Wednesday, 9/13/17

Breakfast at our campsite, then took an auto tour back in time, driving past my childhood homes and schools in St. Louis.   I was overwhelmed with how much the area has developed since I was growing up here.  Narrow country roads through the farmlands just west of our home are now densely populated suburbs filled with MacMansions.  Two of our homes have been torn down and replaced with houses probably twice the size.  Amazing.

Leaving my old neighborhoods, we headed to South St. Louis where we had wonderful lunch at a bakery/café, Russells on Macklind.  We then grabbed two slices of gooey butter coffee cake at another café/bakery, Park Avenue Coffee, near Lafayette Square, and then headed for the zoo in Forest Park where the 1902 Worlds Fair was held.

We spent three hours at the zoo.  The temperature was in the high sixties and the crowds were almost non-existent, so it was a perfect day to enjoy all the wonderful animals.  Most of the animal habitats were upgraded since our last visit.  Clearly a reflection of the changing times and our culture's sensitivity to animal rights and conservation. No more elephant shows or small cages.  The St. Louis zoo is regarded by many as one of the best in the country...and it's FREE!

Leaving the zoo, we headed for a barbecue restaurant, Salt + Smoke, in University City, not too far from the zoo.  U-City reminds me a lot of Cambridge; especially along Mass Ave.  Our meal was fabulous; pulled pork for Joni and ribs for me, and the sides were equally sensational.

Finally returned to our campsite at sunset after a return visit to Ted Drewes' for frozen custards.