Thursday March 24th

Up and gone early this morning.  We had a 300 mile drive to the Pin Oak Creek RV Park in Union, Missouri.  The park is about 30 miles west of Downtown St. Louis and our target; the Gateway Arch.  We've driven past the arch on several occasions, but never took the time to stop and go in.

We got the the RV park around 1:00 p.m. We set up, pulled the car out of the trailer and were headed to town.  By 2:30 we were in the parking garage at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.  It was crated to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States.  It is located near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (even though we all know they started in Pittsburgh), and the memorial includes the Gateway Arch.

Surrounding the arch is a beautiful park overlooking the Mississippi River, with tree lined walkways and a view of the downtown skyline.  Standing under the arch you are immediately taken by it's sheer enormity.  At 630 feet, it is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.

Entrance to the arch is through an underground visitor center.  Entrance is also not an easy task.  After waiting in a long line, we had to pass security.  After handing over cameras, cell phones and binoculars; emptying our pockets of change and wallets; removing belts, jackets and watches, we were permitted access just short of a strip and cavity search.

The visitor center was unusually crowded for a Thursday afternoon.  We were then informed that one of the two trams to the top of the arch was not operating and the other was sold out for the day.  We walked around the visitor center and checked out the displays and gift shop.  Tickets for tomorrows tram service were on sale, but since the forecast for Friday was cold with rain and possible snow, we decided to forgo a return visit for now.

On the drive back to camp, we exited the interstate and got back onto Old Route 66.  We drove for several miles east and west looking for more of that Mother Road nostalgia and perhaps a retro diner for dinner.  Unfortunately, they don't embrace their "66ness" as much here.  They had sections with signage of the old road, but the shops were sports bars, trendy cafes and clothing stores.

Today was a bit of a disappointment, but we decided it gave us a reason to go back.