Our official starting point...

St. Louis. Although we've traveled through St. Louis on several of our previous road trips (Route 66, Great River Road, and Route 50 part 1), we've had limited time to explore the town. In fact, I don't think we have ever spent the night there. So I think we are going to stay at the Marriott in the historic Union Station.

 

It's just a hop, skip and a jump

I just got the mileage data in our planning spreadsheet.  It contains entries for mileage between the towns listed in our travel book, plus possible detours.  The route is just under a thousand miles with an additional 400 miles for possible detours.  Last year's portion was well over 2,000 miles so this will be just a mere jaunt!

Just goes to show these eastern states are miniature compared to the western states.  Last year, we travelled through 6 states (not counting Illinois) and this year will cover 7 states (plus Washington, DC).

So now it is time for Debby to do her daily drive breakdown using the mileage in the spreadsheet.  Part of the daily allotment is impacted by what fun stuff we decide to stop and do...some of which will only be decided along the way.  So she has to plan for where our whims might lead!