Today was going to be different than any of the other days on this journey so far. All day was going to be on a paved rail-trail. The next several days would be on one also. Minnesota is known for having multiple trails throughout its state.
To the non-bicycler, this would be a big plus. No traffic to contend with! As a bicycler, I think it's nice, but I am so used to vehicles, and their politeness, that it is not the big deal to me that it would be to others.
As long as there is something to look at, I am happy. I love looking at the crops, and farm houses, and lakes with all that goes in them. Often rail trails are thick on both sides by piled up soil and years of vegetation. To ride, but not be able to see much does not excite me. Fortunately there were a number of opportunities to see the area as the trail winded through a plethora of lakes.
As you might imagine, wildlife is abundant. In the morning, I could see a young deer ahead on the trail. It looked up, and instead of running, it started coming towards me. Suddenly, it realized that I was not what it originally thought, and turned away and tried to run, but asphalt is not a good surface for deer to get off to quick starts. First, it's rear legs did the splits, reminding me when Bambi, in the movie, tried to walk on the ice, doing the same splits I just witnessed. Finally, it got moving and soon was out of sight.
After lunch, I came across two baby raccoons who just got on the trail. Knowing that mama racoon was close at hand, and not someone to irritate, I started talking to the little ones, in a gentle voice, but urging them to get off the trail. Slowing down to give them enough time to escape, I pondered how cute they were. It reminded me of when we had a pet racoon baby, named Rascal. One day it left, only to return in the spring with a mate, and later with their children.
For the first time, I ended up chatting with bicyclers three separate times. The ones that were touring traded information with me. In particular, they had advice on the C&O Canal that may prove valuable when I get into Maryland.
The second couple were excited about the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile in the next town. Hmm, I WAS getting hungry.
The third gentleman was riding a trike recumbent. We chatted, and when I shared my faith with him, he wished that I could have participated in his Bible study that morning.
Although I started at 7:30 AM, I did not get into my destination, Sauk Centre until 5 PM. The overall mileage was not terribly onerous, somewhere in the low to mid 70s, but the time got used up visiting and, of course, getting my photo taken with my favorite weinermobile.
Blessings until tomorrow.
