To bike on the Katy trail was great. No cars, lots of protection from wind and sun and nice little towns on the side of the trail. We stopped and have a look on the small towns we passed but when it came to the bigger ones, Boneville and Jefferson we failed completly. The checkout of our accomodation was poor and we ended up so far outside city center that we did not even bother to think about going back into town. We got stuck in our room at the outskirts of the city centers. Better was our last site in Klondike statepark. We stopped in Augusta for dinner before we went the last few reminding miles to Klondike. While putting up the tent we had a good chat with one of the rangers who where very interested in what we are doing and the trip we are on. Klondike is a statepark with campingfacilitys placed just beside the Katy trail. In the park there are paths to walk and from a high point you get a very scenic view over the surrounding landscape.

The overall experience of Katy trail is positive. Very interesting to follow the remains of this old railway and read about its history at the Trail heads. We are now planning for a new route towards Washington DC. From Pittsburgh there is the same type of old railroad converted into bikepaths that goes all the way into Washington. Getting to Pittsurgh in one piece is now our primary goal. This new route is shorter than the original planned so we might have to bike shorter day stretches and a bit slower. What a pity…NOT! 🙂

Two nights in St Louis is enough for this time and it is time to get back to business. We have compensated for the bad locations in Boonville and JC with those nights in St Louis at the Millenium hotel situated just beside one of the city skyline profiles, The Arch. Watching the Arch, checking out the City Museum and just strolling around downtown has been very nice.

Tomorrow we will continue our tour following the new route.