We left Winona and headed south along Highway 61 on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi. There weren't great views of the river from where we were riding. You'll have to wait for later for that!
The best part of the day happened in the little town of Dakota, MN. The Big Riders were treated to a wonderful food stop by the Myers sisters and cousins! The Myers live along the route and have been watching riders go by for years. They said that first, when the girls were young, they'd wave at the riders. Later, they set out lemonade. Now, they go all out and have punch, coffee, tea, fruit, and all sorts of great homemade goodies. Here are Tracy, me, and Kathleen with the sisters and cousins:
Patty C. (from Delaware) is enjoying some of the treats. Mr. Myers is behind her.
Several riders are enjoying the food stop with Myers family members:
Kevin's signing the guestbook:
Austin is getting interviewed, and afterward he got a bracelet. I got mine, and I plan to wear it every day of the ride to remind me of their kindness.
Greg is surrounded by Myers girls!
It was so hard to leave, but we had to. We had places to go and state lines to cross! Here I am with Jim and Tracy. Wisconsin is state #7 for us!
We crossed the mighty Mississippi River on our way into LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
Tracy's getting a picture of the river without getting off her bike!
Here's a view of the river looking south:
Welcome to LaCrosse!
Another classy first for me. This is the World's Largest Six-Pack! Notice Jim down below for scale.
Here I am with the King of Beer.
We left LaCrosse and the Mississippi and started heading east out of the river valley. To say this was hilly is an understatement. To say it was beautiful is also. Here are some scenes of the Wisconsin farmland, and these pictures don't do it justice.
We went through the Wisconsin Amish country. I saw several people riding in their horse drawn carriages, either on the road or in their pastures, but, respecting their privacy, I didn't take pictures. I did, however, see an empty buggy by a reservoir, so, since no one was around, I did take a picture. There were folks fishing in the reservoir, so I'm assuming that's where the owners of this vehicle were.
After more thigh-screaming hills, we finally arrived in Viroqua, our home for the evening. Camp was at the Vernon County Fairgrounds.
3 comments:
Very beautiful pictures! Bummer how lovely views always seem to go together with thigh-torturing hills. Keep on powering through!!
Janelle
It is so nice to know that there are still very gracious and thoughtful people out there. I think the Myers family did the most wonderful thing. Good for them.
You're almost 2 week away from D.C. What an adventure! What an accomplishment.
Keep up the pedaling.
Hugs,
~fe
wow beautiful pictures.
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