Westward Bound-DAY TWO

It was a rough start for Day Two of  our cross-country trek, as we woke up in Columbus, OH to an inch of new snow, with 25 mph winds and the snow still falling. Not really what we wanted to see as we hit the road early for a long day of driving (I know, all our friends/family back in PA don't have a lot of compassion since they're going through the same-again).

It was a slow drive through Ohio with slippery roads and lots of fender benders and jackknifed big rigs, but Tyler's Prius did great, chugging along at safe, steady pace. By the time we reached Indianapolis, the snow ended, the sun came out and the sky turned blue.


With PA, WV, OH and IN in the rear view mirror, we were on schedule as we drove across the flat farmlands of southern Illinois. After almost being blown off the road several times with wind gusts that started somewhere around Lake Michigan, I spotted a small sign that read " World's Largest Wind Chime-This Exit." I looked at Tyler and he laughed and said, "Why Not? We haven't seen much else in IL!" So I quickly exited and we found our way to Casey, IL, home of the famous tourist attraction! After chatting with one of the locals in a convenience store, they proudly told me where to find the 50' hanging chime, as well as the entire history behind it. But, we got a real bonus when they told us that Casey also had the World's Largest Golf Tee, Knitting Needle, Crochet (sp?) Hook, and soon to be, World's Largest Rocking Chair! We hit the jackpot!

              Tyler at the World's Largest Wind Chime and World's Largest Golf Tee

  

 

 

The Wind Chime and Golf Tee were the real deal, and Tyler and I enjoyed them immensely, but quickly, as the 25 degree temps and 25 mph winds had us snap our photos then jump back into the car. We skipped the Knitting Needle and Hook since neither one of us had any desire to see them!   

 

As we moved through Missouri, we decided to take a break and visit the Gateway Arch of St. Louis. This National Monument stands over 600' high and is true engineering wonder. We decided to pay our fee and go to the top. What a trip this is! The only way I can describe it, is 5 people (in one tram) cramming into a sci-fi escape pod, then going for slow, bumpy ride on an enclosed ferris wheel!  The views of the city and the might Mississippi were incredible, but it was a bit hairy for me!

 

 

 

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis and the view of the city from the top.