Wednesday, July 13, 2011 Wabasha, MN 84.2 miles

Today probably was one of our prettiest days of cycling and one of the most difficult to date. We’ve gotten away from a lot of the lakes, marshes and prairie and are now climbing, climbing, climbing. I must say, though, that the long climbs bring a reward of some fabulous downhills. I’m always reminded that this is one of the reasons I love cycling. Thank heavens for the few spinning classes, though, that I took just before leaving. We still had the crops today - mostly gorgeous corn - and I’m still noticing the silos.  The prettiest one today was brick with a design at the top. We crossed the MS River three times today as we wound our way down to Wabasha, MN, thru Red Wing, MN. We crossed into Wisconsin at Prescott at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. It was about 10:30 and Judie and I found a nice little coffee shop where we split a piece of Oatmeal Cake. Then, I believe at Red Wing, we crossed again back into MN. The last 10 miles were along beautiful Lake Pepin and through Lake City. It was a long, tiring day; I don’t mind saying that I’m tired!! But, at the same time, I really enjoyed the terrain and the scenery. When we started this morning about 6:30, it was 60 degrees. It’s only about 72 now. Sorry, Memphis! Might get some rain tomorrow.

Lynda (Lake Charles, LA) and I are roommates tonight at AmericInn.  We were assigned the Cat House Suite, Designed by The Historic Anderson House.  This extra large room is filled with antique reproduction furniture, including a king size bed (Lynda took the hide-a-bed), a jucuzzi, and lots and lots of cats - ceramic cats, stuffed cats, tin cats, wooden cats.  Even the bathroom tile includes cats. 

Barb K. (Rome,  NY) has Barbara Minnick's triangle which she is passing around to whomever wants to carry it for a day.  I had it today and pinned it on top of my triangle which is on the back of my bike.  We're taking it to the Atlantic, since Barbara didn't get to make this trip with us.   

Michelle served a great dinner tonight: spareribs grilled in iron Dutch ovens, Romaine salad, couscous salad, watermelon and Brownie Pie (also cooked in one of the Dutch ovens). So delicious!