North Branch, MN

It was a nice bicycle ride starting out from Stillwater this morning.  Rather than following the Adventure Cycling Route,  I chose to follow Highway 95.    There were a number of hills, the wind was a challenge, but the scenery was pretty and the roads were good. Small towns such as Arcola, Marine on St. Croix, Palmdale, and Almefind were pretty nondescript but pleasant.  I did find Taylor Falls to be quaint and popular with tourists. It is here that one can cross the river into Wisconsin but I chose to stay on the Minnesota side. The rock formations along the river were beautiful; the river was really extraordinary, and quite beautiful. Taylor Falls sits down in the valley and the bicycle ride leading to the town was exhilarating as I roared down at speeds approaching 30 mph. Climbing out was quite another experience. There my speeds were agonizingly slow with a long hard pull back out of the valley, where upon reaching the flatlands above the wind again became a companion...the wrong direction of course! From this point on I will be heading more to the west as opposed to the north. My race to the coast now once again begins.

Taylor Falls Region

About 1.1 billion years ago a great Rift Valley formed across the North American continent from the Lake Superior region southwest to Kansas.  As this Rift Valley opened, lava flowed into it, accumulating to a thickness of up to 20 km in the Lake Superior region. These dark gray basalt rocks that formed the St. Croix River Gorge are made from these rift lava flows. What is depicted in this picture is a deep valley with the river flowing through it. Tannin colored, I could watch the fish jumping and churning as I looked down upon the river. Incredible!

Stillwater, MN

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay with Darwyn and Mary Tri... What a fun couple!  Started out from Red Wing, Minnesota, and then traveled to Prescott, followed by Afton, and then on to Stillwater. First part of the trip was absolutely lovely but at about 5 miles out of Red Wing the roads turned bad, the hills were steep, my knees hurt, and the wind was brutal. Upon reaching Afton I deserted the Adventure Cycling route and took the Stage Coach Trail. This was a much more humane route and the rest of the trip went well. Managed to do 50 miles today. Some of the back roads recommended by Adventure Cycling may be pretty but they are steep, rugged, and not suited for an old man who just turned 66. But look at me now...I'm situated in a swanky hotel, there's a great restaurant, a huge hot tub, and a beautiful room. This is turning out to be a great birthday! I do miss my sweet wife and so wish she were here with me. After this trip, my goal is to never spend a birthday without her again. She still makes my heart flutter after nearly 41 years of marriage.

 

 This sweet little waitress brought chocolate truffles to me when she found out it was my birthday! It had really been a hard ride and her kindness and the wonderful chocolate truffles really lifted my spirits and gave me the boost I needed to make it to Stillwater. Thank you Courtney, you are my new best friend!

 All of the inexpensive rooms had been taken and the only thing left was the higher-priced rooms. This gentleman took mercy on me after we chatted on the phone for a little while. Thank you very much...my room is beautiful!

The Water Street Inn

Traveler and I are basking in high-end relaxation this evening. Traveler is leaning up against the wall, seemingly asking the question: "Are you sure we are in the right place?"The tub is huge, has a whirlpool, and it's going to have me in it in the next 15 minutes.

View from my balcony window

 

 

 

 

Good morning Wisconsin 66

 

Prescott

Bird Sanctuary

 This sculpture represents the danger of litter, the damage that it causes to wildlife, and the unsightliness that it causes. In the construction of this sculpture, the artist wished to show that litter has better alternatives than to be an eyesore. I will let you judge for yourself whether or not he achieved this objective.

I was out in the middle of nowhere, starving to death, and this incredible restaurant showed up in the middle of nowhere! Bicyclists over the years gave it the name Oasis because that's exactly what it is! The food was unbelievable! The owner filled up my Camelback with Great water, served me fantastic coffee, and a brunch to kill for.

Wabasha & Redwing, MN

Stunning morning overlooking the Mississippi River as the sun rises over the water. Wabasha is a beautiful area, pristine beauty, and the homes along the river are magnificent.

Terry Stroot ( my Warm Showers host) and John and Mary Ochsner who fed me brownies, ice cream and beer last night.  John is about 80 and is still bicycling. Mary knows better!

National Eagle Center, Wabasha

Today was kickback day only doing 30 miles. Weather was good, winds were light, and the scenery beautiful. Arrived in Redwing early in the afternoon and visited a confectionery store where I ate three ice cream cones, all different flavors, and would've eaten more if I'd had more time. Absolutely wonderful ice cream! Seems like while I'm riding I could eat anything I want, as much as I want, and I'm still losing weight like crazy.
Redwing is a beautiful city, with an old downtown, and you could see that there is pride in ownership.  Darwyn and Mary Tri are my hosts this evening...and very gracious hosts they are!  Had a wonderful dinner, great hamburgers, salad, and dessert!   I have to leave town before I eat them out of house and home.
Helped feed the livestock. My contribution was feeding a half pound miniature goat, while Darwyn fed the goats, the chickens, the cow, the dogs, and everything else. Darwin did not want to give me more than I can handle. One baby pygmy goat... that's about right!
Off to Wisconsin tomorrow.  Will continue north, and try getting in 60 or 70 miles.

ADM plant in Redwing, MN

This is where my host for tonight works. When I heard him talking on the radio trying to sort out difficulties, I thought... I love retirement!

Darwyn & Mary Tri

Baby pygmy goat has been rejected by it's mama. Must be fed every three hours and I get to do it at least once. Just cute as a bug!

Wabasha, MN

Had a great ride today!  Started out in La Crescent, climbed out of the valley into the bluffs above (killer climb) and had a beautiful panoramic view of the Mississippi Valley. Good winds from the south, good roads, and beautiful scenery made for a wonderful trip. After traveling about 10 miles, the route took me back down into the valley. Now that was a fun ride as I reached speeds of 38 mph... Could've gone faster but I thought if I were to hit a bump my panniers would fly in all directions! I felt like Mario Andretti on a bicycle! From there it was on to Nodine, Pickwick, Homer, and then Winona. From this point on the skies opened up... You really couldn't call it rain...it was more like standing under a waterfall. My rain gear held up marvelously and knowing that I would float as opposed to melt, I just kept trucking on.  The rain and I traveled on to Minneiska, Weaver, Kellogg, and ultimately arrived at Wabasha.  My Warm Showers host, Terry Stroot, noted that he had a tepee that he would allow people to use. The joke was on me as you can see from the picture below.  I can tell already I'm going to like Terry. He left his whole house unlocked for me but keeps his bicycle locked up and owns more kayaks than I do.  This is a man after my own heart! This was really a fun day.

Climbing killer hills again

 On the bluffs overlooking La Crescent, MN, and I found the land rich with apple orchards.

Looking down on the Mississippi River

Really cool peak outside the window of the restaurant in Winona. I wonder how many people climb to the top of that.

La Crescent, MN

Had a great day of bicycling and rode more than 50 miles...all of it along the Mississippi River Valley area. Unbelievable scenery, minimal headwinds, and nice roads made for good travel. I left Iowa and entered Minnesota today. I can look across the river and see Wisconsin. I left Harpers Ferry, Iowa, this morning and headed towards Lansing to New Albin where I then crossed into Minnesota. From there I went to Brownsville and I'm presently in La Crescent, Minnesota. Contacted the police department to find a place to camp and Officer Lori set me up at Veterans Park near the American Legion. I had a dinner of fried shrimp, french fries, and a cold beer. The sleeping bag will feel terrific tonight!




Sleeping at Veterans Park tonight.  They had an old Charlie model which I had someone take my picture in front of.

I would sit behind the copilot with my foot on the skid so I could be the first one out.

 Roll-on Mississippi, roll-on. Getting close to Minnesota.

My first bicyclist, Steve Chatteron

Harpers Ferry, IA

Had a great ride today to Harpers Ferry, Iowa. Got in my 40 miles and then I saw these cabins... I just couldn't help myself...they are so cool!  One of these in the Rockies and I would be in Heaven.  Should make it to Minnesota tomorrow.

Near Waukon Junction, Iowa

In honor of...

Rudolph Penzes, 84, was born in Hungary, survived WWII, escaped  during the Hungarian revolution in 1956, landing in Canada. He is a survivor and taught his children the importance of a solid education. It was, his daughter (Catherine Belaski) believes, one of his most important endeavors.
 Suffering dementia and struggling with cancer he is being guided through the final stages of this life by his daughter, Catherine. Mr. Penzes can only be honored by the knowledge that there are those who love him and care for his well-being. As an honor to him, his family, and his life, he will join our group of souls on this journey. These details of his life will be included with those of the veterans that I am carrying on this ride, and he will join us in spirit as we make our way to the West Coast.  Mr. Penzes, during your lucid moments I hope that you might be able to enjoy the details of this blog and be a part of this journey both in knowledge and spirit.  Move over troops, make room for Rudolph Penzes.