We Did It!

We followed the Paul Bunyan Trail for the first part of our last day. Of course we needed to stop to visit Paul a bit.

The scenery has definitely changed in northern Minnesota. Instead of seeing cornfields as far as the eye can see, we now are riding among huge pine trees. After a short rain it even smelled a little like Christmas. There are lots of small lakes and LOTS of mosquitoes. We took home lots of mosquito bites. I even found my first wood tick on my arm. One of the women went to get her hair cut and the hair dresser found one in her hair. That night I had nightmares about wood ticks.

Finally the day arrived and we reached Lake Itasca State Park. Pat and I rode the last few miles to the headwaters of the Mississippi. I needed to cross the river one more time. This time in bare feet walking on the rocks.

This cross country bicycle tour has meant a lot to Pat and me. We worked hard and the fact that we were able to keep going has empowered us to know we can do just about anything. At the same time, we also have a healthy respect for our bodies that are no longer junior aged.

Most important we have taken away wonderful memories that we will treasure forever.