A Short Trip To St Louis and a Few Places In Between

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

Great pictures! Not sure if I could do the pod or not. I'm cracking up about the butts.

[Judy in Texas 150]

My brother used to live in O'Fallon, IL, and we would travel through East St Louis to get into the city to do things.  Reminds me of certain sections of Detroit.  Ok, by certain sections, I mean pretty much all of Detroit.  I would not want to break down at night.  Or at 11am. 

 

Collinsville, Illinois is just east of East St Louis on 55.  There is an exit there that has several nice hotels and restaurants.  If anyone needs to stop in the area, stay far away from East St Louis and try Collinsville. 

[Judy in Texas 150]

It’s lunch time.  We had 1:30 reservations for the paddleboat cruise on the river.  We picked up a map of the area at the information desk to look for options.  There were number of restaurants just north of The Arch on the other side of the parking garage so off we go.  Nice tree-lined sidewalks on the grounds. 

 

 

Train tracks run under the grounds between The Arch and the River.   We saw a passenger train heading south.

 

 

 

LeClede’s Landing.

 

 

 

Most of the restaurants have menus posted outside and that day had someone outside to coax people to choose them.  We settled on Joey B’s on the Landing. The guy for Joey B’s explained that their St Louis-style pizza is made with Provel cheese – a combination of cheddar, swiss, and provolone.    Their hook to get people in the door is:

 

 “Our homemade St Louis-style pizza was featured on Rachel Ray’s Tasty Travels.

 Try one today!  Yum!” 

 

We went inside and order.  Here are our pizzas.  One with onion and one with pepperoni.

 

 

We should have split one.  The personal pizzas were enough for two.

 

So what is Provel?

 

From Wikipedia:  “Provel cheese = white processed cheese that is popular in St. Louis, Missouri. It is claimed to be a mixture of cheddar, swiss, and provolone that taste nothing like cheddar.  Provel has a low melting point, and, thus, has a gooey and almost buttery texture at room temperature… although popular in the St. Louis area, Provel is rarely used elsewhere.”

 

From the Dallas Observer (a weekly “news” paper that has personal ads in the back… you know the kind) written back when The Rangers and Cardinals were playing in the World Series (yes, I unfortunately remember who won).

 

…”Now, nobody is arguing that Dallas has the best pizza…but I will say that at least our pizza is actual PIZZA.  As in, we use the basic ingredients commonly accepted by the whole wide world to be those which make up pizza. Crust. Sauce. Mozzarella cheese. Toppings… What is this “Provel” substance anyway? It sounds like a synthetic food-like amalgamation made to be consumed in some dystopian future society where we all gratefully receive our vital nutrients in pill form, doled out by government agents who watch us with little cameras in our brains. That will suck badly enough when it happens in six years. Why would you do that to us now, St. Louis? Why?  In summary, Provel cheese = Soylent Green. Laugh if you will, but in 2012 we will be just ten short years away from eating PEOPLE. Think about THAT.”

 

My thoughts…the pizza was OK, however, I like traditional mozzarella cheese on my pizza better.

 

We decided to wander around the waterfront. 

 

When we entered the parking garage earlier we saw this sign directing RV’s and other over sized vehicles to alternate parking on the river. 

 

 

Here’s the parking lot.  Yes, it’s under water. 

 

 

What’s that sticking out of the water?

 

 

Let’s have a closer look.

 

It’s an 18 foot tall statue of Louis and Clark and their dog. 

 

I zoomed in on the underside of the bridge.

 

 

A barge

 

 

I thought this “boat” would be called a tug; but, I learned it’s called a Relocator..

 

 

It's time we headed along the river to the boat dock for our cruise up and down the waterfront.

[Judy in Texas 150]

We walked along the river toward the boat dock.

 

We stopped here to talk to a couple from Australia about our age who had flown into LA and rented a motorcycle.  They were spending 8 weeks exploring the USA west of the Mississippi.  We noticed fish jumping.  Not just one or two.  Lots of them.  My theory is that they were caught on one side of the sea wall and jumping over the wall to get to open river.  It was fun.

 

 

We walked on to the boat dock and checked in.

 

 

 

We were one of the first groups on the boat so we decided to site on the 3^rd level up front.  One drawback of sitting there...  we were right in front of the boat's VERY LOUD horn.  While the boat appears to be a paddlewheel, it is not.  The paddlewheel is decorative only.  The water flowing by it doesn't even make it go around.

 

Here I tried to get artsy again.  The picture is looking through the railing.

 

 

 

The water was running very fast with lots of trees floating by.  Birds were sitting on most of the logs.

 

 

We started north on the Mississippi.  A new I-70 bridge is being built.  Here they are swapping out the porta-potties from the top of the bridge.

 

 

The bridge east and west sections of the bridge are about ready to join.

 

 

 

 

 

A barge getting filled up.

 

 

A train crossing the bridge.

 

 

The St Louis Rams stadium.  There used to be a casino boat parked in the foreground.   Both it and the casino boat on the opposite side are no longer there. 

 

 

We turn around and head south.

 

A view of The Arch from the middle of the river.

 

 

The RV/camper/bus parking area south of The Arch.

 

 

The Cardinals stadium

 

 

Heading back to the dock.

 

 

The boat captain pointed out this sign.  26.4 feet was the river level that day.    He said the average is about 18 feet.

I checked the river level this morning after last nights terrible storms - it's at 33.8 with the crest predicted for June 4th at 40.5.  Not good.

 

 

I would recommend the boat trip.   It was fun.

 

It’s time to start home but I had to take one last picture here.

 

[alexwyattmommy 181]

Great trip so far.

I think I would prefer non processed cheese on my pizza too.

Love all the photos.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

This is a fascinating (as always) trip report. 

 

The pizza looks pretty processed.  I almost think the Trails End pizza looks better.  That cheese sounds kind of nasty, but not as bad as Whiz or whatever they use in Philly. 

 

The pictures of the new bridge under construction are really cool.  It's amazing how it is all supported even without the middle section built yet.  Engineering is very interesting, especially when it works.  LOL. 

 

The picture of the barge being filled is also cool.  I stayed in a hotel this week in Chattanooga right on the Tennessee River and you could watch the barge traffic up and down the river.  Was interesting having something to watch; I imagine watching the traffic on the Mississippi would be much better (and busier). 

 

One other thing...that underwater parking lot and statue is kind of creepy. 

[Big Kahuna aka John 71]

Thanks for sharing...  

[Judy in Texas 150]

Great trip so far.

I think I would prefer non processed cheese on my pizza too.

Love all the photos.

 

 Thanks Annie.  One more post to go.

 

This is a fascinating (as always) trip report. 

 

The pizza looks pretty processed.  I almost think the Trails End pizza looks better.  That cheese sounds kind of nasty, but not as bad as Whiz or whatever they use in Philly. 

 

The pictures of the new bridge under construction are really cool.  It's amazing how it is all supported even without the middle section built yet.  Engineering is very interesting, especially when it works.  LOL. 

 

The picture of the barge being filled is also cool.  I stayed in a hotel this week in Chattanooga right on the Tennessee River and you could watch the barge traffic up and down the river.  Was interesting having something to watch; I imagine watching the traffic on the Mississippi would be much better (and busier). 

 

One other thing...that underwater parking lot and statue is kind of creepy. 

 

Do you ever drive the Natchez Trace Parkway?  I love stopping at the locks on the Tennesee Tom Bigbee waterway.  Last time we stopped we watched a big barge filled with benzene ride the water down then a little pleasure boat ride it back up.  I would love to take a Panama Canal cruise and spend my days watching the ship go through the locks. 

 

Try checking out the Panama Canal Milaflores High Resolution cam.  http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html  Big containterized ship going through right now. 

 

Thanks for sharing...  

 

My pleasure.  :wave1:

[DaveInTN 3,247]

 

Do you ever drive the Natchez Trace Parkway?  I love stopping at the locks on the Tennesee Tom Bigbee waterway.  Last time we stopped we watched a big barge filled with benzene ride the water down then a little pleasure boat ride it back up.  I would love to take a Panama Canal cruise and spend my days watching the ship go through the locks. 

 

Try checking out the Panama Canal Milaflores High Resolution cam.  http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html  Big containterized ship going through right now. 

 

 

Have driven on the Natchez Trace (it is only about 3 miles from my house as the crow flies) but not as far south as the Tennessee River. 

 

Thanks for that link...watching the ship now!

[Judy in Texas 150]

We started this trip Wednesday morning in Texas. The trip report is now up to Friday afternoon. We'd been paying attention to the weather and had the potential to hit storms heading back home any option we explored - we decided to to go west on I-44 through Springfield. First stop, McDonalds for drinks. It was at the Six Flags exit.



We made it to Springfield by 6:00 PM and stayed at the same hotel we stayed at Wednesday - the Candlewood Suites. It was clean and the staff was pleasant. I didn't realize the chain caters to long-term stay clients. They don't serve breakfast but the rooms have full kitchens.

We are up out early Saturday since storms were forecast for Oklahoma early afternoon.

We drove through Joplin and saw the new hospital being built. The previous one was destroyed in the tornado two years ago.



I-44 in Missouri is free. It's a toll road in Oklahoma.

One landmark we always watch for is the McDonalds that we drive under. You can access it from both east and westbound I-44.



We get off the toll road at the Big Chief Truck Stop in Big Cabin, OK.



I've always wanted to stop at this "Amish" store; but, it's usually Sunday when we pass through here and they aren't open yet. Today is Saturday and they are open!



Lots of canned and bulk items:





...and a bakery.

I ended up with a jar of yummy Jake and Amos "Amish-like" pickled cauliflower. The best I've ever had. A loaf of white bread, a piece of Farmer's cheese, and a strawberry rhubarb pie. YUM!



Train tracks follow Rt 69 south for many miles. No idea what this is. They should post informational signs to tell us what this stuff is.



This guy has his classic car out for a nice drive.





"I am just an Okie from..."



Lake Eufala is still muddy.



It's about lunch time but there is a storm heading east along I-40 heading toward McAlester, OK.  We want to make it through there before it does. We decide that the loaf of bread from the Amish store will be lunch. Too bad we didn't get some butter.

We keep driving and are home mid-afternoon.

It was a great trip and we were able to see LOTS of different, fun, interesting things.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

THE END!

[GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799]

The underwater statue is creepy and a shame.

 

Cracking up about the port-o-potty on the bridge.

 

Crazy looking McDonalds!

 

I love Amish markets! The baked goods are sooooooooooooo good. Too bad we don't have Amish in GA.

[alexwyattmommy 181]

The McDonald's would be fun to watch the cars go by.  Amish bread for lunch, yum!

Thanks for doing a trip report.  Lots of things I would not have known about without you.

[mouseketab.....Carol 1,261]

Awesome report!!

 

I stay in a lot of Candlewood Suites and their sister property, Staybridge Suites for work travel.  I LOVE having the full kitchen and the FREE laundry.  

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I would love that Amish store.  How was the pie?

[Beckers 1,136]

Thank you so much for sharing! I enjoyed reading along!

We have a few Amish marts within 20 mins. Let me tell you, it's dangerous having them so close. They make way too many tasty things. Sticky buns being #1 on the scale of yum.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Great report, Judy!

 

I'm pretty sure that there used to be a big photo of that McDonald's built over the road at the WDW McDonald's by the All Star Resorts.  I never knew where it was.

 

So, the Lewis and Clark statue isn't supposed to be underwater, right?  It seems kind of odd that they built it where they did.  I understand that the water level is high, but they must have some idea about historical water levels, don't they?

 

Thanks for sharing all the photos.  This is an area of the country I have yet to visit.  I'm not sure I would like that weird cheese, but I'm willing to give almost anything a try.

 

TCD

[caveat lector 181]

Thanks go the awesome ride along. Your pics and descriptions really made for a fun read

[ajcjmom 8]

Loved the trip report!

 

We are heading west in about 4 weeks and I wish we were driving!

[Judy in Texas 150]

The underwater statue is creepy and a shame.

 

Cracking up about the port-o-potty on the bridge.

 

Crazy looking McDonalds!

 

I love Amish markets! The baked goods are sooooooooooooo good. Too bad we don't have Amish in GA.

 

 

The McDonald's would be fun to watch the cars go by.  Amish bread for lunch, yum!

Thanks for doing a trip report.  Lots of things I would not have known about without you.

 

The McDonalds is a major truck stop.  It has lots of things going for it. 

You can fill the tank. 

There are good restrooms.

Since that part of I-44 is a toll road, you don't have to go through the hassle of getting off and back on the highway.

 

More information about the statue in response to TCD below. 

 

Awesome report!!

 

I stay in a lot of Candlewood Suites and their sister property, Staybridge Suites for work travel.  I LOVE having the full kitchen and the FREE laundry.  

 

They had great pillows, too.

 

I would love that Amish store.  How was the pie?

 

The pie crust was an A+.  Even the bottom crust was light a flaky.  There wasn't as much filling as I would have liked; but, I was experimenting with the strawberry-rhubarb.  I'd never had it before.  It was OK.  I'll go with my favorite CHERRY! next time. 

 

Thank you so much for sharing! I enjoyed reading along!

We have a few Amish marts within 20 mins. Let me tell you, it's dangerous having them so close. They make way too many tasty things. Sticky buns being #1 on the scale of yum.

 

I forgot to add that I picked up several bags of egg noodles, too.  The Amish shops always have noodles. 

 

Great report, Judy!

 

I'm pretty sure that there used to be a big photo of that McDonald's built over the road at the WDW McDonald's by the All Star Resorts.  I never knew where it was.

 

So, the Lewis and Clark statue isn't supposed to be underwater, right?  It seems kind of odd that they built it where they did.  I understand that the water level is high, but they must have some idea about historical water levels, don't they?

 

Thanks for sharing all the photos.  This is an area of the country I have yet to visit.  I'm not sure I would like that weird cheese, but I'm willing to give almost anything a try.

 

TCD

 

I looked up the Lewis and Clark statue on several websites.   Here is a picture of what I think it is meant to look like when the water cooperates.

 

http://www.lewisandclarktravel.com/index.php/site/lewis_clark_statue_underwater_near_st_louis_arch/

 

The statue is tucked behind the support for the railroad bridge so it should be safe from all the boat traffic and logs that flow downstream. 

 

There's more history of the statue at this website.

 

http://franceshunter.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/lewis-clark-in-sculpture-part-1/

 

There is a pole near the boat dock that lists the heights of various floods reached.  When we were there they even had the flood gates along the river closed.  When we were leaving the parking garage I put Springfield Missouri in my iphone map aps and started following its directions.  We came to an abrupt end when the flood gates were across the route the ap was taking us.  I'm sure for people who live on or near a river the flood gates are just a fact of life; but, for those of us who don't, they can be a bit creepy and a reminder of how bad it can get. 

 

I just checked the river level.   It was 26.4 when I was there.  It is 39.4 today. Up 2.2 feet in the last 24 hours.  It's supposed to crest tomorrow at 39.7.  That's a lot of water. 

 

 

Thanks go the awesome ride along. Your pics and descriptions really made for a fun read

 

Glad you came along.  I hope you and your things made it through the storms OK.  It's been a rough spring. 

[Judy in Texas 150]

Loved the trip report!

 

We are heading west in about 4 weeks and I wish we were driving!

 

Thanks and have a safe trip.  How far west?   If you are heading to the west coast, that's a major time commitment just for the driving. 

[DaveInTN 3,247]

Cherry pie is my favorite too.  No competition!

[ajcjmom 8]

Thanks and have a safe trip.  How far west?   If you are heading to the west coast, that's a major time commitment just for the driving. 

 

We are heading to Salt Lake City the first of July. 

 

If we drove...DH has family in southern Illinois, so we would travel north then west and fly home from SLC.

[caveat lector 181]

.....

Glad you came along. I hope you and your things made it through the storms OK. It's been a rough spring.

Thanks for the kind words. Fortunately, the eye of the tornado missed us by several streets. Plenty of property damage all over, but miraculously, I haven't heard of any fatalities. Those folks in Oklahoma and Joplin had it a lot worse.

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

Love your trip report!

 

I'm a big fan of pickled cauliflower too.  That McDonald's was just strange.

 

Glad you were spared from tornado damage!

[momof3kids-Yvonne 595]

Great report!

I have been following along, but have not had much time to comment. DH's sister and her family live just outside Bentoville area.

We always go through St. Louis on our way to Nebraska. Lately we haven't been stopping, but this year I think we might have to time it so we do. I would love to take the riverboat cruise.