Route 66 Day 4 - Oct 12, 2019

Day 4 started on the state border.  It took me some time to find it..ended up at the 'new' Chain of Rocks Bridge rather than the old one.  But I eventually got there.  Hiked all the way across to the Missouri side and back.  Someone had moved the "CLOSED" sign off the bridge and a few cars were driving across it.  As I was walking (I knew that it was closed and no longer structurally sound) I was mentally cussing out these old guys in their old cars thinking they are too good to follow the rules.  If their old car breaks through and takes me with it...I hope my parents sue for all they are worth.  Turns out, on the Missouri side, they were having a Chain of Rocks car show and they were allowing people to cross in their cars. They were being counted and only a limited amount of people were allowed at a time.  Made me feel better and a little safer.  There are peoples names in engraved plaques all along the bridge...people that donated for its maintenance, I assume.  Although there were some dogs listed too...so, I'm not sure.  Crossed across a historical bridge and made my way to the Gateway Arch.  Decided not to spend $10 in parking and took photos from my car.  Most while I was driving and shooting blind, so only one really turned out.   Drove my route and took my photos and ended the day in Cuba, MO.  Ran into a minor problem as the few Walmarts in the area closed early.  Very early.  The next rest area was 20 miles away.  No truck stops.  I ended up staying in overflow parking at a small motel.  I was concerned my car would stand out, but it didn't and there were no issues.

Highlights:

Today was a lot of closed motels and restaurants that are still standing from the peak Route 66 days.  Not a lot of highlights

Indian Harvest Trading Post - which was warned not to stop at on my Route 66 guide and when I googled the business, I got a lot of really horrible reviews.  The sign wasn't up when I reached it and I expect its no longer in business.

Meramec area - I didn't do the caves, I've done them before.  However, I really enjoyed the drive down the way.  Saw a couple of woodpeckers that wouldn't stop for my camera.  A ground hog.  A few blue jays.

Bob's Gasoline Alley - it was almost dark when I hit this, but I expect if I was there during normal hours, I could have got some really great photos.  I still got some good ones, but the lighting was an issue.

Worlds 2nd largest Rocking Chair - just had enough light to get a photo.



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