Rivers Collide

Two of North America's largest rivers dance and merge just north of St. Louis, Missouri.  The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers are responsible for draining around 2/3 of the water that falls on the continental United States.  This very specific point, which can easily be identified on any map is just north of St. Louis and the subject of today's family field trip.

My oldest daughter when down to the very tip of the land to put her right hand in the Missouri River and her left hand in the Mississippi River.  I told her she can one day stump her children by asking them where on the map can she put both hands in both rivers at the same time?  I remember a similar question my father asked me when he told me he jumped across the Mississippi River.  Of course, looking at the river in St. Louis at the time, I thought he was pulling my leg.  Later, he told me he was fishing in Minnesota at the headwaters.  My daughter will likely have similar fun someday.

One last shot of the river markers and medallion marking the joining of the two mighty rivers.

Monday Mystery...

Where in St. Louis am I?

This week should be a pretty easy one.  But, I'm also looking for the event which takes me to this monument every year.  It's fairly unique to St. Louis, although other cities do the same types of things throughout their years, too.

Last week's Monday Mystery was indeed taken at Crown Candy Kitchen in the Old North Neighborhood of St. Louis.  If you've ever seen Man vs. Food on the Discovery Channel, you may have seen the episode where Adam (the show's host) tries to take on the milkshake challenge.  I think he had to finish 6 malts in a certain time period. (If anyone knows the exact challenge, feel free to put it in the comments.)  Of course, it's one of the few challenges he couldn't complete.  This place is known for it's rich malts, candy store, old fashioned fountain sodas, and BLTs....great sandwiches.  Easy enough to google if you are in the St. Louis area.   But, one word of due diligence, weekdays during the day are best....night is not recommended because of the neighborhood.  The daytime is filled with business lunches and plenty of people roaming the street corner.  Here are a couple more shots from Crown Candy Kitchen.

Waiting outside with my mother, wife, and kids.

Store window around the corner from the front door.  It's definitely a St. Louis landmark.

Happy Monday!

The Monday Mystery..

Where in St. Louis am I?

This week is a little harder to guess, even for the locals.

Last week, was The Ruins in Tower Grove Park.  That place is a HUGELY popular backdrop for area weddings.  If you find yourself there between May and October on a Saturday afternoon, you will be lucky to identify the rocky structure.  People are practically climbing on each other to get a picture taken all over the rocks.

These "rocks" are arranged pretty nicely, but it wasn't always this way.  These are actually "the ruins" of the old Lindell Hotel from 1867.  I can't remember if the hotel burned to the ground (I think so), or if it was just demolished in time.  Either way, Henry Shaw had the large stones carted out to Tower Grove Park and placed around the pond commissioned for the miniature sailboating hobby that was extremely popular around the turn of the century.

Truly a man before his time, Henry Shaw was quite famous for recycling old stonework from around town and using it throughout the park.  The Magnolia Street entrance gates are columns from The Old Courthouse.  The balusters surrounding the pond containing The Ruins are from the top of another old building that was being razed downtown.  Several other examples randomly appear around the park.  As time goes, I will try and chronicle what I learn.  The more I learn about the park, the more it, and Henry Shaw, fascinates me.

From the beginning..

Here is a shot of Chain of Rocks, again, but from Route 66's entry point into Missouri.  The Route 66 sign lies exactly on the state line between Illinois and Missouri.  My kids and I...and the dog....went up one evening when mom had to work late.  Not an artsy photo, just a quick snap...eyes closed and all...lol.  It was getting dark, as you can see, and this isn't the best area of the city to be running around after night falls.

Chain of Rocks

An old car sits on the deck of the old Chain of Rocks Bridge along Route 66 just north of downtown St. Louis, MO, at sunset.

Built to carry traffic across the Mississippi River and around the downtown bustle of St. Louis, MO, this bridge was the primary crossing along Route 66. A 22 degree bend in the center of the 5,353 foot span posed a continual navigational challenge for automobiles. The bend was originally designed to allow southbound riverboats to align themselves with the current, slide between the bridge’s piers, and avoid the midstream water intake towers that supply St. Louis with fresh water….quite the engineering feat for 1929.

Chain of Rocks earned it’s name from the rocky rapids that made this stretch of the Mississippi River extremely dangerous to travel. A low water dam has since been built to provide adequate depth for river traffic with the rocky shoal only partially visible, today, in low water periods.

The bend in the bridge, however, proved too be too much of an imposition for road traffic, and the bridge was permanently closed in 1967. The bridge feel into disrepair, and also became the location for several murders. Today, though, the Chain of Rocks Bridge is only open to foot and bicycle traffic thanks to the renovation of the area by a national trailway company’s efforts to preserve the site. It now serves as a monument to both modern engineering and The Mother Road, Route 66, and sits on the National Register of Historic Places.
(above text copied from my Flickr posting of the same picture)

Monday Mystery..

Where in St. Louis am I?

Yes, last week's shot was of the geodesic dome in Missouri's Botanical Gardens.  Named "The Climatron," it is the first geodesic dome to be used as a conservatory.  A geodesic dome is a spherical, or partially spherical, shell based on a network of great circles.  The geodesics intersect to form triangular, sometimes hexagonal or octagonal, elements which distribute the stress of the structure in a more balanced fashion.  Perhaps, the most famous geodesic dome is Spaceship Earth in Disney World's Epcot Center.  A conservatory is a large, glass greenhouse.  The Climatron has no interior support and no columns from floor to ceiling.  It rises 70 feet, has 1.3 million cubic feet of volume, and encloses over 24,000 square feet (more than half an acre).

Controlling a tropical rainforest's theme, The Climatron's temperatures range from 64F to 85F with an average humidity of 85%.  It houses more than 2,800 plants and more than 1,400 individual species.  Several species of birds also call The Climatron home.

While I continue to try and take a worthy picture of the structure itself, here are a couple shots I'm proud of that you can find when you go inside...

Enjoy your Monday.  Again, where is the picture at the top from?

Puck's Eye View..

A statue of former Blues great Al MacInnis outside Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri....home of the St. Louis Hockey Blues.  MacInnis had one of the hardest slapshots the league had ever seen.  His career spanned 15 years from 1982-2003; he signed with St. Louis in 1994 as a free agent.  The third ranking defensemen in hockey history, in terms of points, MacInnis was put in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.  His jersey now hangs in the rafters of Scottrade Center along side other St. Louis legends.

Which photo, though, do we like better?

1.

2.

Soulard Market

I need to get out and shoot some more material soon, but here is an old candid I love taken at Soulard Market just south of downtown St. Louis.  I need to get back there soon.  It's great for people watching.

I may give a historical perspective after I gather more material.

The Cleveland Gatehouse..

This secluded house within Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis, Missouri is located near Henry Shaw's "Tower Grove House" and his research library.  The structure was named the Cleveland Gatehouse.

Gatehouses used to be heavily depended upon structures used to strategically defend castles in medieval times. Often they were used in conjunction with drawbridges and murder holes.  However, once technologically less important, they became symbols of opulence and were used to house other things of less importance.  In this case, the Cleveland Gatehouse was built for the groundskeeper as a home.  It was also the last building Henry Shaw commissioned before his death.  Ironically, Shaw's will stipulated that the groundskeepers live in his home, Tower Grove House, after he passed.  So, only a few, if only one, groundskeepers actually resided here.

I haven't been able to find much detail on this building, or it's purpose, and it currently remains closed to the public.  However, if you look closely when visiting the gardens, you may agree with me that it is one of the more underrated beauties in terms of it's architectural detail.  The house was built in 1895 and has combined Gothic revival details combined with extensive shingles used in a pleasing harmony.

Veteran's Day at Jefferson Barracks

If you are looking for photographic opportunities, you look to places people gather.  On holidays such as Memorial Day and Veteran's Day, a great place to find people can be a cemetery, especially if you live within 20 minutes of a National Cemetery like Jefferson Barracks.  I drove down to capture some of the activities or scenery that caught my eye.  Here comes your brief history...

A little boy plays with the United States flag as his mother and grandmother paint the lettering of a tombstone.

Selected for it's strategic position south of St. Louis, Missouri, Jefferson Barracks opened in 1826, and became the United States Army's first permanent base west of the Mississippi River.  During the 1940s, it was also the largest military establishment in the country.  During the Civil War, Jefferson Barracks became a training post for Union soldiers.  Ironically, the cemetery also holds over 1,000 Confederate soldiers.  The cemetery has honorably served as a burial place for soldiers from all US wars.  

Grave markers roll with the hills as the flag in the background flies at half-staff honoring Veteran's Day.

The importance of the post waned rather quickly following World War II, and the post was deactivated in 1946.  However, the grounds continue to expand as a national cemetery as demand grows.  Jefferson Barracks was named to the National Register of Historical Places in 1998.

One marker is flanked by both the US flag and a flag commemorating Veteran's Day.

Technology, a Vacuum, and the MVP..

Cardinals hitting coach, Mark McGwire, at the World Series Parade.  We remember him for his homeruns, but in reality, he became one of the most patient hitters at the plate later in his career.  He preaches a philosophy of "working the count" and making a pitcher come to you with pitches you can hit within the strike zone.  It's not a new philosophy, just one that may surprise you coming from someone that used to look like his only purpose in life was to hit the ball out of the stadium and miles down the highway.  Below, Mark uses modern technology to remember the parade for himself.  He was always fairly shy with media when a player, and this may seem cool, but in my opinion it shows he still remains a bit disconnected from fans.  He never really waved, only smiled, as he hid behind his sunglasses (on a cloudy day)....and behind his iPad, pretending to be more interested in other things.  Oh well, I still like the guy.  We can't all be outgoing spokespeople.

This angle provided a pretty cool shot, though, of McGwire recording the crowd as he passed by.

The chant "MV-Freese" could be heard as World Series MVP David Freese rode by.  This guy has been on a whirlwind like I've never seen before since winning both the National League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors.  He is one of the few to ever be this hot as a hitter down the stretch and claim both honors in the same season.

The "vacuum" referenced Rafael Furcal's glove at shortstop during the playoffs.  Again, "one of the few" to ever make it through the entire post season without making a single error at his position, Furcal was a huge part, defensively, of the Cardinals' run to glory.  I love Ozzie Smith, being that I'm from St. Louis, but I don't think even The Wizard made it through a World Series run without committing a single error, but in fairness to him, I haven't looked, either.

More from the Fall Market..

I love candid photography.  Not exactly "street photography," but the kind where the others don't really know you are taking their picture....so they act naturally.  Here are a couple.

Walking through the mums at Kirwood's Farmer's Market.

And, point out a few things to her "mum" most likely.  I am finding out I am more of a photojournalistic photographer.  I really don't like the fake smiles and "say cheese" style.  I would rather walk around and catch my subjects (whether it be people, landscapes, birds, or anything else) as it looks when I'm not there.  It's just a little more pure, in my opinion.

Farwell to a Legend and Hello to Eleven..

You'll have to forgive my tilted horizon in the first one.  I meant to straighten it out in a software program, but realized I never will.  I know it's tilting right, but I don't care that much about it.  However, these photos are of our World Series Parade again.  

Tony LaRussa, who retired yesterday, waves to the fans as he gets the golden chair.....in the wagon pulled by the world famous clydesdales.  I wonder how the dalmation felt about Tony taking his usual seat?  Tony is the 3rd most winning manager in baseball history, and the winningest of the historic Cardinal franchise.  That alone says a lot.  He is a very polarizing personality in St. Louis, either you love him or hate him.  No matter which side of the fence you sit on, you have to respect the number of wins he put up over a career.  He certainly does a better job than I could do.

Kind of a strange shot here, but it was in focus.  I thought the World Series ring was a standout feature.  This is either the '06 ring or the one from Oakland.  Yes, LaRussa has 3 of them now, another major achievement no matter how you feel about him.  Farewell, Tony, I don't know who will replace you, but I don't think we will see another era like this for a long time.....16 years, I don't remember how many playoff appearances, 4 World Series appearances, 3 Championships.  That's crazy good!

The cloudy, windy day and the moving targets made shooting on slower shutter speeds more difficult than I'm used to.  I didn't have much time to get creative with the shots.  I just snapped off as many as I could and took what was in focus.

Now, to focus on the future/present.  Here's the owner, Bill DeWitt, with the World Series Trophy.

If you look closely, you will see DeWitt holding up both index fingers.  He is signaling to the crowd that this trophy is number eleven in franchise history.  The saying going around town during the playoff run was that we were a team of destiny this year......their 11th Championship in 2011.

Now, this shot was cool.  He lifted the trophy above his head for the cheering fans.  However, I really like the backdrop of fall trees.  To me, that is what makes the shot special.  The Fall Classic truly realized here.

Don't Cry, Yadi

Especially, don't cry when it was announced today that you won the Gold Glove.  #4, which makes you the most decorated Cardinal catcher ever. 

The top photo is straight from the camera.  The bottom has been processed a little.

Quite the difference!  Oh, as for the facts...Mike Matheny also has 4 Gold Gloves, but only 3 were as a Cardinal.  I'm pretty sure Tom Pagnozzi has 2.  And, to my recollection, that was also the most recent lineage of catchers.  Pags tutored Matheny a little, who tutored Yadi.  Nice bloodline, eh?

Monday Mystery..

Where in St. Louis am I?

This should be obvious to any native St. Louisan this week.  But, I'm more asking "what street am I on, and what event is happening?"  The sun poked out and lit the Arch perfectly for a brief moment....just long enough for me to switch lenses and snatch it.  Please forgive the lousy crop and lack of post-editing.  Future photos, for awhile, look better.  Happy Halloween, by the way!!

Oh, and the last Monday Mystery photo was taken out in Chesterfield, by the airport, at Rombach Farms...a neat local pumpkin patch.

Mums, Mums, Everywhere...

These huge mums were for sale outside the Kirkwood Farmer's Market.

Today, we will be going down to the parade celebrating the Cardinals championship.  We cancelled our leaf-peeping tour...again...because some things are just more important.  Our rationale:  Leaves turn colors every year.  The home team isn't in the World Series every year.  Once again.....Go Cards!!

Future Jack-o-Lanterns?

Pile of pumpkins ready for carving at the Kirkwood Farmer's Market.

Temperate Courtyard

I definitely need to get out and shoot again soon.  Been swamped with work as leaves begin to fall.

The Temperate House is located just behind The Climatron.  I had never been inside before, but it's definitely worth a look.  This newer house replaced the old 1913 built Mediterranean House, which gives away the purpose of the indoor facility.  Pictured is the central courtyard.  Another dominating feature inside is the old portico of St. Leo's churh/school in St. Louis.  The portico was designed by George I. Barnett, a local 19th century architect.  Barnett also designed several other buildings for Henry Shaw's gardens. 

This area of Missouri Botanical Gardens is climate controlled to mimic the environments of the Mediterranean, Southern California, Central Chile, etc, around the world.  Cool, moist winters and warm, dry summers are the main weather features of these areas of the world.  Temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees, and rarely rise above 90 degrees.  Heck, I ought to move in and set up camp.  Can't go wrong with that kind of weather, huh?

Water Lily..

The more I learn to shoot flowers, the more I love water lillies.  They are so simple.  And, I'm finding I am more of a "minimalist" photographer.  Sure, I love sports and action shots, but ultra-simple photography really appeals to me for some reason.

This lily was sitting in front of The Climatron in the reflecting pools.  There are also water lillies in Tower Grove Park, Compton Hill Resevoir (click link for former blog link with location and map), Forest Park, and other places around the city.  (Image shot at f/7.1 @ 1/1000th)

Ottoman Flower..

I was fascinated by the water droplets still on the petals here.  I have tried to capture this type of thing before without much luck.  These flowers were very pretty even though they were only about 6-8 inches high.  I probably looked like an idiot lying down in the dirt to get the angle, but I didn't much care about what others thought.  I wish I could have avoided the greenery on the left cutting into the flower, but this was by far the prettiest flower in the bunch.  Oh well.  (Image shot at f/5.6 @ 1/640th)