Northern MN: Day 6

It’s Never Too Late!
(That goes for you, too!)

Hard rain during night.

Clear morning highlighted puddles on trail,
Raindrops clinging to lengths of grass,
Sparkled like threaded rhinestones.

Loop ride today,
From Hibbing to Mountain Iron and back.
Plan had been to turn around at Virginia, MN.
Weary legs by Mt Iron told us, "Enough.”

Mountain Iron Library was place
We asked for directions to food.
Much discussion with librarian Sally
Suggesting best would be returning to Buhl.

Back ten trail miles to Buhl, MN.
“Buhl Bill's Bar and Burgers" welcomed us,
Along with half dozen motorcycle riders.
Fed us tasty food just right for reenergizing.

Twice today I had funny exchanges about
Being an Old Gal biking.

Librarian Sally told me she had bike hanging in garage,
“I used to bike, not now.”
I told Sally how old I am. Her jaw dropped.
"I'm going home, take down my bike, and start riding again!"

Later back in Hibbing at combo visitor center / senior activity center,
I walked in midst BINGO game,
Seeking Hibbing map.

Woman came to help me,
Asked where we had biked.
I told her.

She peered at me.
"You're not young,” she said.
"78" says I. “You can still follow your dream!”

We laughed together.

Today was day to see lupine blooming.
Swaths of blue on roadsides, under power lines.
Alone, or mixed with daisies, roses, something spiking orange,
Beautiful.

Sending love to each of you,
Lin