Jul 10, 2012 - Scott AFB & Nauvoo, Illinois

We arrived at the FamCamp in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, right in the middle of a huge heat wave. Every day it seemed another “record” (usually from the 1930’s) was broken. Today it was 108 degrees so I believe them. The FamCamp is located in the wooded part of the base with a couple of lakes. We take walks early in the morning, when the temperature is in the high 70’s or low 80’s and the breeze and smells of grass and flowers are very enjoyable. Just 3 or 4 hours later we, and the rest of the local population, head to whatever area...

Jun 27, 2012 - On our Way!

We got on the road around 10:30 am. Once we got on the highway, Paul was pretty disappointed that he didn't have stop lights to see and tell us if they are green or red. We stopped in Lincoln, IL for gas, which was $3.25 (a lot cheaper than home). While stopped, we discovered the big pitcher of drinking water in the back was completely empty and much of the things around the pitcher were wet. The lid was not fully tightened, so when we drove down the road it must have tipped over and lost all the water. The good thing is, most of what got...

Jun 26, 2012 - Nashville, TN to St. Louis, MO

We begrudgingly left our lakeside paradise for more adventure – St. Louis. We arrived in a record heat wave! So, our “Niece Tour” begins. My sister’s oldest daughter, Krista, just moved to St. Louis and she joined us for 2 nights at Babler State Park. We talked, ate, played games, hugged, hiked, shopped as much as we could in 2 days. Bonnie attached herself to Krista as soon as she arrived. We didn’t want to leave her, but knew she had much to do as she is working on her thesis to complete her Masters in Biology and job searching. Isn’t she...

Jun 16, 2012 - The Westward Expansion

After our wonderful night's sleep at the rest area we quickly "cleaned up" (term used loosely) in the rest rooms and heading off in search of breakfast at our favorite roadtrip spot - Cracker Barrel. After driving all day through what Jason Aldean correctly refers to as "Fly Over States": Indiana and Illinois (the highlights being a Barnes and Noble in Terre Haute, Indiana on the college campus and the football stadium in Indianapolis) we reached St. Louis. We thoroughly enjoyed our two hours spent at the Arch. We toured the Museum of...

May 27, 2012 - St. Louis - Gateway to the West

Saturday May 26, 2012 I’m sure you recall the NASCAR skidding incident with Toad the other day. Well that skid put a flat spot on a tire that is affecting Toad’s drivability. In honor of the Indy 500 we decided we needed a pit stop; our pit crew was in an Evansville, Indiana Sears Automotive Center. Unlike a NASCAR or Indy pit stop, this one took us about 25 miles off our intended route and added about 3 hours to our driving time on the way to St. Louis. While Cindy did a trip through Sears, I moved LUCY into a shady spot next to the...

May 27, 2012 - Forest Park, St. Louis

Today we visited one of the must-see locations in St. Louis - Forest Park. WOW! Such a surprise to find a wonderful park like this in the middle of St. Louis. Forest Park was the site of the 1904 World's Fair (actually Louisiana Purchase Exposition). It celebrated the 100 year anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, which meant so much to this state and the city. Most of the buildings for the fair were torn down after the fair, but a few remain - including what is now the Art Museum. Forest Park is also home to the famous St. Louis zoo,...

May 26, 2012 - The Arch and Tour of St. Louis

First thing this morning we headed to the iconic Arch in Downtown St. Louis. We had pre-purchased tickets to take the tram ride up into the arch and it was a good thing we did. The Memorial Day weekend crowds were terrible and the heat was unbearable even at 10:30 in the morning! We were able to really short-cut our wait time with our printed receipt. Betty was not even sure she would be able to take the tram ride. After all, it is over 600 feet up in a closed space and she suffers from both claustrophobia and acrophobia. But - she did it,...

May 25, 2012 - St. Louis, MO

Today, we got a very early start leaving central Kentucky. It was not too early for Betty: She was ready to leave rural Nowhere, KY. As we travel across western KY and into Indiana, the cornfields seem to take over the landscape. By the time we exit Indiana and enter Illinois, the wheat fields have joined the cornfields as the predominant view. Corn field - wheat field - corn field - wheat field - corn field! We arrive in St. Louis (actually the RV park is in St. Charles) in early afternoon. The RV park is just a big parking lot with...

May 23, 2012 - West of the Mississippi

I found myself crossing the Mississippi and driving through St. Louis in the morning. I continued on to Meramec Caverns which in it's day was one of the HUGE tacky roadside attractions along RT 66. I was amazed that the attraction was still in excellent condition, clean and attractive. I spent several hours there but the highlight was the cavern tour. You walk through a mile of caverns, some large enough to hold dances in (literally, they've done it), others filled with stalactites and stalagmites. All in all I'd recommend it! Afterwards I...

May 19, 2012 - Last 2 days in St Louis

We spent 2 more days in St Louis second day got the metro to Forest Park where we went to the zoo it was free, but it was packed with kids on school trips so not a good idea. Then back to the RV for a few hours before returning to the Arch and a walk. Another day we got the metro again to The Loop where there are lots of cafes & shops, Wal went into Vintage Vinyl & bought a few CD’s. Chuck Berry’s night club & bar/café was also there Blueberry Hill, he was in fact there Wednesday night but all tickets sold. As we walked along the pavements...

May 18, 2012 - St Louis- Gateway Arch

Tuesday we drove 199 miles to St Louis which is in Missouri but we are actually staying over the bridge in Illinois the campground is part of the Queen Casino. The River Mississippi is between us & The Gateway Arch and what an amazing place to visit, underneath it is museums, shops & and a theatre. We went in a pod and rode to the top of the Arch, the pod had a 4ft doorway and took 5 people a bit of a squash. The ride up takes 4 minutes then you can get out and walk about for as long as you like taking photos & looking out of the windows....

May 16, 2012 - Waiting at the STL Airport

We are waiting anxiously at the airport to get on the plane. Everyone arrived on time at 9:15am. This bodes well for out travels since we have early wake-up calls most days. Loved ones and friends came to send us off. It was fun to meet parents and significant others. We made it through security without too much trouble although the ticket counter did find checking us in altogether a bit of a challenge. Since only two of our travelers knew each other before the trip, there is lots of exuberant chatting at the gate. It is going to be a long...