St. Louis

Now: the Southlands

Morning—and southward

Next stop: Twain country

South along the river

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis

A grand day downtown—and a warm welcome back in the driveway.

August 17, 2026 · Words and photographs by Michael Berglund

Paula walking toward the Gateway Arch beneath a dramatic blue sky — Back beneath the Arch. No need to go up this time.

A grand day in downtown St. Louis. We’d been up in the Arch before, so didn’t do that again, but enjoyed wandering the national park and the history museum.

We visited the Old Courthouse and the exhibit on the infamous Dred Scott Supreme Court decision.

Michael and Paula beneath the dome of the Old Courthouse — Inside the Old Courthouse.

The restored rotunda of the Old Courthouse — History beneath the dome.

Had a plate of St. Louis barbecue and stepped into the Cathedral Basilica, which rivals anything we’ve seen in Europe with its acres of elaborate mosaics.

A truly stunning place.

The vast mosaic-covered interior of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis — Acres of mosaics. Truly stunning.

Paula beneath a shaft of light and a mosaic inscription in the basilica — Behold your mother. And the excellent timing of a sunbeam.

A plate of St. Louis barbecue with ribs, beans, corn and bread — A plate of St. Louis barbecue.

Back in the driveway

Before and after all that, we have been warmly and kindly welcomed by friends Donny and Ann, and are using their driveway as a campsite. We met in Barra de Navidad last winter and have stayed in touch.

Having a blast sharing stories and music. Donny is a fantastic, unique—and patient—musician, and we have had a few fun sessions together. I really need to make music with others more.

We will reunite in Barra next winter!

Michael and Donny playing guitars together — Making music with Donny.

Axel tucked sleepily into a blanket — Axel’s contribution to the session.

Good stuff, St. Louis!

One more night in town

And then the plan went sideways

Now turn up the music

Keep driving south

The latest dispatch now has its own page

Natchez History Nerds

Continue to Natchez →