St. Louis area run....take 2, Hey, let's try this again... Options

[SpecialK]

Well, we're still getting some ran now and then, but this is about as nice as it gets out here in MO (no A/C required yet). Matt (ninefourteener) and I were discussing the possibility of getting another St. Louis area run going, and are needing some input as to the when and where. I suggested that we meet somewhere around the I-270/ Hwy. 21 (Lemay Ferry) interchange, and cruise down to Elephant Rock State Park. Lots of curvie roads getting there, plus we have some locals (eresener, flatout) to show us some more (maybe even some cool swimmin' holes if it's hot that day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif) ). I was thinking about Sat. June 26th, but hey... let's hear what you guys would like to do. I don't particularly care where we go, as long as it requires (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[SpecialK]

Elephant Rocks State Park is a Granite formation about an hour or so south of St. Louis. It's a nice ride down Hwy 21, but you can get there using I-55 south to Farmington if you prefer a quicker route. All of the cobble stone on the St. Louis landing, levee and the base of the Eads Bridge was quarried from there back in the late 1800's, and the stone mason's left behind graffitti (names, dates, etc.), pretty neat. They've got a little nature trail that runs through the park...very enjoyable/educational stroll. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Not far from Elephant Rocks is Johnson Shut-ins State Park and Taum Sauk State Park. Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri, and a nice curvie drive, and Johnson Shut-ins is another granite formation that the Black River runs through creating natural waterslides (very cool (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)) that dump into a deep pool (also very cool (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif) ), bring trunks and a towel (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) .

The best part is that to get to any of these places requires you to drive on some of the squirreliest roads in MO. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/MDB2.gif)