Monday, March 16, 2009

CHAIN OF ROCKS MAKES ME DREAM OF SPRING!







http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chain_of_Rocks_Bridge

Above is a good picture of the Chain of Rocks Bridge in the St. Louis area taken from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

In the St. Louis area, we have the Katy Trail and Trailnet which preserve and maintain trails in the area. The Katy is not continuous but it's all around us here. One part of it is the old Chain of Rocks Bridge which formerly carried cars across the wide Mississippi just North of downtown St. Louis. The bridge is an architectural because of its beauty and that bend the architects put in it.

On a summer day, it's so great to walk or bike across it and feel the river breeze ruffle your hair. Even on the hottest, most humid days, this is a refreshing walk. The bonus here are two tiny castles in the middle of the river. They really look like castles! They are actually some sort of water measurement buildings that are now obsolete. The bridge gets its name from the rocks in the river that were placed there to mark the channel.

Crossing the bridge allows you to walk from Missouri to Illinois - and back. There are parking lots on both sides of the river but the bridge is not open every day. Because of the history of vandalism to vehicles in the area, Trailnet supplies volunteers who monitor the parking lot and environs, so the bridge is only open when volunteers are available. The bridge was made useable again some years ago by donations from various individuals and organizations, each getting a metal placque on the bridge. It's fun to read the names as you walk. There are also several rest stops along the way, picnic tables and chairs to eat lunch and enjoy the breeze and scenery during your trek.

Access to the bridge remains free thanks to the efforts of the volunteers of Trailnet. Other parts of the Katy trail are nearby. I'll write more about them soon.


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Remember my 100% GUARANTEE. Should you decide to stop walking and resume your old habits, I personally guarantee that you'll get back 100% of your former life - your pain, your lifestyle, your attitude.

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