I had been to 48 states, and, obviously, had two left to conquer. Even though North Dakota is only an eight-hour drive from my home, it’s not on the way to anywhere (sorry, North Dakotans) nor have I had a particular reason to go. Despite the endless list of COVID bummers, this was an opportunity to add number forty nine. Fargo, here we come!

The Ohio River tumbles southwest from Pittsburgh a few hundred miles, along the borders of several states, before merging with the Mississippi to form the southern tip of Illinois. Somewhere beyond halfway, it bubbles below the Big Four Bridge, a majestic pedestrian and bike trail that connects Louisville, Kentucky with Jeffersonville, Indiana. On a stunningly beautiful Sunday, sauntering across the bridge, I found myself in one of those moments of wonder that I appreciate more with each passing year.