Mon. 12.31.07

Today has been one of those days that ended with the confusion of whether only a single day has closed or if it has been two days that my mind is trying to meld into one memory. I began the day with an early arrival at Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (The St. Louis Arch). I have to be honest, it takes a lot for a man-made monument to impress me to the same degree as God’s creation. This monument may have come the closest. It is amazingly simple in design – nothing more than a huge stainless steel archway that looms some 630 feet into the air.

At one angle the sun reflects off the stainless steel as though it has actually fallen to earth and is shinning from within the arch. At other angles it appears the razor sharp edges cut the sky into two distinct parts. The angles formed at the pinnacle of the arch seem to show a more fragile side of the monument, as though it could actually tumble over at any moment.

I was not properly prepared for my ride to the top of the Arch. Robbye, had told me about the small pods that carry you to the top - being small I knew that wouldn’t bother me. However, I don’t think she told me about the banging, squeaking, clanking, noises that the trains of 5 person pods make as they ascend to the top of the Arch. If she did tell me about this, I seem to have conveniently forgotten. To make matters worse I arrived early enough to get a whole pod to myself. There was no one there causing me to fake bravery. Somewhere after the first clank, I remembered that my dad had been to the Arch when I was just a kid. I wondered if he had taken the same pods. I wondered how much maintenance had been done since his visit. The clanking noises seemed to indicate a little more might be helpful. It was then I started taking self portraits in which I tried to smile and look brave. How did I do?

After making it through the experience, I decided to spend some quality time at the top. Here are some pictures of the view.

Back on solid ground, I spent some time in the Westward Expansion Museum. I think the most striking thing I learned was that the people who first made the journey West had in some ways the same sense of adventure and discovery that I have. However, I'm thankful that my trip will be much easier. I'll make a trip in the matter of a week that would have taken those brave explorers and settlers seasons.

After leaving the Arch, I headed to Kansas City. About half way between St. Louis and Kansas City I started noticing snow. At first it appeared huddled in small masses in the shady areas, then the further I drove the more ground was covered. The roads were clear and dry, making for and easy and beautiful drive. The sunset again was wonderful. Something about the sun setting against the white snow makes me think of the beach.

MILES DRIVEN: 446.6 today (1,563 total miles)

TIME DRIVING: 6:24 today (27:46 total)

STATES COVERD: 3 today (10 total)