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.