Movin' through the Midwest

Today I went from Cleveland to St. Louis, finishing my solo part of the journey. I started off a little later than intended, but with several gifts from my sister strategically packed away and still with rearview vision! I started off the drive with a few tears of joy for being on the road, for being in my beloved car, and for really doing the road trip after so much anticipation.

I drove through southern Ohio, passing by Columbus, and then west through Indiana (skirting indianapolis), southern Illinois, and at last to St. Louis. I thought Ohio was pretty flat, but it's nothing compared to the real Midwest! However, the flatness of the terrain really emphasizes the extraordinary clouds, and the fields and farms do have their own kind of beauty. Throughout Indiana rain and sun alternated every ten minutes, a situation I don't think I've driven through with such regularity back east.

Once in Missouri, I was reunited with Amy after more than a year! After meeting her parents and pets, we rook her dog Sam for a long walk, which felt marvelous after being in the car all day.  Then, she took me into St. Louis itself to see the arch, which really is magnificent, the river, the beautiful old train station, and the Delmar district, which is a hippy and fun area. We ate a late dinner at the Blueberry Hill, Chuck Berry's restaurant, before turning in early for a big day of driving!