have it mailed to me I will gladly highlight the route and return it to you at the convoy.
For further info and for other accommodations go to...
Black River Chamber of Commerce - www.lestervillemissouri.com
River Valley Region Association - www.missouri-vacations.com
Arcadia Valley - http://www.arcadiavalley.biz/index.html
Should you decide to participate with us please ask for the detailed scheduled route & rules.
Terry Johns
MVPA, WWIIHRS
* Regarding the limitation on entrants: We are not opposed to others participating if the convoy were broken up into small segments with someone else stepping forward to take charge of their group. We welcome such additions. This way folks not wishing to dress up or those with post-war vehicles can participate. There are many alternative motels and campgrounds which could serve as a base for other groups. Perhaps one group might stay
in one of two motels in Pilot Knob while another group might choose to camp at one of several campgrounds? Each could begin their convoy at the same time as we leave from Lesterville and using our prepared route we could all enjoy the convoy. At some point we might get to wave as each group passes by. Get the idea?
Addendum: We are attempting to organize two convoys in one - Axis & Allies. One going one way and the other in the opposite direction with a meeting at about the half-way marker. If we do get enough German vehicles to warrant a separate column the vehicular limitation will apply to each column separately.
For further information call
Don Wardlaw 314-638-5746 (evenings)
Email:
kradmelder@sbcglobal.net
or
Terry Johns at 314-522-6781 (days)
Email at: halftrackjohns@att.net .
