Making it through Kansas was harder than we thought it would be. It took what seemed like days and the only stop we made was at a small coffee shop next to a historic carousel. There were signs for miles about the carousel so we felt we had to stop. We didn't take a ride but we did have a good cappuchino to keep us awake during the incredible, flat montony of the heartland.

When we arrived in St. Louis we headed straight to the arch. We used our National Park Pass to get discount tickets to the top but I nearly chickened out when I realized that the ride up would be in a tiny windowless, un-airconditioned metal capsule. Very space-age for sure but also very 1920's at the same time. After a short ride and some choice words in the capsule, we made it to the top and enjoyed a great view of the city.

Feeling brave from overcoming the arch, I suggested bungee jumping and hang-gliding. David suggested a trip to Washington University and dinner near the campus. A coin toss sent us to the college and onto dinner with law school friends.

Thursday morning we took an early tour of the Budwiser factory. We felt it was only fair since we'd seen Coors to give Bud a chance to redeem itself. The tour was much more scripted and Disney at the Budwiser factory but we liked that they gave us pretzels and let us get up close to the race car, the plane and the Clysdales. It doesn't take much.