St. Louis

Gateway to the East is what we're calling it. The Arch is an amazing structure and one that really deserves all the attention it receives. It's immense, simple and beautiful. The colors of it change with the light and reflect the Mississippi that flows by it's base. However, beware. Getting to the top is like walking into a 60's version of the Jetsons. You have to go into these little space capsules practically - they fit 5 and if you're over 5'10", sit in the middle or else your head will hit the top.

These capsules ratchet their way to the top, taking 4 minutes to get there. So if you're claustrophobic, not the thing to do. Really, it's an engineering feat for sure. You can't believe that this was completed in 67 and opened to the public in 69. The operation is based on a Ferris Wheel design.

Once you get to the top, you better not have any vertigo issues, because this is NOT the place for you. I have never been so sick in all my life. There was a St. Louis Cardinal baseball game going on - and evidently the Arch has the best seats in the house - because everyone was up there watching. There's only supposed to be 160 people - and of course there had to be over 200 when we went up. Then - they had fire works - so EVERYONE went to the side that had the fireworks - and I swear, the whole structure shifted. When you're down on the ground you look up and there's these little tiny windows - you can hardly see them - that's the viewing deck I'm speaking about now - and NO ONE - no one with any sense, should enjoy the fact that there's nothing but stainless steel between you and 600 feet below of the ground.

These are going to be the last pictures that I post. I'll have one more posting to sum up our adventure. THANK YOU for experiencing this with us - hope you've enjoyed it. We've appreciated every one's comments, e-mails. We never felt that far away.