Flying Over and Around Pittsburgh and Saint Louis's Gateway Arch

Heading west in the M5, it was a two-day journey, and I had 2.5 days to do it, so I figured why not make some pitstops and have a look around?
Pittsburgh has become one of my favorite cities. The geography of it - essentially an island bordered by rivers accessed from the east through tunnels blasted through the rock of Mount Washington. To say the least, the entrance is dramatic. The architecture is varied and interesting. The 446 bridges - more than any city in the world - are fun to explore, and then there are all the museums, restaurants, parks and so on. I flew my drone first-thing the morning I came through and was thrilled with the birds-eye view I was able to capture - including over and around the bridges.
The next day I started in Saint Louis 600 miles to the west. Seeing the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch never ceases to amaze, and of course I wanted to take a closer look at it with the drone. I was sternly warned by the National Park Service not to even think about it. So I walked a good half mile away and launched the drone from there. As you can see, I kept a respectful distance. They warned they'd "shoot it down," so I didn't see any sense pressing my luck. Anyway, it's so cool! The audacity it must've taken to build such a thing.. and yet it's certainly become the symbol for the city - America's Gateway to the West, as you cross the mighty Mississippi - just like they did in "National Lampoon's Vacation" here:
• Vacation - St. Louis
As for the music, Neil Diamond's anthem - "America" - celebrates the dreams and aspirations of immigrants coming to the United States. The song's optimism reflects the hope and opportunities that America symbolizes, highlighting the country's promise of freedom and a better life. To me, it's the perfect song for the Fourth of July and this video.