American Road Trip….Part III

[Kiwi cop]

St Louis

It has been a quiet two days in St Louis. Karen's bug has resurrected itself and she is back on antibiotics, which has upset her stomach.

Yesterday I backtracked to Chain of Rocks to get a photo I missed in the rain on Wednesday. Only a short distance from the site I got stuck by a train , stationary across the road, and neither IMAPs or the Ford's GPS could show me a way around, so I U turned and headed back into St Louis.

I did get to visit the Chuck Berry statue and memorial but the Old Missouri Supreme Court building was closed for renovations when I got there. We did the Arch in 2018 so gave it a miss this time.

In the afternoon I took Karen, who was feeling a bit better, to Ted Drews for a frozen custard (me) and ice cream (Karen) the to Macy's where she got her sister some polo shirts, but her stomach started acting up,so it was back to the hotel again.

Today my St Louis friend, Gary, came by the hotel. We headed out to a diner for lunch and a good chat that lasted over two hours.

Tomorrow we head back on the road.

 

[johngalt]

I remember (many years ago) eating at the Old Spaghetti Factory in St. Louis. I wonder if it is as good as I remember.

 

[Kiwi cop]

It was back to Route 66 today for a rather long (8 1/2 hours) run from St Louis to Springfield MO.

Most of the way was on very narrow two lanes with speeds ranging from 40-55 mph. We stopped for plenty of photos and grabbed a Subway lunch.

There were few surprises today, although the Route 66 app did try to take us over a closed bridge

Some of the highlights were the huge rocking chair at the Fanning store and the Cuba murals. Oh, and then there was the Uranus fudge store. Talk about milking a joke, every second or third word from the staff was a reference to the name.

Tomorrow we head for Joplin. It's a short rundown May go further, if we can find a hotel.

 

[pawngal]

Summer of 1967 my 1st husband was stationed at Ft Leonard Wood, we rented a little house that was right on Route 66 at Doolittle, MO.(West of Rolla) Construction was just starting on Interstate 44.

 

[robvious]

mmmmm... Ted Drews custard...

 

[Kiwi cop]

It appears that our road trip is over and we will need to plan to return home early.

Just before midday today we were involved in a vehicle collision near Carthage MO.

I have bumps and scrapes but Karen has broken or cracked ribs and a broken finger, as well as a lot of swelling and bruising.

At this point I do not know where we are heading from here.

 

[hsguy]

Very sorry to hear that. Perhaps a local member might be able to offer assistance.

 

[ameridaddy]

It appears that our road trip is over and we will need to plan to return home early.

Just before midday today we were involved in a vehicle collision near Carthage MO.

I have bumps and scrapes but Karen has broken or cracked ribs and a broken finger, as well as a lot of swelling and bruising.

At this point I do not know where we are heading from here.

Oh no!! I can't like that post. Anything we here can do to help?

 

[Peak53]

Somebody in Missouri needs to go lend a hand. I wish you and your wife a good recovery, but broken ribs are a pain. In my experience, it has been a good three weeks until you can tolerate sneezing, coughing, or laughing. Take care. Sorry your much anticipated trip was cut short.

 

[lihpster]

It appears he has help coming. A relative in Oklahoma is coming to pick them up and will help them get home.

Kiwi, I'm so sorry to hear about this. Glad you guys weren't hurt worse. It sucks you have to go home, but at least you can go home. Hope the healing goes quickly and easily.

 

[Kiwi cop]

This is a copy of a post on my help in Joplin

Karen is slowly getting stronger. They moved her this afternoon from the ICU/HDU to a medical ward. When we spoke to the drs this morning they thought it would be another 24 hours, depending on the reports from the physical therapists, so that is good news.

I got dropped off by an Uber at a Walmart about two miles from here yesterday to get a few things (mainly some mandarins for Karen as she enjoys them and was craving some). Wouldn't you know it, when it was time to get a ride to the hotel the Uber app was down, and stayed that was for several hours.

I ended up walking back to the hotel in a hospital issue medical sandal. It took almost an hour and today my ankle is swollen again, but at least I can get it into my Aasic shoes if not my hiking sandals.

From now on I will be posting updates on this thread as the help one has, I feel, run its course.

Many thanks to you all for your support, especially hsguy who has been immediately responsive to my texts.

 

[hsguy]

Except for your long walk it sounds like good news! Please take care and thank you for the update!

 

[Onomea]

Kiwi, I suggest you download a Lyft app as well. For back up.

Lyft is Uber's competitor, and many drivers drive for both services. They seem in my experience to be the same in ease of use, cost, and availability.

Glad to hear Karen is on the mend.

 

[Kiwi cop]

Some good news today

Karen will be discharged from hospital tomorrow. We will rest up in Joplin until Friday morning when we will make our way to Ponca OK.

The plan at this time is to fly to LA on Tuesday and then home Wednesday night, but it is subject to any travel conditions the Drks place on her travel and approval by our insurance company.

 

[soFlaNative]

An unfortunate outcome yet hoping Karen continues to mend.
May be a bit trite but all I can wish for you both is safe travels.

 

[hsguy]

A bit of positive news during a long ordeal, best wishes for an uneventful journey home!

 

[Onomea]

I am glad to see that Karen is being discharged from hospital. Light at the end of the tunnel!

 

[Old 44 Guy]

Kiwi, I am in Calif, so am too far to help. So I send my prayers and best wishes your way by Forum.

 

[Kiwi cop]

We have spent Memorial weekend in Ponca, Oklahoma, where my brothers sister-in-law lives.

Last night our insurance company called and advised that Karen gad been cleared to fly home. Tomorrow morning we will drive to Oklahoma City. Late in the afternoon we will fly to Houston then on home tomorrow night.

Due to Karen's injuries we have been upgraded to business (Air New Zealand's top) class. It will probably be the only time we fly in the front cabin. When I checked prices this morning they were $9,980 (NZ) per seat

Karen is adamant her touring days are over. She tells me that I can return but she will staying at home. I am not sure I want to travel solo of even with someone else, but time will see.

 

[pmanton]

Thanks for the update. Have a safe and easy flight home.