Cookn Travels: Summer 2019. Gateway to the West and Following my Father's Footsteps

The day has finally come when we are living in our 2nd home for the summer, which just happens to be on wheels. Doug and I have come to the realization that we are working to live not living to work and this is the life we want to live. Someday this will be our life full time! (T-13 years and counting).

So, here we are, kids and dogs piled in, for our summer Mid-West adventure. Our first trek has lead us to St. Louis, Missouri. Doug drove through here when he was a teenager on his way to Kansas City, Kansas but never visited the city.

Following my Father's Foot Steps

St. Louis has a special meaning to me, not only because I am a National Park Geek, but because my dad was stationed here before he was sent to Vietnam.

Dad, Bill to most, was drafted and did his basic training at the Fort Jackson, South Carolina from March 1968 until September 1968. He was suppose to be be sent to Vietnam but somehow his orders were lost. The Army temporarily sent him to Granite Gity just outside of St. Louis while he waited for new orders. It was here that he served on Military Burial duty at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary from September 1968 to April 1969. His duites included pall bearer, presenting the 21 Gun Salute and folding the flag and presenting it to the nearest relative. He was also part of the team that stood in respect at the funeral home. An honor that carried a great burden but probably saved his life. It was discovered while he was here that he could paint and repair cars. This led to him repairing and painting military vehicles in Vietnam. He didn't have to fight. Dad was in Vitenam from June 1969 until Christmas Day 1969. He was discharged January 2, 1970.

My dad was 21 years old when he went to St. Louis. I remember the stories he would tell us as kids about him and his Saab. He was only given a weekend pass once a month, good for 50 miles but he would drive his Saab the 650 miles all the way home to Uniontown to see my mom. His laugh always booms when he boasts that he did it in 9 1/2 hours!!!

Thank you Dad for your service both home and abroad.

This mama deer proudly walked amongst the graves. Her fawn was nearby but we were unable to get her picture.

These are some Vietnam Solidiers buried during my dad's time stationed here.

This section had the largest group we found from that era.

Gateway Arch National Park

Time to celebrate the one year anniversary of our 60th National Park. Planning for the Arch began in the 1930s, designed in 1947, construction began in 1963 and finished in 1965. It opened to the public in 1967. Originally named "Jefferson National Expansion Memorial," the name was never adopted by the public. Along with a multi-year renovation, legislation to change the park's name was introduced to the U.S. Senate in December 2017, was passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Feb 7, 2018, and signed by President Trump on February 22, 2018. Renamed "Gateway Arch National Park," it became the 60th National Park. The grand opening of this new National Park was held in July, 2018.

The Arch is located at the start of the Lewis and Clark expedition and was established to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase, the westward expantion of the U.S., The Dread Scott Case and the first government west of the Mississippi.

The park itself consists of 91 acres and the original site of the Old Courthouse, where the Dread Scott Case was heard. Still the tallest structure in Missouri, it is 630 feet high and 630 feet wide. The Museum at the Gateway Arch was renovated and complete in 2018 and is located under the arch.

I love that they will humor me.

I asked Dunovan if he could do this math. He turned and walked away from me. lol

Although the NPS owns and operates the park, to go to the top of the Arch, you need to purchase tickets from a third party. We chose to purchase a package deal, ahead of time, that included going to the top of the Arch and a Riverboat ride on the Mississippi River, unfortunately with all the flooding this Spring the Riverboat portion was cancelled.

We all agreed that this is the weirdest ride we have ever been on. 4 min to the top and 3 min back down.

St. Louis is the most beautiful, clean city.

Old St. Louis Court House

Built in 1828, as a federal and state courthouse, it is best known for the being the setting of the 1857, Dread Scott Decision, which rallied support for President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Today, The Old Court House also holds the offices for Gateway Arch National Park.

City Garden

Just a short walk from Gateway Arch NP are some of the most amazing outdoor sculptures and landscape architecture at City Garden. The park was filled with kids playing in the water, couples enjoying a picnic lunch, and the Cook's doing what they do best...

Forest Park

Across town is Forest Park and was the site of the 1904, World's Fair. There is a greenhouse called the Jewel Box, the World's Fair Pavilion, Zoo, and plenty of green space perfect for an afternoon picnic, walk, or gathering with friends. It would take a full day to explore the park. We spent a short time there and visited the Missouri Museum. This building is only 1 of 2 original buildings left in the park, built with profits from The World's Fair.

TJ follows me where ever I go.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

I meticulously plan our trips ahead of time, including what each area is known for when it comes to food. Over and over, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard was the thing St. Louis is known for. It was a hit on Route 66!

Six Flags, St. Louis

When you have 2 teenage boys, you must find ways to bribe them to come on a 6 week summer vacation with you. I have seemed to find the ultimate bribe, it is called the amusement park. I scored 2 season passes for them, when they were on sale in March, for the same price as a 1 day ticket. THEN, I got an email a few days before we left and this week season pass holders got to each bring a buddy for FREE! So, off the four of us went for some fun at Six Flags St. Louis.