The News From Lake Wobegon

This morning started like most, awakened by the birds singing, early light from the sun, followed by some quiet time and a cup of camp coffee. Today promised to be short so we were in no rush to break camp. 

When we did, we found our way to the True North Cafe, where I had the Cornerstone Breakfast( a variation of the 2egg, meat, hash browns, and toast) and some more coffee, all while listening to Chris Tomlin and a little Crowder. It started to sprinkle outside so another cup was poured. After a bit the rain stopped and we headed SE on the Wobegon Trail. 

At Albany the trail forked and we took it. The left fork turned east and NE and soon we were on the most enjoyable route. The trail was lined with trees on both sides, sometimes opening up to lush green crop lands and then all of a sudden, we found ourselves in a dense enchanted forest. We were following the rain so the trail was still quite damp. 

We found ourselves on the outskirts of Holdingford where I’m sure Keillor gained inspiration for Prairie Home Companion, or vice versa. As we entered town, street or trail art emerged, where a sole onlooker was entertained by a chorale as other figures enjoyed activities of the area, which apparently includes destilling moonshine. 

There was a well maintained and artful trailhead stop with restrooms, a bike fixit stand and a mural on the side of a boxcar depicting Garrisons visions of Lake Wobegon.

 I needed a cup of coffee. Google told me BoHo cafe was just 6 minutes up the trail. And sure enough there was an exit off the trail to BoHo Cafe and Arts in Motion. What a delightful surprise. A blessing! The cafe was located inside what looked like a barn but in fact was place where art lived. There was a gallery where artists displayed their creations. A studio provided a place to learn, explore and create. In the opposite corner was a bike themed mural above a corner stage ready for the next singer song writer. The cafe offered coffee drinks, local on tap hoppy beverages and homemade sandwiches that made me hungry even though I didn’t know I was. High on the walls the MN bike museum loaned bikes for display. Greg the owner is an avid biker and several of his jerseys were also on display. We were interviewed, and pictures were taken. Greg was a gracious host. I look forward to returning. Art In Motion

Back on the trail, we had 7 miles to our camp in the city park of Bowlus. Here we met Mark and Steve, two guys who met on the trail and our heading our direction, at least for a couple days. 

Jordie's Cafe is across the street and manages the park for bikers. According to two other local day bikers, their fare for dinner will be something to look forward to later this evening. 

This day started out like all the others. But the surprises we found were anything but usual.