6

MN Mini-Tour: Day 6

Caledonia to Rushford, MN: 36 miles biked,
12 miles hired SAG

Monday, September 26, 2016

Sunshine, beautiful countryside, vistas,
Then all those things with WIND!
In our faces.

Out of Caledonia via bluff
Swoops and climbs,
Lots of high bluff-top riding.

One point having climbed several hills in sunshine,
Stopped to take off layers.
Next were two miles of downhill swoops
In shade side of road.
Chilly to the bone.

Down to Misissippi River
Ride five miles upstream looking for wildlife.
Saw scores and scores of white pelicans
Settled on river, feeding
Before continuing migration south.

Many, many garter snakes on road shoulder.
Little—about diameter of pencil—
Soaking in heat of pavement.

Their unpredictable slithers
Kept us weaving to dodge
Wildly arcing movement.​

It was as we turned up river,
Wind blasted our progress.

Five miles up, turn.
Still directly battered by wind.

Exhausted, demoralized, shredded energy,
In Houston, MN we were directed to
Trail Head Nature Center.

They have short list of volunteers who will SAG cyclists.
Usually it is groups leaving car lot,
Wanting to be taken some distance with their bikes
To ride back to trail head and car.

We were a different request:
A request from worn-out riders.

Nice guy with little yellow pickup
Got Bob and me, bikes, panniers,
Drove us to Rushford motel.

He will have other passengers.
He will never have two more grateful
To be rescued!

So here we are tucked into our motel.

We asked for help,
Found the possibility and asked.
Feels good to have done that.

Hugs to all,
Lin

Charming log house on the ridge-top

Striking church in Brownsville, MN

Mississippi, with pelicans, though you cannot see them!

The waters of the Mississippi are high, too.

View from Motel Room: Day 6

Lin Bruce
 

Lin McLaughlin Bruce uses stories of her cross-country bicycle adventures post age 60 to inspire and encourage people to reach beyond perceived limitations. In her words, "It's never too late to say 'yes' to bigger things!"

Myrna Johnson - September 27, 2016

thanks for the info on your trip….. I follow with bated breath!! M

    Lin Bruce - September 27, 2016

    Myrna, you have no idea how it delights me that I’m getting to entertain you! sending love,

Judy Anderson - September 27, 2016

Prayers for safety!

    Lin Bruce - September 27, 2016

    Prayers always appreciated—I know they make a difference! Thanks, Judy!

Barb - September 27, 2016

Hi Lin and Bob, I was relieved to receive your morning email! I drove to Cannon Falls yesterday and experienced the wind that you felt on your bikes!! It made me tired thinking of you two. Hooray that you found help along the way. May the rest of your journey be only with gentle winds at your back. I am enjoying your daily updates and photos. You inspire, each day. Love to you both.

    Lin Bruce - September 27, 2016

    Appreciating the encouragement and affirmation—-it’s funny the thoughts that can roll around in our heads about what we are doing… glad to know you are enjoying it! hugs,

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