Headed out this morning about 9:30 after the sun was up.. Burrr 49 degrees this morning. Filled up my tank.. all $2.20 worth ;) then headed towards St. Charles through Creve Coeur Lake. After crossing the Missouri River on HWY 370, I took 94 East to Grafton Ferry Road. This road is a straight shot to the Mississippi River and the Grafton Ferry. Along the way is St. Charles County Airport. I decided to stop and look around. Saw some really cool planes on the tarmac.
There were also 3 military planes on display further out near the runways. One looked like an F/A 18 Hornet. They were up on display stands, like a model airplane stand but lifesize planes.
Got back on the scooter and went to the ferry. Crossed the Mississippi River to Grafton, was $4 for the crossing. Once in Grafton, I rode to the top of a bluff off of Main Street to check out some condos and the view.
My friend Jimbo from South Carolina must be opening a franchise. As appealing a the Monday special sounded, I passed.
Headed north on the Great River Road to Pere Marqueete State Park. Drove the scenic road to the top of the bluffs. Click on the link below to see the pictures of the ride up and the views. Once at the overlook, I spent some time with a guy who was on a Harley talking about my scooter. He said he would like to get his wife a scooter.. he rode mine for a spin. Figured it was safe since I had his $16,000 brand new Harley :) Guess now is not the time to consider I probably could not have driven the Harley if need be :)
http://www.stlphins.com/PM/
The view from the bluffs is across the Illinois River into Calhoun County where I was eventually headed.
After spending some time admiring the view, I continue on north on The Great River Road (HWY 100) to Hardin. Hit a couple of construction stops along the way but was ok, allowed me to admire the views of the farms along the way.
On my arrivial to Hardin, I cross the Illinois River. Hardin is a very small town but it has a great little resturant! Mel's Riverdock sits right on the Illinois River. Seating is indoor or outdoor. I sat inside and had the lunch special. Ham and Beans with cornbread and coleslaw.. all for $5.00!!
Met a really nice guy at the resturant who had driven down from Springfield, Illinois. We chatted about my scooter and his Harley. Then a group of ladies came up and asked me about my scooter. Two of the ladies ask if they could sit on it, I said sure. I asked them if they wanted to take it for a spin but they declined ;)
Here is a picture of the bridge I cross into Hardin.
After taking a few pictures down at the Hardin riverfront, I hoped back on the scooter and headed south towards the Golden Eagle Ferry. Was a beautiful day for a ride, the afternoon clouds were big and puffy! Weather was perfect, not to cold, not to hot. I did wear my new Fieldsheer jacket and felt very comfortable.
The ride from Hardin to the Golden Eagle Ferry is 20 miles thorugh some of the most amazing farmland I have ever seen. Midway is a little town named Brussles. I stopped here at a roadside market! Wish I had room for some pumpkins :) $5.00 for these HUGE pumpkins which we the size of a small child! There were some amazing locally made quilts at the roadside market as well.. but alas I had no room.
Once back on the road I headed down to the Golden Eagle Ferry. Same fare as the first ferry, $4.00. Once across I headed towards HWY 370 and back via Creve Coeur Lake and home. All together was 107 miles.. Gas cost about $3.00 :)
