St Louis and the Great Mississippi

City Centre

Barges on the Mississippi


Paddle wheeler

Gateway Arch

Well we arrived in St Louis and got all set up just outside the city at Granite City. Had lots of day left so decided to take a trip into the city. Wanted to see if we could find the famous Gateway Arch. The city has many freeways in and out and over the river. Crossed the river and headed into the city and was close to the Arch when I took a wrong turn and ended up across the river in Illinois. Took some time to figure out how to get back again as the freeways weave all over the place. It was ok in the explorer, but would have been an adventure in the RV. Finally found the Arch. It is beautiful and is set in a nice park. It was nice to watch all the huge barges go up and down the river. The riverfront is beautiful, but was quite quiet this time of year.

Today we headed out to tour the city. Very easy to get around in using the GPS as a map. Got to see everyone going to the Cardinals game. It was sure busy there. Also passed by where the Blues hockey team play. The city core is very clean and there are sure alot of high rise buildings. Enjoyed a walk downtown. Took a tour on a couple of freeways to look around. Alot of the freeways have high ramps so the view is good. Will add photos. Off towards Kansas City in the morning.

On to St Louis

Amish Acres

Newmar Factory Tour

Well we are leaving Nappanee tomorrow for St Louis and the great Mississippi. We are are really looking forward to the drive as neither one of us have been there.

We really enjoyed Nappanee with the Newmar Factory Tour and all the Amish Heritage in the area. It was really different to see the modern machinery and the horses working on farms across from each other. The Amish have really nice buildings as they are excellent craftsmen. They also have very nice horses. Was amazed that they ride so many bicycles. While here we went for an authentic Amish supper. Everything was served in bowls just like the farm. It was very good and we couldn't eat it all. Also had a choice of about 12 deserts.

The Newmar Factory Tour was really something to see. It was very clean and very well run. They sure put alot of emphasis on good quality of work. We were very impressed with all aspects of their operation. We bought a few little parts from the parts store before leaving.

We also did some tours of Elkhart, Goshem and some other rural areas around here. Very nice area.

In RV Country

Well we left Sarnia for the US. Only about a 20 minute wait at the US Border. They had about 8 lanes open. Started the day with a brief rain then it became hot and humid for the rest of the day. We traveled on Highway 69 thru Flint and then south to Coldwater Michigan. Up early the next day to lots of fog so decided to leave a little later. Travelled down 69 and then headed west on Highway 6 to Nappanee Indiana. Highway 6 was 2 lanes but very good driving with spotty construction. Was really nice to see all the different scenery and farmland. Missed seeing all the water.

We are really impressed with the Nappanee and Elkhart area. It is known for the manufacturing of RV's, travel trailers and 5th wheels. We will take the Newmar Factory tour tomorrow. Should be a fun time. The following companies are located in the area Newmar, Jayco, Monaco, Wind River and gulf Stream. Also lots of manufactures of parts etc.

There is also a strong Amish heritage in the 40 miles around here according some brochures. It is really neat to see them driving around in their wagons or fancy buggies. They also ride alot of bicycles. We also plan on visiting the famous Amish Acres while we are here. It shows the history and ways of the Amish. The Amish are also excellent at carpentry work and are employed by many of the RV manufacturers.

In Sarnia heading for the US

Lots of Boats larger than this.

The Bridge to the US

Bridge and Park

Well we are in Sarnia enjoying the best weather we have had for awhile. Temperature was 30 today with a brisk breeze. Just enjoyed the day and did odd jobs in the park. We are at Paradise Valley RV Park. Very clean and family oriented. Have a little zoo farm with goats, deer, mules, ponies and donkeys. All very friendly, especially if you have snacks for them.

Yesterday we toured the waterfront in Sarnia under the bridge to the US. Great park with lots of benches to observe the bridge or water traffic. Lots of great boats here. Didn't get to the refinery section of Sarnia. Could be a long wait to cross as the bridge seems very busy. We have really enjoyed all the water scenery. Will come to an end when we head into Indiana.

Will post a couple of pictures from the area. We are having a great time.

Kincardine Ontario

Pictures are in the Old Collingwood Shipyards

Time to do catch up on the blog. Today we travelled from Collingwood to Kincardine. Started the day with bright sunshine but quickly deteriorated to overcast skies. Travelled along the shores of Georgian Bay on Highway 26 to Meaford. The town was decorated for fall with tall corn stalks, pumpkins and scare crows. Very impressive main street. Also travelled on our first section of gravel construction for 14 kms. It was hard packed but rough with no dust. Stopped at Southhampton for lunch and wait out a rain storm. Linda visited a 3 acre indoor market. It was enormous. Checked into Green Acres Campground. Excellent for big rigs and really good WIFI. May stay here for more days.

Sept 17th Collingwood

Arrived from Wasaga Beach area. Was a nice day for travelling. No good RV places for larger units so stayed at Wal Mart. Visited the Old Shipyard area that has been transformed into beautiful park, marina and condo area. Toured the famous Blue Mountain Ski Area and other sites. Took lots of pictures. Not like our Rocky Mountains.

Sept 14th Wasaga Beach

Left Sudbury for Wasaga Beach. Excellent highway. Passed by Parry Sound the home of Bobby Orr. Wasaga Beach is a summer playground with 14 kms of sand beach like South Padre Island in Texas. Pretty quiet this time of year. The second day it was raining so we decided to drive to Barrie for a tour. I had lived there for 2 years after getting out of school. Pretty countryside with lush green lawns and yards and lots of corn crops.

The Wedding

Had a great time at my nieces wedding. Ceremony was outside and luckily the weather was perfect. We had a chance to visit with my brother Ken and his wife Chris and sister Shirley and husband John. Also took a day trip to North Bay to visit my brother Don in the Nippissing Manor. He is doing quite well and was glad to see us.

Sudbury

Arrived in Sudbury yesterday afternoon and checked into Carols RV Park just outside of the city on highway 69. Park has lots of green space and we have a good lake view. Very nice. Took a tour around the city last night and visited Tim Hortons of course. My turn to buy. We had a great time in the Sault and Blind River visiting with my cousins. Very busy time. May have gained a little as they like to go to buffets. Weather has been dull with quite a bit of rain. Didn't affect our plans. Of course my cousins like Casino's so we went to the Michigan side to try our luck. A good time was had and couldn't believe how fast we cleared the border on both sides. Will be nice to have a couple of quiet days before Lyndsay's wedding. Plan to tour more of the city today. Lots of lakes and different trees here. White Pine, Maple and Oak are plentiful. Some trees are starting to change colour. More updates later. Having a good time.

Sault Ste Marie

Arrived in Sault Ste Marie yesterday afternoon. Checked into the KOA which has excellent WIFI but the trees did stop us from getting satellite TV. I have some first cousins here so the TV will not be missed. Did some touring around to familiarize ourselves with the city and show Linda around. Met my cousin Floyd and his wife Ellen for an enjoyable evening. Last night it rained most of the night unlike Alberta the temperature stayed very warm. Will be moving to my cousin Terry's yard for the next few days as he has lots of room and will be close for visiting etc.. Tomorrow we plan on taking in some festivities on the US side in Michigan. Should be a fun time for us.