A Lavender Farm in them thar hills!

I finally made it out to Winding Brook Estate lavender farm. Once small glitch they were closed, but I did drive into the farm for a look around.

The farm is located in Eureka just off 109. Take 109 to the Legends Parkway, follow to second stop sign and turn left. The lavender is blooming now so you will smell the farm before you see it!



I didn't get to do much since the farm was closed. I did enjoy my ride out and back on all the twisty back roads of West County. I do plan a return trip on a day they are opened...

Rocheport, Missouri

I decided on a whim to go to Rocheport, MO this weekend. Well deep down it was not a whim as it was a town I have wanted to visit for years.

After going I am DAMN mad I didn’t go years ago. I held an election and I am now the Mayor McCheese and the unofficial PR person for Rocheport. I am sure they will be thrill to learn this, all 208 residents.

You ask, well where is Rocheport? It is dead in the center of the state between Kansas City and St. Louis just off Hwy 70.

You ask, why should I visit Rocheport? The easy answer is why not?

Sit right back while you hear a tale…

My Route:

I left St. Louis morning about 9:30am and headed out Hwy 40 to Hwy 94. I followed 94 all the way to Route D. Route D is just west of Bluffton, MO. The route between 40 and D was pretty painless but very enjoyable. Stayed on D about 5 miles up to Route O. A nice windy route and a nuclear plant to boot, who could ask for more? Route O drops you into Fulton. I wander through Fulton over to 4^th street which turns into Route F which goes to Columbia. Once small issue, Route F was closed in middle and I had to take a detour, about a 20 mile detour via HWY 54 to route H to route J. Not much of an issue as J is pretty straight route up to WW. I picked up WW and was a short ride into Columbia. Then wandered through Columbia and ended up on the west end and picked p UU to Hwy 40 and followed that to Spur 240 and finally into Rocheport. Total mileage was about 140.

Rocheport (French for Port of Rocks)

A quaint little town nestled on the banks of the Missouri River. Whether you come into town via Route BB via Hwy70 or the 240 spur from Hwy 40 you instantly know you are in for a special visit.

This is small town America yet with a very rich history and a definite splash of sophistication. The town is very warm and welcoming.

Upon arrival I rode up and down the streets and got the lay of the land. The shops along “main” street were bustling with patrons.

The rest of the town is filled with many other merchants including several bed and breakfast inns. I was staying at the Yates House (www.yateshouse.com ) so I sought out the house after leaving the main street area. I turned onto Second Street and immediately recognized the house I had seen on their web page.

After I got my bearings, I headed up to the Les Bourgeois winery. First let me say I am not a connoisseur of wine but I am here to tell you as far as ambience goes, this winery has it in spades. While I love the setting of Mount Pleasant in Augusta, Les Bourgeois puts Mount Pleasant to shame.

There are three areas to the winery: the tasting room at Hwy 70/BB, the Blufftop Bistro and the A-Frame.

www.missouriwine.com

I will begin where I started, the Blufftop Bistro. You can look all over the Missouri and I doubt you find a better situated restaurant. I am not keen on eating by myself but I had a marvelous time. My server Rachel made my experience very enjoyable. The menu is varied and has something for everyone. I had a crabmeat frittata and for dessert lemon lavender pond cake. Both YUMMY!

After my fabulous lunch, I headed up to the tasting room. I did not have any wine since I was riding on my scooter and it was about 90 degrees. The tasting room at the winery is good opportunity to introduce ones self to the Les Bourgeois offerings. I watched others sample and the two women conducting the testing’s were very nice and rushed no one. At larger wineries I have found after you taste one wine it is almost a what do you want next approach without any regard to what you are experiencing. . These two ladies explained each wine and I had fun listening and learning.

I head headed back into town to check in at the Yates House. I was warmly greeted by owner Dixie Yates. I can’t begin to express in words what a marvelous host Dixie is. From the minute I stepped in I was welcomed with warmth and friendliness.

Dixie gave me a tour of the house. The house is just beautiful! You would think I was walking into the house as if it were just completed that day. I have never seen such a clean place! I have stayed in 5 star hotels that were not as nice as the Yates House. If I had chosen I could had dinner in my bathroom and felt at ease!

When I mentioned to Rachel, my server at the Bluff top Bistro, that I was staying at the Yates House, the first thing she said was wait till you meet Dixie and man can she cook! I did try Dixie’s homemade cookies that she has on the kitchen island for guests. They are awesome!!

After my tour I was shown to my room. I stayed in the Valentine room, a very sunny and comforting room! I was dying to have a shower, do I did. I have said it before but I will say it again, my room and bathroom were immaculate!

After my shower I headed out back to the grounds of Yates House.

Dixie in addition to being a master cook and published author is a marvelous gardener. The gardens are as charming as the owner and house. By the way, I keep calling this a house but the ambience Dixie creates makes it a home, you feel instantly at home!

Onward to explore Rocheport some more!

I did not go to school in Missouri so I did not have the usual Missouri history lessons. I have been self taught in my Missouri history and I knew Rocheport played a part in the Civil War and was hit hard by Confederate guerrillas. I let my mind wandered and wondered what it must have been like for the early settlers in this small town under attack. Especially given when history indicates they would have sided with the South. Unfortunately war is never kind to anyone no matter the time or place.

Being a Lewis and Clark nut, I was exciting to head over to the KATY trail, I always get a thrill to think that I am walking in the same steps that Lewis and Clark did in. I once trespassed on Union Pacific railroad rails to see Tavern Rock cave and bluff where Meriwether Lewis almost died on the first few days of the expedition. I digress….

The KATY trail to those that don’t know is a 200+ mile biking trail built on the abandoned and scenic route of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. Rocheport has one of the most amazing parts of the KATY trail including a 240 foot tunnel dug through a bluff in 1893. You can still see the soot left by the trains in the tunnels ceiling and walls.

Near the tunnel entrance I was surprised to find a Missouri conservation area named Diana Bend. A wetland and bluff area which is well maintained. The climb to the top of the bluff is very steep but well worth the climb! Dixie later told me that in the fall you can walk all across the bluff and come out on the other side! I look forward to doing that in the fall. Check out Diana Bend info here:

http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2006/06/30.htm

After a few short hours of checking out Rocheport, I headed over to the A-Frame back at Les Bourgeois winery. The A-Frame was the original home for the Bourgeois’ when they first bought the winery. Now it is a place to pick up a glass of wine and a snack. Beneath the A-frame is a series of terraces. Why are these terraces here? The A-Frame sits a mile down the bluff from the Blufftop Bistro. A top this bluff I witnessed the most amazing sunset I have ever seen in my life! Not one to sit still long, I sat and watched the day fade away for three hours!

After the sunset I rode back up though the winery and sat out by the vineyards and waited for the stars to come out! I was not disappointed as the days last light waned a beautiful moon appeared and the stars started popping.

Afterwards I headed back to the Yates House and crashed. I reflected on my day and was so happy I made the spur of the moment trip to my favorite new town. I promised myself as I drifted off this would not be my last trip!

If you take anything away from this blog, I want you to travel to Rocheport and see what I saw; I think you will fall in love as well.

If you have the means and opportunity the Yates House is a MUST stay. I know I will go back again but next time will be for more than the day as I just saw a little of what this town and area has to offer.

With my apologies to the other 49 states in this great country, I am not sure there is a prettier state overall than Missouri or for that matter a more beautiful town.

Here is a PhotoStory of my trip to Rocheport. The pictures seem out of sort but they are in order of how I took them with two cameras.

Click on the link and Windows media player will show the PhotoStory. Once opened it is best view by right clicking on the story and going to full screen. Turn on your volume as I picked one of my favorite songs to go along with the pictures.

http://www.stlphins.com/rocheport/Rocheport.wmv

Robertsville State Park/Shaw Nature Reserve

Route to First Stop

Sulpher Springs to big Bend to New Ballwin to Keifer Creek to St. Paul to Ridge to Old State to 109, North to Melrose (Rockwood) to Allenton to Greensfelder Park. Took the Scenic Loop was at Greensfelder! This is AN AWESOME Loop! Just beautiful scenery!

Route to Second Stop

Back to Allenton Road from Scenic Loop. Allenton comes out at Six Flags, left on W 5th to right on Central Ave, through downtown Eureka to W. South on W to Byrnesville Road! W and Byrnesmill are great roads to ride on. There is a HUGE sod farm on Brynesville.. Really nice! Followed Brynesville to NN, took a left then a quick right at Tom Frost Road. Tom Frost ends at HH, took a right (North) to O. Turned left (South West). Followed for about 1 1/2 miles to Robertsville State Park.

Followed the State Park road back to the Meramec River and a restroom :) Walked a round a bit.. not much to this park but it is a nice ride in and out.

Route to Third Stop

Headed back to O and turned right. followed O across the Meramec River to Robertsville Rd. Turned right heading North. the road come on 100 near Grey Summit close to the Shaw Nature Reserve. Made a right then another quick right to the Nature Reserve. went in and paid my $3 and headed into the reserve. Monday - Thursday you can ride around the reserve, Friday - Sunday, you have to park and hike/walk in. I rode back to the Trail Head pavilion and parked. I walked out to an overlook. They are burning out all the red cedar and honey bushes from the Reserve. It is actually quite interesting. I did not walk back more in the trails as I was just at the Reserve the day before and hiked.

Route to Fourth Stop

Took a right out of the Reserve on 100, followed 100 across 44 to MM, turned left and followed MM to Labadie. Had a nice lunch at the little market in town.

The Not So Smart Route to Fifth Stop

Now here is where I did to much thinking.. I was going to turn in T and go home.. but thought it is so nice I will just run out to Washington Riverfront but go a different way. I saw Labadie Bottoms and Boles Road on Google Earth.. looked like all flat farmland.. so I thought what the heck. Well Labadie/Boles until railroad under pass is gravel :) NOT COOL!! LOL..well I did it but NEVER again! Once on hard top at Boles followed to Dunne Springs, a beautiful cut off road to Old 100. Followed Old 100 into Washington per my normal route from Dunne Springs.

Final Route Home

Came back Old 100 to Dunne Springs to T.. instead of turning left back home, I went back west on T to Old 100 and back to Dunne Springs.. the road is so cool i wanted to do it again :) Once back at T I turned left and took my normal route home.

Can NOT wait to ride this way again!! Just a perfect day!

Some Shaw Nature Reserve Pictures

That's Amore!

I absolutely love this clip! It cracks me up every time I watch it!

New Routes

With the arrival of Spring and much better weather for scooting, I am on the lookout for new routes.

I rode last weekend with Scooter Club of St. Louis out to Washington and back. This is my all time favorite route and I know every bump in the road! One of the ladies took a spill on on of the curves on Ossenfort :( What appeared to be a *minor* spill ended up quite serious. At the urging of the paramedics she was taken to the hospital and they found her spleen was bleeding and had to be removed. Thankfully, she is mending now, but slowly. After seeing her full face helmet scared to hell and back it just reaffirmed my decision to always ride with a full face helmet.

Monday I headed out south through Jefferson County, some beautiful country out there. On my rides to Washington, I am use to seeing horses.. I was treated to cows this time. Like the horses, I am sure these creatures laugh at me too :)

This Monday, I have plans to ride out to Robertsville State Park! Can not wait!

Finally!!!

It's been a long cold winter, I was finally able to get out on the scooter today. I rode down to Forest Park, then down the the river front, through Soulard, back to the Hill for lunch at Amigetti's and then followed Clayton all the way home.

Was a perfect day! I was just happy to finally get out. I only took one picture. Was to much fun watching people out and about like myself.

Future Scooter Girl

Future Scooter Girl

Meet Mary Claire, also known as "Muffy". About 3 years ago I bought the motorcycle for her brother Ryan. He rode the heck out of it. Ryan started driving Muffy around but she prefers to ride alone. My sister, Gina says she rides and rides until the battery is drained. As you an see when that happens she is NOT happy!

Rainy and Life *sigh*

Been awhile since I blogged about my scooter rides. A lot of rain and the colder weather has been preventing any rides. I did break down and ride today. Sun is shining so took advantage.

While awaiting better weather, I have run across two WICKED new scooters..

I will get a second scooter in the spring and have had my heart set on the Kymco Xciting 500.

I really dig the IROC blue.






Now I see these two :)

2007 Gilera GP 800

2007 Piaggio Beverly Cruiser

Life is filled with to many choices! I do like the Piaggio MP3 but I keep leaning towards more or a touring bike like the Xciting 500. But the 800cc's of the Gilera is very very tempting!

Ahh well a long way to go till spring!!

Three Rivers - Two Ferries

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 :)

Kiefer Creek Trail - Day of the Turtle

Today's ride was not so much about the ride as it was the destination. Of late I have not found the time or the right weather for any long rides.

I do know my wardrobe is going to have to drastically change soon as the weather drops below 70 degrees.

I rode out to Castlewood and deceided to take a differet hike today. the Kiefer Creek lowland hike. Was only about a mile out and back but just wanted to get my blood moving before work.

Ran across a very hammy turtle.. he posed for several shots and did not seem at all bothered by me.

Other pictures:

http://www.stlphins.com/kc/

Hermann Ride

I finally bit the bullet and made the ride to Hermann.

I followed my normal route along T and Old Hwy 100 to Washington . Once there I stopped off at the Riverfront Park to stretch my legs and go to the bathroom.

I walked down on the riverfront to take some pictures with my new camera...This is my first non Sony digital camera. The batteries stay in the Sony while charging.. With me and my camera in Washington, guess where my battery was.. ARGH!! Ahh well was not enough to alter my disposition for the day.

I hopped back on the scooter and headed back west on 5th street to Hwy 100 West. Hermann is about 27 miles. The speeds vary from 25 to 55 along the route. Majority of the ride is done at 55 mph. Not a long of tight twisties maybe one or two.... A lot of open road so anyone wishing to pass you has ample chance.

I stayed right between 55-65mph and had no issues at all. I am totally impressed how well the Bet&Win handles the higher speeds.

About 17 miles out of Washington you travel through New Haven, speeds drop and vary here. So be aware of the speed limit signs. In the event you would need gas there are a few places in New Haven to fill up.

The ride to New Haven was nice but the ride from New Haven to Herman was amazing. One beautiful rolling hill after rolling hill. The view to the north past the rolling farm hills made me forget what an agriculturally rich state Missouri is.

Once I arrived in Herman one gets the instant feel of coming into a old rural town. The first Winery you see in Herman is Hermanoff, on your left with parking on the right. I went a few more blocks to Hwy 19. I made a left (south) and followed the road through town to pick up HWY 100 West again. My destination was Stone Hill Winery. There are lots of signs to guide to the winery on top of the hill.

Pictures courtesy of the web, not me and camera which was separated from it's battery by 80 miles!!


I walked around the grounds of the winery. I was going to take a winery tour but I knew I wanted to leave Hermann no later than 12:30 to avoid the afternoon storms that were called for..

I stopped in the Vintage restaurant at Stone Hill and ate lunch. I wanted the sausage special but was served over sauerkraut. I was not sure how my stomach would fair so instead I had the smoked cherrywood pork tenderloin.. Yummy! The ride to Hermann was well worth the lunch alone..

I had wanted to go out to the Gasconade River from Herman (about 10 miles) but the pending forecast was still in my mind, so alas I turn back to the east to start my drive home.

Before I left Hermann I visited the Hermann waterfront. Again a very very nice riverfront park. My original plan was to ride across the Missouri River on the Hwy 19 Bridge to 94 East back into Washington. While I was down on the Hermann Riverfront I saw construction work on the bridge as well as some backed up traffic sitting on the bridge. I decided to head back on Hwy 100 East.

I am glad I did, the views heading East are as pretty as they were coming West. Once in New Haven I made my way to New Haven's Riverfront. Talk about a blast from the past! The little downtown area took you back in time. There was an excellent riverfront park in New Haven.


I see a theme running...Maybe that will be one of my day/night trips, the Riverfronts of the Missouri River.

From there I went back into to Washington and followed my normal route home. I pulled onto my street and felt a few rain drops.. Once I parked in the garage the sky opened up..Whew! Perfect timing.. Someone was looking out for me today.

Nature Calls

Not only did I go to one conservation area today, I went to three. I was just planning to go to Castlewood for a small hike then back home.

Here are the pictures I took at Castlewood.

http://www.stlphins.com/castlewood/

The air felt so clean in the park even smelled good.

The hike I took along the Meramec must have energized me because when I got back on the scooter, I did not want to go home. So I followed Kiefer Creek out to St. Paul to Ridge Road to Old State to 109. Headed North on 109 to Rockwood Reservation. Did not get off the scooter here just rode around a bit. Then headed back out Melrose to 100, then back east to T. Took T out to St. Albans.

At St. Albans I went to Mae Head's store and got some water and cheese. And a nice clean bathroom to boot :)

From there headed back west on T to Englemann Woods Conservation Area.

Englemann Woods is a little hidden jewel just off Hwy T. I have ridden by it many times without stopping. Today I decided what the heck.. I locked up the scooter and my helmet and I went on the trail.

I consider myself to be in reasonably good shape but this trail is one hell of a test. The trail is about 2 miles. Up, down and all around!

If you dislike spider and snakes this is not the trail for you. I encountered 100's of spider webs and several snakes. Now the snakes would have probably not come into view but I was moving downed trees to find them. I saw 5 nests of hawks & 4 deer. I suprisingly saw no squirrels. (Edit: I was thinking abou tthis last night..maybe the number of hawk's nests as well as hawks I saw in the conservation area keeps the squirrels away?)

Information on Engelmann Woods:

http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p57-1.htm


I would like to go again after a really nice rainfall and see if the runoffs I crossed are filled with water.

Pictures I took:

http://www.stlphins.com/englemann/


I came back T to Ossenfort to Wildhorse Creek to Kehrs Mill to Clayton and home.. to a nice cold shower!

All and all a nice morning..

Today was the first time I scootered with shorts on... I did feel tons cooler.

It's too damn hot for a penguin...

...to be riding around St. Louis.

The past two weeks have just been way to hot for any rides of any substantial value. I have been riding back and forth to work, changing my route each day.

Well....

I did not do 1,000 mile but 1,000 kilometers.. seems Kymco does mph for speed and km for odometer! Thanks to the gals at Scooter Diva for pointing this out to me :)

Boom 1,000 miles!!!

Here it is, I turned my first 1,000 miles today. Was perfect setting, was tooling along listening to LA Woman by the Doors. I was able to pull over and take the picture. I was on Mo Route 94 headed towards Augusta.

Here is what the bike and I saw at 1,000 miles :)

MY LONG RIDE

Was an awesome day to ride, I left the house at 10 and headed out the backroads to WildHorse Creek to Ossenfort to T. I went for a short side ride through Babler Park before I got to WildHorse Creek. Was a perfect day to ride, no traffic at all. Plenty of horses were out by the fences.

Was hard not to pull the scooter on and play a round of golf at St. Albans Country Club, was the perfect time for golf too! So many hobbies so little time! Back on Hwy T heading west. Took a small side trip down to the Ameren UE Labade Plant. Not sure why a huge coal burning electric plant intrigues me but it just does.. it is freaking huge...

Came into Washington on Old Hwy 100. Sat down by the Missouri River for a bit.. was going to eat in Washington but wasn't hungry so headed back to Route 47 to cross the Missouri River. I was going to take Augusta Bottom Road into Augusta but quickly changed my mind. Augusta Bottom is the first right after the bridge.. started out paved road and quickly was 1/2 gravel 1/2 pavement with a whole lot of potholes thrown in for good measure. I thought to myself, No... HELL NO.... and turned around to go back to 47 to pick up 94 East. I have no idea if the gravel would have stopped but I wasn't going to find out.. Was hard not to turn left and head West to Herman when I go to 94, but alas I did come back East.

I am glad the road was gravel because 94 was incredibly beautiful today...hardly any traffic to speak of. I just happened to looked down and noted my odometer reading.. after I took my 1,000 mile picture I headed into Augusta.. now I am getting hungry.. but no winery restaurants were open. So I walked around Mt Pleasant Winery for a bit. In the tasting room I was offered some samples but politely declined. ..LOL was quickly approaching 90+ degrees.. So I bought a bottle of Port and Harvest Red. Headed back onto 94 East, I drove through a few other wineries making my way back to Highway 40.


Here was the big test.. Highway 40, the Daniel Boone Bridge and traffic... :) Once on the highway I stayed 60-65mph and crossed the bridge. Whew!

Took the Chesterfield Valley Exit, made a short side stop at Red Robin for a pineapple teriyaki burger then wound my way though the backroads to home :)

Dale Chihuly - Glass in the Garden

Rode down to the Missouri Botanical Gardens this morning. Before hitting the Gardens I dropped by Extreme Toys and scheduled my first maintenance visit.

Basically took Clayton to Lindbergh to Manchester. After I left Extreme Toys, I took Manchester to SouthWest all the way to Shaw. Parked under a tree in the Garden's lot.

I have seen Dale Chihuly's work before in California, it was in a gallery setting. At the Garden it is housed in the Climatron as well as through out the grounds. I was amazed at the way the exhibit looked in the Climatron... ones imagination can run wild! The glass fit in perfectly!

I found Monday early a great time to be there. Was not crowded at all and allowed me a slow move through the Climatron while I gawked and took pictures. I am already planning a trip back down one evening, I was told the glass at night is awesome!

Click on the link to see the pictures I took:

Click on any picture on the lefthand side to advance or sit back and enjoy the slideshow.

http://www.stlphins.com/BG-II

Sunday Night Heat

Still another hot one... waited till late to ride. Rode out Clayton to 109 and into Babler. After tooling around Babler Park, I went back to 109, then WildHorse Creek to Kiefer Creek to Catyon then home. Hoping tomorrow to get out early. Didn't take the camera out with me.. Should have.. I was awestruck by the 1.5 million dollar homes going up on Kiefer Creek.. These homes crack me up.. no land just a big freaking house..

Saturday Night

It was wicked hot all day but I did manage to get out :) I rode out the back way to Hog Hollow, then through Creve Coeur farm lands into Creve Coeur Park.

On way back, I got brave and went across the Missouri River on the new Page extension bridge. Bike handled well at 65mph. Came back over the bridge, hit Olive Road to 141 and home.

Came home pretty much soaking wet.

Friday Night Ramble

Started out to Castlewood to warm up.. not that I needed warming up but Castelwood seems to be my starting point. Parked the scooter and took a walk by the river.

The pictures tonight are as the sun is going down as opposed to my morning visit the other day.

I was going to come back in Big Bend to Sappington to see a friend but decided before that I would take a side trip back out to Sherman Park. So this found me back on St Paul Road.



I love this shot from between the grass. I wish I could grown my grass this long.. I hate manicured lawns! However I am sure my neighbors would not appreciate it.






I found this cool spot where the tree line breaks open on the side of the road and a huge field of long grass appears with a farmhouse. I parked and took a picture. This so much reminds me of the French countryside.






I can not begin to say enough about Sherman Beach Park. I want to take the bikes out and ride the longer trail up to Glencoe...one of these days after I get over my new scooter itch!

After I left Sherman Beach Park, I rode Big Bend east to Sappington. After a stop at The Emporium, I rode Manchester Road back home to West County. My first experience with Manchester Road and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.