This is Fort Amanda, somewhere north of Wapakoneta, Ohio. Originally a settlement for American troops in the early 1800's, now a cemetery, memorial and country park.

A brisk walk around the park there yesterday, enjoying a barmy 75F and the autumn colours. The river is calm apart from the odd ripple, allowing for a picture of complete symmetry.

Today is dull and windy (but still surprisingly mild). A contrast.

We visited the Americanized version of Oktoberfest in Minster on Saturday. It seemed to comprise a large market selling food (but not an extensive selection) and crafts - very expensive and amazing how enterprising some people can be with old rubbish!

 Beer was also on offer, mainly the usual American selection of Budweiser variations and some imports. You had to queue up and purchase beer tickets at $2 each and imported beer cost two tickets. Rather than drink the usual Bud I concentrated on the imports - Bass Pale Ale from UK was good but I gave the Stella Artois a miss. There was also a selection brewed locally in Mister with some subtle flavourings and the lager was particularly good.

Heading east-bound over the shore of Lake Michigan en route to Columbus. A wet day.

On the move again, this time to Chicago and onto Columbus with American Airlines. Not flown with them before but if the quality of the boarding card is anything to go by, and the fact they code share with British Airways, then I'm hoping it should be a good trip.

Terminal 3 at Manchester is quieter and a lot more civilized than the bustle of T2. I've flown into O'Hare a couple of times and that always impresses me, particularly the neon lighting effects they have in the underground walkways. Almost three hours stopover at O'Hare then onto Columbus, OH.

This weekend is Oktoberfest (=beer) so planning to visit one at Minster, OH http://www.minsteroktoberfest.com/ . Also a home game of the Wapakoneta Redskins (American Football) against Saint Mary's so that should be interesting as I'm still working out the finer points of that game. Well I guess the US doesn't quite understand cricket either!