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.
October 12, 2007---Huntington Beach Arrival
Reaching the Pacific Ocean after 42 days on the bicycle
Route Overview
Minneapolis to Huntington Beach
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Saint James to Spirit Lake, IA
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15 comments:
Hi Den,
We knew you'd mesh with Americans everywhere you go. So fun following
you via your journal. I hear Flossie and Mason are proud of you, just like the rest of us are! Love, Cammie and
Mike
Dennis,
Thanks for paying respects to Mr. Bob. I'm sure he knows you were there!!!
And good luck with the mattress. Are there any sporting goods stores on your route today!! HA HA
Sharon
I had those self-inflating pads, and did not think they were worth the extra weight. Mine did inflate when the valve was open, but never all the way. If I wanted it full, I had to blow it up.
coleman colossal sleeping bag
Den,
I knew you would meet interesting people along the way. You are going to have many stories to tell when we see one another.
Hope you figure out the mattress pad. Lesson #2, use equipment before heading out on a trip.
Travel safe today and talk to you later.
Love,
Cathy
Hi Dennis!
It was great visiting with you on Sunday in New Ulm! Hope we didn't set your schedule back to far. Trevor and Anna are totally impressed and in awe of the magnitude of your trip! It is very inspiring to all of us. Hope the winds stay mild as you make your way across Iowa!
Larry the Cableguy
Larry the Cableguy
Wow. How inspiring that you met those great new friends Gary and Donna! I am believing for another incredible day just like yesterday! Its great to see the invisible powers at work :) I
I'm listening to a song right now that says "...differences are beautiful." I'm sure your experiencing that.
Here's a thought for your day:
"...consider what great things He has done for you!" (1 Sam. 12:24)
& one more to chew... :)
"I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." (Isa. 45:7)
Dennis...(one more thing...I'm guilty. I had a donut yesterday...don't tell.)
JO :)
Dennis,
Where are the secret food haunts that you were going to find? It's a hot day at Lake Minnetonka and I wish I were on the road with you today!
Keep up the running commentary and photos.
Duane
Hi, Dennis!
It was great seeing you at my parents farm on Saturday! I wish you the best on your trip and will be checking in on you from time to time! Wish I could have biked with you longer (and on my bike!:)
Quote for you:
"Inspiration grows into full-scale creation through persistence and
imagination."
-- Carol Lloyd
Keep your head up and ride hard to inspire us all to follow our dreams!!:)
Heather
Hi Dennis,
Sounds like another fantastic day - I was very jealous as I sat at my desk today on the computer thinking about you and the great adventure you are having. Keep up the good work - you can do it - lookin good.
Enjoy and take care - Katie
P.S. Hope you have a more comfortable sleep tonight.
Thought of you peddling acroos Iowa today as I looked out over the Rio Grande Valley from a perch in the foot hills of the Sange de Cristo Mts. You're peddling farther, I'll be climbing higher-Placer Peak on Saturday How good it is to be alive. Keep on a comin'. Love, Chip
Hi, neighbor! Saw Cathy in the driveway as I was coming home this evening. She is certainly proud of you, as am I.
Gotta love those Iowans, since you married one and your next-door neighbor is also from Iowa!
Sharyl the Iowegian
Hey Dennis! This blog is awesome. I see you're already experiencing "Vistas & Vibes" ... how perfect. Glad to hear you liked New Ulm. If you happened to see the Cathedral from top of Hermann ... that's where Lisa and I were married. Next time, you'll have to make it to Eden Township for a farm stay. Sorry we didn't cross paths on Sunday. We ended up coming home on I-35. Keep on pedaling! And Will and Kate send their best along with Lisa!
The Boston's
Hi Dennis,
Hope you're sound asleep now -- more comfortably than last nite! -- and heading for Souix City early. Another warm day but should't hit 80 till about noon.
I'll be checking your blogs daily.Sounds like you got off to a great start. May the wind be at your back all the way!
Much love from A.J.
Big Boy,
Every morning the first thing I do is check your blog. (I do not consider this unproductive time at work as you are my inspiration to have a great day.) HA I am so proud of you Big Brother You are in my prayers and thoughts
Love
Denise
Dennis, This trip of yours is truly amazing to read and follow as it unfolds. Sounds as if you are going to make friends wherever you go, not that we are surprised by that!!! Take it one mile at a time, one night at a time, savor each person, each experience and remember how much your family supports you and loves you!!! Be safe.....but have fun!!!!
Love, Beth and Bill
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