August 04 - Week 5

Week Five

Sunday, August 29,2004

We decided this morning that since we had not visited a Cracker Barrel this entire trip, it was time for Sunday morning breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We got directions from the lady in the office and got there about 9:40. After 50 minutes of waiting (we were told it would be 30 minutes, we finally got a table. Since it had taken so long to get seated, we decided we would take our time about ordering, and take our good ole easy time about leaving. We really didn't have to push that thought much, since it took about 30 minutes after we ordered to get our food. But, it was really good, and worth the wait.

From there we drove back to downtown St. Louis, drove around a bit, and then went to visit the old St. Louis Train Station. Of course, it's no longer a train station but a really fine shopping mall built underneath the old frame work that was previously the location of the 32 tracks where the trains backed in for loading and unloading. I vaguely remember being in the station back in 1964, fresh out of college, when I was on my way to Chicago for a training school for my first job.

From there we visiting the Arch. No doubt everyone has seen pictures of the Arch, but until you stand under it, there is no way to imagine its size. At 630 feet its the tallest man made monument in the world. But that's only part of the story. From the first view, one thinks its just a huge stainless steel monument located in a park-like setting with massive open grassy areas under the arch, and tree-lined path leading form both the south and north ends of the park area.

As we viewed one end of the arch, we noticed a tunnel leading underground, with lots of folks coming and going. A small sign indicated a museum down the tunnel, and knowing that one could ride a tram to the top, inside each leg of the arch, I expected that was the entry to the tram. We entered the tunnel, under very strict security, walked a few yards and were amazed at the massive under ground facility. Several movies were available. Trams to the top observation area left about every 10 minutes. The most interesting, however, was the massive presentation of the development of the west, with the focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition, an extremely well done and interesting presentation.

We later drove around more in the downtown area along the waterfront, the northern part being extremely dilapidated and appearing mostly abandoned. After crossing the river on one of the several bridges, we returned to the campground through the old part of East St. Louis. This area was completed abandoned, very dilapidated, and a real shameful looking area. Of course, there is probably some nice area of East St. Louis, but we didn't see it.

Monday, August 30, 2004

Well today, was mostly a travel day, leaving St. Louis about 7:30. We were delayed a bit, because the left hand brake / turn signal was not working when attached to the coach. We checked a few connections, but nothing evident so we continued on without it working. Maybe a loose wire, which I will check in Branson.

We had about 250 miles to travel today, and stopped in Sullivan, Mo at a Flying J for fuel and breakfast. We had almost 1/2 tank, but after our last episode with fuel, we took the opportunity.

After arriving in Branson, getting set up at the park, we did a little exploring and checking out the show schedule. From some of the materials we learned the Oak Ridge Boys will be performing at the Grand Palace on Wednesday night. So we went to get tickets, figuring that only poor seats would be available. But, we actually got seats on the second row, center section!!

We then decided to go to the Baldknobbers Show tonight. We have seen them here in Branson a couple of times. The Baldknobbers was the first family show on Hiway 76, starting back in 1968. Their show still features a lot of comedy, as well as great musicians, singers, and dancers.

Tuesday, August 31, 2004

Today we spent the day at Silver Dollar City, an entertainment park located just west of Branson in the hills. And some of the hills are quite steep when walking up and down. The park feature some typical rides, as well as lots of craft demonstrations and shop, and numerous entertainment stages. The entertainment included gospel, cajun, western, and several other types of music.

We left the park about 4:30 or so, did a little driving around sight-seeing, and then stopped at a grocery store on the way home. Donna cooked tonight. Later we worked a little in get the bugs off the front of the coach.

We didn't take in any shows tonite because we wanted to watch Arnold's and Laura's speeches at the Republican Convention tonight.

Wednesday, September 1, 2004








Thursday, September 2, 2004







Friday, September 3, 2004






Saturday, September 4, 2004