Saint James to Spirit Lake, IA

Good morning everyone,

"Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken" Frank Herbert

I enjoyed a beautiful ride from Saint James to Spirit Lake, Ia. Another sunny day with a high near 86.
Hardly any wind in the morning, but as the temperatures climbed the south west breeze increased.
I stopped in Jackson, MN to pay respects to my late friend Bob B. Bob spent many years in Jackson, and Esther, the widow of his best friend, Cobbie, had me over for coffee. We talked about Bob and Cobbie and what a wonderful friendship they enjoyed. Bob, I even took a photo of your old bank. While at Esther's I met Cobbie's cousin Les, and his wife Mary Jo. It was a stimulating conversation.

While in Jackson, I asked directions from a nice couple (Gary & Donna), and they enhanced my ride by highlighting a county road on the west side of Spirit Lake. Beautiful lake homes and cottages surround this magnificent lake. After lingering by the beach I finally arrived at Cenla RV park.
Rule # 1 for rookie campers is: Understand how to inflate a "self-inflating" sleeping pad. Guess what,
Good old Dennis couldn't figure out any method of moving air into the pad. Bottom line, it literally was a "rocky" nights sleep.

After dinner I hiked back to my campsite (overlooking Center Lake) and met Gary and Nancy, from Des Moines. It was their first "camping trip" in a beautiful new motor home. We went inside and talked about touring and how life can take many different directions. Thanks for your hospitality Gary and Nancy. (And may you see all fifty states via motor home)

At about 7:00 am this morning I bicycled into town,and low and behold I saw Gary and Donna at an intersection. We spoke briefly and I continued pedaling. Ten minutes later I asked for directions to a "cafe" or "diner" and was directed to a small downtown cade. I walked in and there was Gary and Donna. Can you believe it? We enjoyed a fine breakfast and they bought. Wow, what a way to start your day.

It's back to the campsite, tear down the tent and begin pedaling to Sheldon.

Note: I have lots of photos to post. Stand by for uploading later.