The Road Goes On Forever and the Party Never Ends (Robert Earl Keen, Jr)
They say Minnesota goodbyes take some time. This morning was no exception.
Our guest room faced east over Leech Lake and our windows were left open and uncovered to allow the night coolness to enter in. Marty says he has never known when or if the sun actually rises. Rhonda insured him that on July 6, it rises as a spectacular orange globe precisely at 4:48AM.
We lay in the bed wishing for another hour or two of sleep. The coffee pot timer was set for 7. Why else would I get up any earlier? But we could not sleep. So I did my morning reading and quiet time till I heard the burping of Mr Coffee.
We were soon joined by Jennifer and the two goldens, Archer and Finley. Rhonda has changed her mind and thinks just maybe we could get another puppy.
We ate a light breakfast of yogurt and Grapenuts (I haven’t had these for ages, except at my sister’s two days ago). And soon the rest of the family was awake. Marty strolled out, then Jennifer’s sister Melissa and her husband Tom.
Nearly two hours later we were packed and headed down the trail.
The Paul Bunyan Trail provides solace and safety from car traffic, but possibly lacks much of any imagination. Stretches of long, straight and flat sections are only broken up by highway crossings and towns like Hackensack where we met Lucette, Paul Bunyan’s gal.
A few miles down the trail we found second breakfast in Backus. Unlike like last year’s trek, I’m gaining weight! I couldn’t finish it.
Then we found Pine River followed by Jenkins. Well placed breaks to stop, stretch the back and get hydrated. Just past Pequot Lake we found some trail magic. Just when we needed a cold drink, a boy and girl had set up a lemonade stand. A buck each and an extra for a tip. These guys were fun to talk to. Very respectful and attentive. Entrepreneurs.
By now I just got in a steady grind and hammered out the miles. 35 turned into 50 and before you knew it we had a metric century (62 miles). Somewhere in there we passed through Nisswa which had some shenanigans going on. Lots of people and activities but I was in a trance.
Then we finally made it to Branerd, 70 miles. It was time to refuel at El Tequila with some street tacos, chips, water, and a Pacifico. It hit the spot. Tasty and just the right portions.
We were warned the trail through Brainerd may be difficult to navigate but it was well marked. Yep you’re reading this because I wrote it and not still on the bike lost in the land of 10,000 lakes.
The remaining 10 miles ( yes your addition is correct. 70 + 10 = 80 miles for the day!) weaved and curved and rolled along the Mississippi River. Felt like we were getting somewhere finally.
The road/trail finally has ended for the day. We set the tent in Crow Wing State Park. There used to be a village here but the railroad took care of that when they routed the line through a place called Brainerd. I’m really too pooped to explore the park and learn more about it. I need to crawl into the tent, sans mosquitos and rest my rubber legs.
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