Day 4 - St. Louis, Missouri

We all met at 9:00 am for our second full day on the tour bus. Our driver was Albert, who was very capable, personable, and quite a wit.  Our tour guide was a gal named Dea.  She was one of the most knowledgeable and well-spoken guides we have had in our thirty years of touring. The day was to be hot.  However, it was mostly overcast and not too hot, and mostly pleasurable.

loading on the bus

We first went to an area in St. Louis called Forest Park.  We drove by and viewed the art museum and lake area in front.  Next we went to the history museum, which has a replica of Lindberg's Spirit of St. Louis, and a Thomas Jefferson statue.

Our next excursion was at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  We spent a couple of hours there.  Some of us rode the tram and some walked around the gardens.  It seemed that all were happy. The gardens were prepping for Memorial Day exhibit with lots of Asian displays of dragons, Buddhas and other Oriental themes.  Everything is first class and Missourians must be very proud of what they have.

Chinese Dragon in Botanical Gardens

Everyone was excited and famished when we stopped for lunch at Golden Corral Buffet.  The food was yummy and we were well sated.

Next we were back on the bus and time for a nap.  However, we were on a quest to find the Budweiser Brewery.  The beer drinkers "Holy Grail" soon appeared.  While at the brewery we first had a chance to buy "Bud" everything and then on to see the famous Clydesdales. These are beautiful horses, and live in some pretty fancy digs.

Antique Truck in Clydesdale Barn

The guide took us through the entire operation.  This place is huge and turning out two thousand products an hour.  It is an amazing operation and a really cool tour. At the end of the tour we were able to have one or two or three of their many beers.  I personally tried and recommend the new "Platinum" Bud-Lite.  Sodas were also available for those that chose a non-adult beverage. The tour was over about 4:30 pm and after a half hour drive we were back to our "homes on wheels."

Group enjoying some beers and sodas

After a democratic vote about time for our driver's meeting, we assembled about forty five minutes later.  Everything went smoothly and, hopefully, we will make it to tomorrow's destination.  

We are now finished with this blog, which is an intrusion on beer-thirty.  Later we are going to a campfire (non-wood) at Joe and Donna Risley's patio with all our newfound friends. This is turning out to be a great adventure with what appear to be a very amicable and fun group.

Happy Trails,

Larry and Ada