The Elevator Channel

Like so many others, I had to slow down a bit due to COVID. But I’ve slowly been starting to get out and travel again. Which of course means more content is in the works.

Tonight’s hotel was a real winner. Video coming soon.

With recent events, I think a lot of us are missing travel. That’s why I’ve decided to premier a 3-part trip report I shot back in January over the next few weekends. Part 1 goes live tomorrow morning — a trip on Southwest. Part 2 is a hotel review and part 3 is a new long distance Amtrak trip.

Also tried something new with voiceovers replacing the text captions I’ve been using for years. Let me know what you think.

It’s easy to get discouraged during these tough times. I’ve had to cancel a few trips, but I’m thankful to be healthy and employed. Whether it’s May, June, or some time further in the future, life will eventually start getting back to normal. And we can all get back to doing what we love. Until then, I hope this glimpse back just a few months to more normal times can brighten everyone’s day a bit.

By request, it's time to ride the Chief!

TRIP REPORT - Amtrak Southwest Chief, Chicago to Los Angeles By popular request, I went and checked out Amtrak's Southwest Chief. This video documents in detail what it's like spending 2 days in a roomette sleeper. The...

Got an update - The fire started when a white cargo van was driven into the carwash from the wrong direction. The subsequent fire caused the van's fuel tank to explode.

Remember Splish Splash car wash? As you may have heard on YouTube, it was destroyed in a freak explosion earlier this week. Since it’s in my neighborhood I’ve been monitoring the status pretty closely.

St. Louis Elevators and I took a closer look today. The damage is unbelievable. All equipment destroyed and the exterior wall is collapsing. I’m not even sure the building can be saved.

I’ve been asked about the cause and I don’t know more than what’s in the news. I’m friendly with the mechanic who operates the auto shop next door, but haven’t been able to speak to him since his business was also affected and closed down. My best guess is that they had a gas leak overnight. Fumes built up in the wash and something created a spark. But who knows...

I’ll post any more info if I get it.

https://www.kmov.com/news/explosion-rocks-south-city-neighborhood-overnight/article_aac4ee7a-3c40-11ea-8a8e-df609f4c0926.html

And the award for the world's most bland hotel suite goes to...

Hotel Review - Strange 2-Bedroom Suite at Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach MO In yet another Tan-Tar-A video from this past Winter (before the re-branding to Margaritaville), I was placed in a 2-bedroom suite due to renovations in the ...

Ever wonder what those new-ish international flights on Southwest are like?

TRIP REPORT - Southwest (737-700), Cancun to St Louis I've been curious about the international Southwest experience since they started offering flights to CUN out of STL a few years ago. During our Spring vacat...

Feel like I travelled back in time to 1968 last night. I had fun shooting this room review 😁

All set for next Saturday the 18th :)

Today's car wash vid revisits one of the cheapest locations I've ever visited ($3 wash back in 2014). Turns out it's been updated with a gorgeous new Washworld system.

New Washworld Razor Car Wash - Phillips 66 Natural Bridge, 2019 Revisit By popular request, I went back to check out the new system at the Phillips 66 on Natural Bridge Rd up in North St Louis County. What a beautiful system and ...

Didn’t get a video, but I got to try out Air Choice One’s newest toy a few days ago on a trip for work. Beech 1900C. So cool to see these guys growing and adding bigger/faster planes to the fleet.

http://theregaliahotel.com The infamous Country Club Hotel re-opened it’s doors under a new name. Promotional photos look beautiful. Not sure when I’ll be back in the area but I’ll have to check it out. I wonder if the famous Dover got modded finally...

Regalia Hotel & Conference Center - Lake of the Ozarks Lodging The Regalia Hotel & Conference Center offers luxury rooms and resort amenities, just minutes from shopping, golf, wineries, and the Lake of the Ozarks.