The Great River Road

Published April 11, 2015

Woke early, packed, spent the work day in Boulder, Friday night flight to St. Louis – another race weekend, my third straight.

Been excited about marathoning in St. Louis since I race-registered last Fall – hometown to my sis & her family. Travelled tonite with Stacy, a fellow Marathon Maniac – plan was to meet up at DIA, same itinerary. Fifteen minutes out, she called: our flight was cancelled. Luckily, Stacy’s a take-charge gal with kick travel skillz. Tonite’s new destination: Chicago O’Hare. 5 hours of sleep at La Quinta (on United’s dime), morning connector to St. Louis.

Unfortunately, missed my nephew’s blistering 24 minute 5K finish – but arrived in time to meet my family at SLU for bib pick-up. Tammy’s long said NO to GO (Go! St. Louis Marathon) so appreciative she & hubby both entered the Half. Yeah, my family ROCKS!

Today’s pre-race activity – The Great River Road. Nothing says St. Louis like a day on the mighty Mississipp’. Quick obligatory stop at the Arch (even under construction, cannot miss St. Louis’ towering landmark), then east to Alton, Illinois. Detoured 30 minutes & toured Lewis & Clark State Historical Site. Always been enamored with Lewis & Clark and the American West (I was born in the wrong era).

Rode up Confluence Tower & viewed the meeting/confluence of 2 great rivers – the Mississippi & Missouri. Water on both sides of the highway, springtime on the Mississippi – happens every year. Though Confluence Tower was a bit of a bust ($4 to ride an elevator is kinda lame), picked up a map highlighting local passenger ferries. Now that would be cool – to ride across the Mississippi, right?

First lunch, then ferry.

My friend Cliff recommended I try Fin Inn Restaurant in nearby Grafton. Snapping turtle & river carp are muddy water favourites in this rural area. Decked with aquariums, ate tableside to my lunch plate’s kin. Started with turtle soup, finished with buffalo fish – deep fried, served with ketchup & an onion. Listened to locals discuss an episode of Swamp People. Redneck river day 🙂

Boarded Brussels Free Ferry – first of 2 ferries used to cross the Mississippi today. Sunshine overhead as we travelled scenic country roads & followed placard postings to Golden Eagle Ferry – dropping us back in Missouri, about an hour northwest of my sister’s home.

Marathon ready, feelin’ all Huck Finn – LOVED my day on the mighty Mississipp’!