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Day 15 St. Louis.
Well we are into our third week of travel! A rest day from travelling Route 66 today. A big change in the weather here, all the TV weather forecasters are amping it up that it's the first big cold snap to hit the US this fall. Big thunderstorms and lightning this morning - more about that later !
Walked down to the Gateway Arch on the banks of the Mississippi River this morning and took a ride to the top of the 630ft high arch. Room for 5 people in the "pods" that we traveled in the 3-1/2 minute ride inside the arch to the top. One would not want to be claustrophobic! Distant views inhibited due to clouds but the city views were great. A lot of upgrades around the grounds happening for next years 50th anniversary of the arch.
Back on ground again and explored the exhibits on display. The Americans do it just so well, always so much to see with so little time to take it all in.
Wandered on down to the mighty Mississippi to catch our 1 hour cruise. A lot of driftwood piled up on the banks everywhere. Blues music playing as we boarded the riverboat. Slow progress on the boat in the rain heading upstream as the river was flowing at around 4 mph. Traveled under 3 bridges upstream and then turned around to return to dock. By now the weather was clearing and all the punters were coming up topsides to join the 3 crazy Kiwis who had been perishing in the elements since the start. Managed some great snaps of the arch against a blue sky.
Returned to the Hotel for a brief rest then hopped in the car and took the freeway to the zoo. St. Louis Zoo is one of 3 free zoos in the U.S. covering some 90 acres. The sky was looking rather ominous as we left the car and one certain gentleman warned the two other ladies of the impending storm (only to be ignored), however we marched on around the marvellous exhibits in considerably muggy conditions, which soon took a turn for the worst when the wind whipped up, tossing all the umbrellas around like skittles - then the heavens opened. One certain gentleman had his rain jacket and was doing ok, however, two particular ladies got drenched to the skin (they actually enjoyed it !) All the time the sky was going crazy with lightning and thunder booming away. Managed to capture the lightning and thunder happen at the same time on video and will upload the clip when wifi allows - boy was it LOUD ! Eventually the storm cell passed, by which time we weathered it all out at inside exhibits.
Back to the car and traveled a few miles west to wind up the day shopping at REI and Walmart returning late at night. Its now around 1.00 am as I wrap up this blog ( benefits of being a shift worker ?) Will upload the days pics tomorrow as the wifi here keeps dropping off. An epic day
Our Route 66 adventure resumes tomorrow.
Kia Ora - Tony
Ps. Tony did a sterling job getting us back downtown to the hotel in the wet and dark (lane markings on the road almost impossible to see!)
- comments
Peter and Chris Firstly - Happy Birthday Tony. 4th October here and a calm clear frosty morning. Fresh snow on the mountains also. Good to read about your travels and the storm sounds (no pun) like one we experiences in Florida a few months ago. awesome thunder and rain for 30 - 40 mins.