East. Day 61.

August 8, 2016

Eau Claire to Emily Lake State Park, Amherst, Wisconsin

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The gentle coos of mourning doves floated me awake at 5:30 a.m. I had almost forgotten their song. No more frantic "the BROOMSTICK, the BROOMSTICK" twang of their western cousins.

I would be home in five days. My ride almost felt like a memory--I missed it already. And yet, it would be good to start my "new" life, as Andy calls my return.

Another hot shower followed by fluffy towels started my leaving day. I snuck back onto the scale. Two pounds gained in two days. Eek. I wondered though if my ability to push harder since Missoula stemmed from eating more. Someone flipped my feed-me-switch as I turned east. I've been insatiable.

Was I morphing from bunny to labrador?

My original Facebook post:

Postcard from the road. Emily Lake Park, Amherst, WI, Monday, August 8, 2016

Back on the road. Thanks to Karen Voss, who drove me a day's ride east, I'll be able to catch the Badger on Wed. (Thanks for the great visit, Karen!)

We caught up with Steve, Everett, and Matt at a bike shop in Marshfield getting some minor repairs done. I first met these three at the Honey Hub in Gackle, ND - they are riding from Oregon to Washington, DC.

I'm not sure they are thrilled that the headwind queen is near. (Yes, east winds yet again!)

My riding companions.

Steve rides sweep.

Me and my shadow.