St Louis/Gateway Arch

The 630 foot tall Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States, can be seen from all over St Louis.

But I didn't comprehend just how tall it is until standing beneath it.  That is me in the picture below.

It is impossible to make all of the Arch fit into a photo unless you are on the other side of the Mississippi River or several blocks away in St Louis.  So it was fun finding different ways to take pictures from different angles-even laying down on a bench looking up.



 


With clouds passing by it really felt like the Arch was swaying when looking up to the top.  Later we found out it actually can move up to 18 inches depending on the wind. 




 

 We took the trip up one side of the arch in a small pod that slowly clinged and clanged its way to the top.  There we were able to see the view from the top from both sides of the arch.

Mississippi River view from the top of the Gateway Arch

St. Louis city view from the Gateway Arch with Bush Stadium, home of the St Louis Cardinals, in red on the left.






After returning to the base of the Arch we completed our trip with viewing the documentary "Monument to the Dream"  about the construction of the Gateway Arch.

Very interesting entrance to the theater

The Gateway Arch was a wonderful way to celebrate the accomplishments of those who participated in the western expansion of the United States.

Branson, MO

Lots to do in Branson!  
Shopping, the shows, boat rides, and zip lining were all fun.  We really enjoyed the Branson Landing area with the Hilton Promenade as a great choice for a hotel.  It was right in the middle of the Landing's shops and restaurants with a terrific view of the lake and the beautiful fountains that featured a musical show of water and fire every hour.

 
Our most favorite activity was our visit to the Top of the Rock Heritage Preserve just a few miles outside of Branson.



We explored the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail in an electric cart that we could stop at any time to take pictures of the cave, cavern, waterfalls, covered bridges, and nature trail.  It was a wonderful experience!  As soon as we completed the trail we both seriously considered doing it again.

 Top of the Rock also had a Natural History Museum, a beautiful Chapel for weddings, a lodge, a golf course, and restaurants with amazing views of the Ozarks.

It is definitely a unique place to visit.