Stillwater, MN

Friday September 21st

It rained during the night so I waited until the tent was dry and did some laundry before departing around midday.

I stopped in Bemidji at a health food store for food and a wool clothing store for a pair of socks.

Around 3pm I survived riding and pushing my bike though a mud bath of a road. The rain the previous night must have softened up the road which was being maintained! Okay, I ignored the no through traffic sign and I decided not to take the detour. (New acronym YAD yet another detour.....YADDA YADDA.....)

I stopped at the convenience store in Bena for some refreshments and I did some maintenance on my tail light. Once it was working properly I departed not knowing where I would stay the night.

I arrived at a bridge over the Mississippi River at 8:23pm and I decided to stay there the night. People in cars can't see you if you camp just below the road. I felt safe. Some deer were not happy I was there as I heard them making warning noises in the dark. The meal was good and I had another good sleep.

Saturday September 22nd

There was a heavy dew but I decided to pack up the wet tent and continue. I had a general delivery package to pick up in Grand Rapids.

There was a convenience store in Ball Club and I stopped to get enough water for the ride to Grand Rapids.

There were nice pleasant and quiet roads all the way to Grand Rapids. A farmer stopped to talk while I was munching on some chocolate at a rest stop. He offered some nice water from his well (just a mile up the road.) I decided to continue.

I arrived in Grand Rapids at 11:20am and the package was there! I called and left a message with my friend to confirm my pickup.

I noticed a supermarket on the way into Grand Rapids. I headed to the County Fairgrounds and found the campground. $5 for a tent plus use of the shower. A great price! I spread everything that was wet out on the ground to dry and relaxed in the sunshine. Ahhh...I was happy just to sit and do nothing.

Some time later I put up the tent, packed everything inside headed to the supermarket. On my return to the tent a I guy called Scott rode up on his bike and said he was interested in my bike and my trip. He invited me to come to his parent's house. I agreed to come after I had eaten dinner and I'd bring my computer for a slide show.

The visit to Scott's house was pleasant and I rode back to the tent in the dark to sleep.

Sunday September 23rd

I spent some time writing up the blog on the computer and organizing the photos. Scott visited me again as I was packing everything up. It must be quite mind boggling for Scott to watch as everything packed down and fit in 2 bags plus the tent, mattress, and sleeping bag on the rear carrier. We said our goodbyes and I headed towards Pallisade.

I arrived there at 8:30pm and found the city park after asking for directions at the local gas station. It was $11 a night.

Monday September 24th

I worked on the computer again getting the blog updated and photos reduced.

I departed around 1:40pm and just before 4:30pm I got drenched in a thunderstorm near Aikin.

Tuesday September 25th

Wednesday September 26th