Will's schedule, which drew inspiration from the Baton Death March, didn't disappoint and we arrived just in time for the St. Louis game at Busch Stadium. Adam had already sent us several text messages, a clear sign that he didn't get enough of us and wanted to live vicariously through our exploits. On our way we had three highlights: at 15-story cross outside of a church, surviving East St. Louis and turning up several contributions by St. Louis' own Nelly from our stereo system. Thankfully, stabbings were miraculously avoided
This park, however, was the site of a deeply troubling occurrence: the streak of free tickets has ended after 6 games. A single tear rolls down my cheek as I write these words. St. Louis, generally referred to as the Greatest Baseball City, cost us 20 dollars EACH because it was completely sold out. Will did manage to get a free hot dog and cola from the person who sold us the tickets, so it wasn't a total loss. We have revised our goal in light of this Business Will Fail. We have agreed that breaking even for tickets is now our goal and Will has assured Todd that it will not be a problem.
As for the game, it was pretty much a dud. Recent addition Matt Holliday didn't reach base and slugger Albert Pujols only got a board because of a walk. Actually, it was his strikeout with the tying run on in the 8th inning that cleared out the stadium. We all agreed that in a two-run ballgame, the "Greatest Baseball City" should have supported the home team until the very end. That being said, the supposedly "mild" weather had all three of us sweating more than an atheist in church by the end of the game. Still, the fans up to that point did prove to be very knowledgeable and the environment was a welcome sight compared to the malaise that existed in the 'Natti. In sticking around for the end, we talked to some incredibly nice people who gave us some ideas for where to camp. Max, much like his commitment to get us tickets for the White Sox game, didn't pull through on his make-believe friend that we could stay with in St. Louis. However, he did continue to serve as a buffer between Will's story telling and Todd's poor ears. We'll call it a wash.
Not surprisingly, before we took Max to the airport, at trip to the "Valhalla of Manhood" a.k.a. Anheuser Busch's headquarters was in order. Thanks to those romantic speaking Belgians, they are no longer technically American owned (something Will pointed out to our red white and blue tour guide) but the tour of the brewery was fabulous. It included a visit to the stables where the Clydesdales are kept, very beautiful architecture, ornate designs, the packaging plant and the fermentation rooms. Then again, who are we kidding, we didn't come to learn but instead for the two complimentary pints of beer that greeted us at the conclusion of our visit.
Speaking of conclusions, this was also the end of Max's time with us. As he said it best on our way to the airport: "This sucks. Now I have to return to work, a live-in girlfriend and two dogs that piss everywhere." So true, so true. We dropped him off and continued on our way.
About an hour west of St. Louis we stopped at what we coined "Lake Motel 6," where we enjoyed a free visit to the pool/Will's idea of a bath. We stayed on the east side of the "lake," out of view of the hotel lobby. We also managed to acquire a cooler full of complementary ice. Mission accomplished. After making sandwiches in a gas station parking lot, we followed the directions of a local towards a place to camp. Finger Lakes State Park however was gated shut when we arrived. This, be assured, did not stop Will from driving in via the "Authorized Vehicles Only" route and we successfully scored a free night's camp. Todd nearly suffered a panic attack from the claustrophobic nature of our sleeping situation. Our two-man tent was apparently designed by pigmies and Todd ultimately decided to pull up a hunk of ground in lieu of suffocation.
We slept wonderfully and arose to the sweet serenade of a Southern Mo. couple fighting about soup operas and engaging in animal abuse. Yes, reread that. As we began to fear for our lives, we snuck back out of the park and headed towards UM's gorgeous campus, where this post is being written. Tonight, we couch surf again in KC and look forward to our game on the morrow. More to come....
Todd & Will
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