St Louis, MO

So our run of sponging free accommodation off our long lost friends finally ran its course when we hit St Louis. We were finally obliged to pay for accommodation. Luckily we had a voucher for a free night's stay so we only had to pay for one of the two nights that we spent here.

Anyway, we arrived at 8pm - which is quite respectable for us - and quickly found our way to the Metro which whisked us away to the airport and the awaiting car rental companies. Despite doing everything in their power to dissuade us from embarking in one of their vehicles (including "accidentally" spelling Tracy's name wrong) we finally managed to hire a car. We were surprised to find that the smallest vehicle they could offer us was a SUV - a sign of the times perhaps - but at least they seemed to give us compact car rates.

So Trace hit the streets in an SUV for the fist time. Luckily (or perhaps, surprisingly) chaos did not ensue and we reached the hotel with little or no incident. Despite being a budget style hotel, the room was surprisingly luxurious and we spent a restful night there.

In the morning - yes, we did manage to get up before noon - we re-boarded the battle-bus and headed off to see what we could find. One of the things we did find was an IHOP (International House of Pancakes - for the uninitiated) which always goes down well! We also stopped by a sculpture park and spent and hour or so meandering through the acres of weird, wonderful and occasionally just plain strange art installations.

Next stop was the barracks. We had to stop a few times to find it, but eventually we found our way to the grave of Mr & Mrs E. Shepard. Section RR, number 494. The area looks nice in the red and orange foliage of a Missouri autumn. We weren't sure if we would be able to leave any flowers or anything - so we didn't bring anything, but if we had left any floral tribute I'm pretty sure that before long it would have been munched upon by the herds of deer who seem to roam the grounds with impugnity.

Next stop, Waterloo and a meet-up with the Hudgens side of the Shepard side of the Thompson side of our family. We met up with Ron, Judy, Chris, Susie and her kids. We all had a great time catching up - although the highlight of my evening has to be beating a 10 year-old girl in both a staring contest and the quiet game! I rule! 8-)

Today we have been roaming around St Louis like tourists. We've been to the St Louis gateway arch and the Cathedral Basilica of St Louis. We're just on our way to Forest Park - but have been snagged by free internet!

Anyway, more will follow - probably from San Antonio, but for now, adios!