We parked on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Louisville this morning, strolled along the bank and made use of the weak wifi at a restaurant to update the journal and check emails. There had been a recent flood. Mud caked the walkways and boat docks, and there were work crews out cleaning away debris. The delight of the morning was a large beaver swimming along side the bank. Nina chased it for about 1/2 a mile trying to get some photos. We have never seen a beaver up close before and were surprised by its size.

Then onto the highway heading west through rolling fertile looking country in warm but windy weather. We arrived in St Louis late in the afternoon and could not resist parking on the banks of the Mississippi and went for a walk up to and into the Gateway to the West Arch. It truly is an impressive structure. We made a quick visit to the Lewis and Clark museum in the base of the arch. It seems I have learned some more American history since I was last here as much of the story seemed familiar.

All in all a nice travel day.