May 23rd – Our Journey Begins

Not sure how people traveled prior to the internet.  There are two apps that we are using to find and book RV Parks: RV Parky and Park Advisor.  There are a plethora of other apps, but I settled on these two for now.  Booked a place in St. Charles, MO called Sundermeier RV Park which is close to the historic downtown, the river and bicycle paths.

We decided that we would stay for at least two nights in towns so that Katrina can take the Jeep out to hit stores and sell product.  That leaves me in charge of the site and the dogs usually most of the day.  Good time to book sites out into the future and blog.

St. Charles, MO holds memories for me personally for two reasons:

1. Whilst I was studying architecture at the University of Illinois we formed a team that entered the St. Charles Riverfront Redeployment design competition.  We came in third with a design that connected the newer portions of the city with the riverfront through a grand staircase – somewhat like the Spanish Steps in Rome although we were no Michelangelo.  It is somewhat disappointing to see that 30+ years later that none of the design elements of any of the entries were deployed.
2. While visiting our friends, Tamara and Bill Burkhard, (Tamara and Katrina were roommates in Huntsville when we met) in 1996 I learned that my father had passed away.  What a long and self-reflecting plane ride back to Chicago thinking about all the wonderful childhood memories that I have and realizing all the new ones that my dad would not get to witness.  Still miss him today.

Katrina and I were able to get on our bikes both days and traverse the Katy Trail which is built on an old railroad line along the Missouri River.  Great rides!  Found a nice little place for breakfast and ate there both days.  We also made a vow to put more miles on our bicycles than on the Jeep (other than Katrina working).  Only time will tell if we are up to the challenge.

Katrina and I shared a bottle of wine at the Little Hills winery on the first night and ate at the Lewis & Clark restaurant to second night.  Lewis & Clark started their westward exploration from St. Charles.  Katrina and I thought it was appropriate that we do the same – only in style.

Note to self:  Make sure that the jeep is well aligned with the Busse Bus prior to trying to detach it.  Injury may occur if it is pinched.  Ouch!