Pictures Day 6

Guest rider Steve Greenman

Old Stuff ???????

3 Amigos

Funky yard art shop ( Pepin WI )

Steve Moe promised us we would be OK  ??????

Bridge construction does in Terry's tire

A scenic view of Mississippi  ( Lake Pepin )

No more van problems for us 

Over the River and through the woods to Tim Torgerson's house we go!

No glitches in the morning!  Getting started this morning was a bit easier as we stayed in a hotel last night.  We woke to a Continental Breakfast with no clean up and no beds to make.

Dave and Terry started the morning in St.Cloud at Clemens Park.  Acres of perennials in bloom and manicured to the nines.  They headed southeast to Inver Grove heights.  They were blessed with 20 miles of brand new blacktop with no traffic.  It was a dream come true.  I was driving the van so I was bit envious.

Once we got into the cities being support proved to be a bit challenging. Terry was like little riding hood trying to find his way thru the forest on the bike trails trying to get to St.Paul.   Dave and I drove from river spot to river spot trying to find him popping out every now then with no success!   You could call it a glitch!

We finally decided it would be best to just find each other at the end.  

We met up with Terry and Tim Torgerson who used to work at the YMCA some 26 years ago.  Tim and his wife Carol treated us to a lovely dinner of burgers on the grill and sweet corn.  It was fun for Dave and Terry to reminisce about the good old days of Austin.  Dave and Terry both went to Carol's fitness classes.  Terry said it was called TUF.  Tuned Up Fitness!  Terry said it was hard.  

Time to turn in!  More tomorrow!  We are heading to Steve Moe's house tomorrow.  Will somebody call Steve and tell him we are coming?

Day 4 Pictures

Dave ready to go

You do not see these every day (Elk River MN)

Sign for picture above

View from the bike trail ( Mpls )

Canopied bike trail leaving St Cloud 

Otter Creek Park bike sculpture

Palisades to St Cloud

Well today was another morning another glitch!  This morning we woke up to a dead battery on the van.  So we called  1-800-I M stuck.   The guy came and saved the day so Terry and Dave went on their Merry Way!

Off they went in the morning air fresh legs and cheerios in their belly only to discover a 6.5 mile gravel road with road construction.  We survived without a flat.

Today we rode by the best ribs place that was flaming hot.  The bucket of bones in Ironton Mn.  Terry and I both manned the grill.  Ha!

 Thinking of Judy Skogeboe today along the trail and hope she is doing well in her recovery.  We wish you well!!! Hang in there Sam!!

We  saw the beautiful Camp Ripley today with miles of stone fencing and well manicured veterans cemetery!

Lots of beautiful country side along the Mississippi and not to be outdone by the Best Lemonade stand along the route.  We saw some kids sitting by their Lemonade stand and flagged us down. Terry pulled aside and ordered us up some big yellow cups of Lemonade.  Sure Hit the Spot!!!  Thanks kids write us a comment and give us your names. We'd loved to know your names!!!!

Arrived in St.Cloud about 5:30 and Terry met up with his friend Greg for a quick garden tour while Dave and I got us a room at a local hotel.  Livin good tonight.   We had a lovely dinner at Greg"s house and he even let us throw our stinky clothes in his new wash machine.

The first three days have been fabulous but I will say it is time to start bringing out the ointments.   Butt is getting sore and lips are taking a beating from the sun. Cold Sores starting to flare up.  Suntan lotion, vaseline etc....

Eyes are bobbing so we need to call it a day!

Day 3 Pictures

Cruising the riverside

Ironton Mn Bucket of Bones BBQ

Only a pilot would notice this

The BEST Lemonade stand on the Mississippi By Sartell Mn

Sunny Side Up

Best Dam view in Sartell Mn

Greetings from Palisade!

Day began with another glitch.!   Key stuck in the car top carrier and so we used some faithful old ratchet straps to hold down our garb.

Off we went to Winniebigosh to Start our day of riding.  Sunshine, perfect temps and no wind!   Dave and Terry started the day heading into Grand Rapids where we met friends of the Fox Family for pastries and juice.   What a gorgeous town it was.  Nice bike paths and clean old river city.

Dave and  Terry were then joined by a former Austinite who has only been in Grand Rapids for 4 months.  Del & Monica Hennessey.  Del met us on the course and rode into town with them and then treated us to fresh out of the oven cookies and cold watermelon.  Del  then led us back to our course and sent us on our way.

That is when Julie jumped in to do the last part of the day along the river.  We did have to ride on a gravel road for about 1 1/2 miles.  It was packed tightly so not a big problem.  the scenery for the day was pretty much country side for the whole day.

 We rode into Palisade about 4:00 this afternoon into an empty campsite right on the Mississippi River.  It was clean, quiet and charming.

 Terry met another young rider who came from San Francisco who went up the coast and came thru Montana,  South Dakota, into Mn and is heading east to the coast then south down to Florida.   So we aren't so crazy after all!!!

Quiet night in the city and we are heading off to bed!

Night to all!

Smile for every mile

First flat of the trip

Bridge over Mississippi (viewed from our campground)r

First night of camping 

Who needs a Jenn-Air?