St Louis vaca - Day 6

Final day of a fun time in and around St Louis! I am writing this from home. Just downloaded yesterday's photos and they are probably my favorites from the trip!

Started the day slowly. Had to write a paper for a math course (Developing Mathematical Practices for Number, Operations and Algebraic Reasoning Grades PreK-5) that I am taking and it was due today. Then I had to pack up all my stuff. I had a few options of things to do on the drive north to Chicago, but because of a somewhat late start I wasn't sure what I was going to do as I left the motel.

Forgot to mention earlier that the land between St Louis and Chicago is pretty flat and treeless, more so than I had expected. So I took a few pictures as I drove along. One nice thing was finding gas for $3.28/gallon. Decided I would push on to Joliet, so I would be close to Chicago when I took a photo break in case I encountered any traffic problems. And where did I get stuck in traffic? When I exited the highway in Joliet to go to Pilcher Park Nature Center - oops. Checked traffic with iPhone app and it was a big red line so I exited the clogged road as soon as I could to figure out Plan B. A reason I love solo traveling - I can do whatever I want.

I saw a trail that looked inviting, but there wasn't a parking area. Drove a little further and saw a sign for Lower Rock Run Preserve - a state/county park with access to the trail. Perfect. Sun was shining, breeze blowing, trail along a waterway with some shade, wildflowers. It was delightful. Spent a little over an hour strolling there with my camera before completing the drive north. Here are the pix from the preserve - bringing people and nature together.

It's under 6 hours from St Louis to Chicago. Traffic on the final leg wasn't bad, despite being between 5 and 6 pm. Gas to top off the tank cost $3.91. Rental car drop off was simple, shuttle bus was right there to get to the terminal. No one in line to check bags. Bit of a line at security, but I had plenty of time. Smooth flight back to Boston where Jon met me at the airport for the ride home. Home around midnight. Up bright and early for class this morning.

Thoroughly enjoyed this vacation! Special thanks go to Sean Quinn who unknowingly inspired me to head to St Louis. I have a Bucket List and seeing the Arch was on the list. Having Sean performing in Stages Theater's production of A Chorus Line gave me a reason to go this summer! Seeing him in 101 Dalmatians was an added bonus. Still places on my list of possibilities in St Louis that I would go back to see in the future. But had fun seeing Miller Park Zoo, The Arch, Faust Park & Butterfly House, World Bird Center, Grant's Trail, St Louis Zoo in Forest Park, Lower Rock Run Preserve, and Sean Quinn!