Day 27 – Wednesday, June 2

40.7 miles tandem, Odometer: 1840 – Melrose, MN, to Royalton, MN

KEVIN – Today was an easy day. We wanted to stay at Two Rivers Campground to go swimming. The first 30 miles were on the Lake Wobegon Trail, where Elizabeth was definitely above average. The last 10 miles were on the road with some (not heavy) traffic. Elizabeth noticed the first semi truck but was unfazed by the rest. We crossed the Mississippi River near the end of our ride and camped on its bank. Tomorrow we will freelance on the roads. We expect a 68 mile day.

Every day I hear meadowlarks along the way. I am traveling close to the ground at a speed that lets me notice and avoid caterpillars crawling across the road.

Elizabeth inquired about the depth of the Mississippi River, here near its origin, and we surmised that it is shallow, based on the mostly flat banks. Later we watched a deer walk and swim across, with the swim portion appearing to be about 10 yards.

ELIZABETH – Today was great – no bike problems!! Me and Kevin rode 40 miles. We got a little bit lost but made it to the campground. There is a swimming pool, mini golf, a laundromat and ICE CREAM!

Best moment: When I went SWIMMING!

Worst moment: When we got lost.

Surprise: That there was a pool.

What I learned: It can get hot in Minnesota.

SUZI – I’ve been admiring these old silos for several days now. Nearly every farm I pass has one or more, same diameter, different heights. Many have the checkered pattern near the top. Today I took a few dirt road detours to try to get some good photos. Unfortunately, photography while driving a 50′ rig is like trying to pick up detritus on the floor while 8 months pregnant.

Here’s an editorial I like about the Hansen silos. Also for your enjoyment, a couple pics of the cows that stood up and came running when I got out of the truck to take their photo. Very friendly (or possibly hungry) cows.

https://qctimes.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/alma-gaul/homefront-silos-will-always-be-farm-building-to-me/article_cd6159d7-b83d-5967-9d88-b8edddac15d0.html