West. Day 10.

June 18, 2016

Interstate State Park, Wisconsin to Dalbo, Minnesota

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Half-way up a "short-cut" out of Interstate Park.

The park ranger never said anything about the "trail" out of the park being a long, steep cement staircase up a ravine. I took this selfie on a break from several trips portaging my gear and recumbent bicycle. Kind of wasted my morning shower.

The cashier in the convenience store down the street from the summit balked at my crossing the river into Minnesota on Federal Highway 8. "Be careful, " she warned, "there is construction and the lanes are narrow."

I was more worried about the looming escarpment on the other side. (The bridge wasn't too bad.) To delay what was sure to be an extended effort, I stopped at a breakfast joint for the treat I didn't get the night before.

Pushing my bike up the sidewalk out of town, I met an older couple arm-in-arm as they gingerly stepped downhill. We paused, relieved, I think, for the "good morning" reprieve.

"We're Ma and Pa Kettle!" they announced.

Were they joking? Or were they really the Kettles? No matter, the interaction invigorated me. I got this.

POSTCARD FROM THE ROAD 6/18/16

My accommodations for the night. Donn Olson's Bicycle Bunkhouse, complete with kitchen (food and whatever you need), outhouse with a moon cut out of the door, outside shower, WiFi, air-conditioning or heat, and pillows! Amazing!

Donn tells stories in his bunkhouse.

Posted on the square beam behind Donn is his list of rules for welcomed bicyclists.

1. Make yourself at home. (No need to check in with us.)

2. You can store your bikes inside if there is room and not too many other guests.

3. There may be more than 1 party of bicyclists here at a time so share accordingly.

4. Sliding doors on south and west side can be slid open if you wish. Recommend you close them at dusk to keep the mosquitoes out.

5. The outhouse and shower are on the right side of the barn/bunkhouse. Towels/soap are underneath the stairs.

6. Potable water is available at the sink and at spigot outside on the SW corner of the bunkhouse.

7. Pillows with pillow covers are in the black plastic bag on each bunk to keep them clean. Take them out to use and leave them out so that we may wash the pillowcases for our next guests.

8. Please fill out the little black book inside with the date, and your name, age, where you started, where you're going and any other comments that you wish.

9. Cell phone reception is best outside of the barn.

10. Wireless Internet is available. Network name: Bunkhouse. Password: bunkhouse.

From my B'76 journal:

June 3, 1976

Went 64 miles today--the miles seem longer here because of the mountains. But the country is beautiful. Went through Picture Gorge today.

Last night we stayed at a hostel in Mitchell for $2 and a shower (first time in a week)! Yuigi is learning English quickly and can get his thoughts across--today we taught him what fart and shit are. He has a timer on his camera and he starts running around trying to get everyone into the picture--it's hilarious.

Yuigi and his trusty camera.