Day 40

69 Miles
I woke up and strangely went and got breakfast prior to packing up.Spiders left me a piece of art that I was sad about destroying. It captured my morning beautifully.
I sat and ate as I watched people hurry out of their hotel rooms, packing up their cars and speeding off to wherever they needed to be next. I didn't envy them. I was developing a real affection for traveling slowly. I liked seeing things that people would never see racing by at 70 mph. My meager 10 mph suited me just fine.
I packed up and headed out. I was on US-2. This would be my tires' home the next week or two. My route only diverted from it on occasion. This was actually very helpful, because I was approaching a 100 mile stretch where I would not be assisted by maps. I had been following the ACA Northern Tier route. I would soon be jumping on the ACA Lewis and Clark route. I didn't bother buying a map to link the two routes. I figured I could manage it just fine without one. I discovered that this was very possible, all I had to do was stay on US-2.
My morning ride started with an eight mile stretch of construction. The westbound lanes were closed and westbound traffic was diverted to the eastbound side of the road. This created a two-lane cone divided highway with minimal to no shoulder. I tried to ride it for a short bit. But less than half a mile in some jerk in a truck towing an RV beeped and forced me off the road. I was pissed. All the side roads were rough gravel and would add lots of extra miles. As it was Saturday, the westbound lanes were empty of construction workers. The torn up pavement and muddy construction zone seemed like a safer way to travel than being driven off the road. I rode around.the barricades and through the sand and dirt piles. Occasionally I had to get off the bike and walk it around obstacles. Still it was much better than the danger of riding on the road.
After the construction the shoulder was mostly wide and usable. I noticed an increase number of trucks and tankers on the roads. I stopped at each town I came to for a brief rest.
I rolled into Minot expecting to find a campground fairly easily. But as I rolled into town I came to a huge traffic jam. Apparently it was the week of the state fair. North Dakotans don't seem to take their state fair lightly. I got friends on the case of finding a place to stay. I also began just riding around trying to find somewhere. Everywhere was completely booked up.
I made my way out of town. I figured if worse came to worse I would just wild camp somewhere. Drivers were very unfriendly and I was flipped off more than once. I don't know if they were just pricks or if it was the excitement of the state fair. I found a KOA and even though my friend had called and been told it was booked up, I figured I would try to get a site anyway. I played the nowhere else to go card quite pathetically. But I did end up with an RV site. I paid more than I wanted to, but a shower and peace of mind were worth the money.
The owner came and talked to me. She talked about other cyclists who had stayed. She told me most of them were traveling west to east. And all of those cyclist said the mountains were easier than the plains. Man I hope so. I slept soundly.

Day 39

63 Miles
I got up by 8. A man who was camping next to me made some comment about me being sleeping beauty because all the other cyclists that had stayed there were up and off by sun up. I didn't much care. I like to sleep in. It's too cold and dark in the morning to be riding so early. And to be honest, it was probably just because I was alone and didn't have anyone else to help push me along or make a plan with. I was becoming accustomed to my little routines. Even though I was up early, I left late. I ate a big breakfast.
Hills were plentiful. Mostly they were easy to tackle, although a few really made me push myself. They provided beautiful views. It was dreary but dry. I wasn't going to complain. Even the temperature held at a comfortable place. The winds varied. I enjoyed the flora and fauna. Wild sunflowers dotted the roads. And birds of prey swooped above me. On one of my roadside food breaks, I looked behind me to see a badger. I had never seen one before. He looked at me and I looked back at him. We sat looking at each other for a moment until I went back to eating and he scurried away.
I made several stops throughout the day. I wanted to work harder at breaking up my day. I ate every two or so hours. I succeeded for the most part. This part of my route didn't have many towns. I was glad I had stocked up on food. One stop wasn't particularly pleasant. I stopped in a metropolis of ants. I opted not to find somewhere else to stop because I really NEEDED to eat. I walked in circles trying to avoid the ants crawling on me. They left my bike alone.
 I reached Rugby about five o'clock. I was going to find my camping spot but was lured in by Pizza Hut again. (Seriously, the gift card was an awesome gift, Ron!).
I was excited about Rugby. Rugby is the geographical center of North America. I was standing in the middle of continent. I was definitely more than half way now. I had started some 400 or 500 miles west of the coast. I finally felt like I was making some progress. There some spark in the air that made it feel strangely magical. The center of a continent. Wow. I was moved inside. Maybe I would take a day off here. There were random touristy things to do.
After eating, it of course started raining. I waited out the rain by making some phone calls. I wanted to share my smile. The rain let up and I started looking for the motel/camping I had booked. I couldn't find it. Google maps was sending me the wrong direction. I finally asked someone where it was. They pointed me in the right direction. One good thing about getting lost, I pulled off into a field for a moment. I caught the glimpse of rainbow. It was small on the horizon. It was barely noticeable. It felt like it was there just for me. I stood staring in awe, in the center of a continent, at a beautiful rainbow. Perfect.
The motel had a small camping area for tents and a parking lot for RVs. $10 bought me a spot, a shower and access to a washer and dryer. The shower was cold which sucked. I did wash some clothes and charged my phone fully.
A Canadian with a room offered to let me shower in his room. He was a cyclist too. He said he had spent lots of dirty nights in a tent. I was clean enough so I declined. It was nice of him to offer. It was windy when I went to bed, but the rain had stopped. The motel was packed and I heard some bikers setting up camp quite late in the night, but I slept mostly just fine.

Day 38

62 Miles
I woke up early, like before the sun. I used the latrine at the rec area. I listened to music and tried to convince myself I could get up and ride then. I fell back to sleep. Thunder woke me a few hours later. Dammit. I should have gotten the earlier start. I packed quickly.
The rain started with my pedals. It wasn't long before I was soaked. The rain was very heavy. 45 or so minutes of heavy heavy rains. I was several touring cyclists traveling east. Only one couple stopped to talk to me. The woman said that where they had come from it had been raining for 3 hours. I guess sleeping in actually saved me a few soggy hours. The couple also explained a detour ahead. I was grateful for this. I knew there would be a detour but had no idea where I needed to go. There was flooding from all the rains they had been getting.
I rode through some more rain. The lakes along the road stunk terribly. I can only describe it as smelling like sauerkraut and sulphur. It actually made me a little sick to my stomach.
My detour took me through the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. I seemed to be lost on the reservation. I was saddened by the poverty I rode through. The roads were littered with just about everything but the kitchen sink. I had never seen so many cans or bottles along any road. There were clothes and random garbage. The people all looked at me rather curiously as I pedaled through the hills past their modest homes.
A dog, which looked part coyote began to follow me. I figured she would eventually turn back. She didn't. She followed me almost two miles. Finally, I rode back to where she had started following me. She followed me again. I tried to send her off. She kept right near my rear wheel. She seemed content with the idea of joining me. I can't say I would have minded the company. When I  was again trying to send her off, two men pulled up in a truck and had her jump in. Guess she was theirs or that of some one they knew. They apologized for her following me. I really didn't mind. I took it as a good omen.
Eventually I found my way back to my original route. I made my way to a little park on Devil's Lake in Minnewaukan, ND. There were showers at this park. I cooked macaroni and cheese and Ramen noodles for dinner. My belly was full. My phone was charged. Service was choppy, but at least I could check in with loved ones for the day. I went to sleep early.

Day 37

67 Miles
I was up early and in town ready to buy breakfast and supplies early. I headed out of town by 9 am. The ride was mostly flat. And I had yet to encounter any ferocious winds that I had heard so much about prior to arriving in North Dakota. I didn't have any cell service until midday. I stopped in a cute little town and did laundry and checked in with family and friends. I washed my sleeping bag. It was smelling kind of skanky. Actually, I was beginning to smell a bit skanky myself. It'd been a few days since I had showered. I chatted with a lovely woman while doing laundry. She told me of the area and how it was home to her. I told her of New York and Pennsylvania and its hills and trees. She said she always wanted to see it. I recommended she do so in the fall. She went on and on about how it was so great that I was traveling and how I should do as much as I could while I was young. I let her think I was young. I knew she was probably only a few years older than me. It seemed easier to let her think it. Although, I'm not going to lie, I enjoyed being mistaken for a young college student on summer break.
I looked into several towns to camp for the night. They were mostly deserted and I didn't find anyone to ask about camping. I kept on until I found a dam recreation area. I had the place to myself. I set up and ate dinner.
A family showed up and was fishing at the dam about an hour before sun set. The three young children came up to me and talked my ear off. I didn't mind. Although when the little boy used half my bug spray on his shirt and moved my bike mirror around, I wasn't entirely impressed. But mostly I didn't mind their curiosity or conversation. Before leaving. the children's mother sent each of them over to me with a little snack. I thanked them and waved goodbye.
I didn't have cell service again. That was probably okay though, I didn't have an outlet to charge my phone either.I passed out as soon as the sun was fully set.

Day 35 & 36

Day 35
51 Miles
I woke up to the sounds of thunder. I packed up quickly. I back tracked 2 miles to the closest town. I wasn't about to have a day like yesterday. The rain was light after breakfast. I bought some actual food for the day. I didn't want to rely on C-stores.
I hit a detour about 15 miles into my day. I headed North to make my own detour. I rode a very busy US-20 for nearly 20 miles. It was a direct route into Fargo though. I was very ready to be in North Dakota. I was beginning to tire of Minnesota. Maybe tire isn't the right word, rather I was just ready to be somewhere new. I was ready for some progress. I came to a Walmart shortly before Fargo. I purchased a new inner tube (I should have just bought some good patches). It was getting later in the afternoon and I wanted to find the campground in Fargo as early as possible, so I opted to wait to change the tire.
I rode into Moorehead, which is basically the Minnesotan side of Fargo. I crossed the Red River and just like that I was in Fargo. Hello North Dakota! I maneuvered my way through the city. I followed a lot of bike trails. Somewhere along the way my tire finally gave up. I walked the last 2 or so miles to the city park with a campground. I set up along the Red River. I asked a random Ontarian couple if I could charge my cellphone at their RV's power outlet. They kindly obliged. I must mention that Fargo has terrible AT&T service. I was appalled by how slow it was. I had a feeling that most of North Dakota might be the same.
I fixed my tire before showering and eating.
There was rain before I went to sleep. I joked with a friend on the phone that they would be sorry if I was washed away by the river in the night. I, of course, wasn't swept away.

Day 36
79 Miles
I got up fairly early. The tent wasn't as wet as I had expected. The sun was shining. It could be a good day.
Finding my way out of Fargo was a little harder than I had anticipated. But getting lost gave me a chance to really see the city. I, much to my surprise really, really like Fargo. And that isn't just because Fargo has the best mullets. (Seriously, I saw some pretty bad-ass mullets in Fargo). Getting lost I somehow ended up riding to the airport. This actually brought me a great deal of joy. I love airports. I love planes and I love travel. What's not to love about an airport? I smiled as the planes flew over my head.
I finally found my way out of the city. I heard North Dakota was flat. But really this only seemed to be in the first 50-60 miles on the eastern side. I just kept pedaling all day. I rested and ate when I needed to, but I just kept pedaling.
I was quite proud of myself at the end of the day when I had pumped a new record for me of 79 miles. I ended in a little town called Hope. There was a city park and pool. It was free, Sweet! I set up camp. I could have showered at the pool house, but I was starving and opted to cook dinner over showering. It was getting late and the pool was closing anyway.
There was no cellphone service. I knew my friends and family worried if they didn't hear from me. But there wasn't much I could do.
The ground was a little soft and wet and it smelled a bit like pond scum. I wasn't thrilled with that. I passed out to rain on my tent's fly.

Day 34

56 Miles
I attempted to repatch my tire when I woke up. I knew it wouldn't hold. I made a poor choice of patches for this trip. Quick patches are most definitely not the way to go for long journeys. I enjoyed a quiet morning watching chipmunks and gophers run around the campsite. I ate what little bit was left of my food and filled up on water. It was Sunday morning. I knew I would need to get some more food soon.
There were people everywhere on the roads. I passed beautiful lakes and the tourists that enjoyed them. The roads were almost crowded. People everywhere seemed quite happy. The sun was shining and there was no reason not to be smiling I suppose. Except of course that small town shops aren't always open on Sundays. I missed two such shops as a result of this.
I didn't mind this until I was fighting wind and hills and was low on energy. The humidity was climbing and I was drinking down my water like it was nothing. There just seemed to be more and more hills. I was becoming exhausted. I finished my water about two thirds into my day. I knew the next town was still 10 miles away. I sat on the side of the road and just tried to gather energy. This was not easy. I found a random Fruit Rollup stuffed in a random pannier and devoured it. I pushed on with the little energy it provided.
I passed a Catholic church that had a sign outside letting people know that next week would be the Outdoor Polka Mass. I enjoyed the thought and wished I could be around to witness that cultural treat.
The tire had to be pumped every 15 or so miles. It wasn't flat at this mark, but low enough that I didn't want to be riding on it.
Eventually I happened upon a Dairy Queen and consumed a fairly large meal and a huge amount of beverage. I really enjoyed a nice Coca Cola towards the end of my day. It was truly refreshing.
The same friend who had previously found me places to stay found me another place to stay this night. The rough day closed with a super cheap campsite ($5), a shower, and a million dollar view. My tent was pitched right on Lake Ida. The owners of the campground were very friendly with their very thick Minnesotan accents. I couldn't ask for anything more perfect than the stars reflecting on the lake as I drifted to sleep. The worst days always seem to end so beautifully.

Day 33

71 Miles
Town was just a short few miles into my morning. Still weary and homesick I took my time eating breakfast and a Nutrageous bar. I stored another Nutrageous bar for later. They are the best energy bar I have ever had. Okay, so they aren't an energy bar. But they are really freaking good!
I took a few deep breaths and hoped for a better day. It started good. I was making good time over easy rolling flats.Even when I reached the big hills I found myself chugging up them with ease. The wind was at my back, until it wasn't anyway. The storms rolled in quickly. Even the previous day's storm didn't really compare. The winds pushed the rains sideways as it stung my face. The lightning sizzled all around me. And I loved it! The squishy of my shoes as water sloshed out of them  was somehow enjoyable. I pushed through the cutting rain leaning almost sideways into it. Thank goodness for that new tire. The sky was black and the thunder was barely audible over the pounding droplets on my helmet and raincoat. There were breaks in the clouds with an eerie glow of green. I watched the horizon for tornadoes and saw none. My adrenaline was so high that I wasn't sure a tornado would stop me from pedaling on.  I did try to take cover outside of a church at one point, but was almost blown away. I decided to just keep pedaling.
Eventually the rain slowed and I descended from the hills into a small town. I dried off and ate. I overheard people talking about 60 mph winds during the storm. I couldn't help but grin. I had found my mojo. I realize how insane it is that riding through an intense storm is what made me love my bike trip again. But that is what did. I wasn't afraid. I knew I could do this. There was nothing that nature could throw at me that I wouldn't try to brave it. I felt so pumped.
I set out again. I still managed to conquer hills with ease. The lakes along my route were gorgeous. I took in the surroundings and barely noticed the amount of work my body was doing. I was approaching my desired end point for the day when the lightning kicked back up. I had never seen lightning like this. I couldn't count to 5 without another flash somewhere on the horizon. The clouds were almost an emerald green. It was beautiful and mystical.
A woman pulled over and asked if I wanted a ride. I told her I was almost to where I needed to be and it was fine. She told me to be careful and seek cover. Lucky for me about 3 miles up the road I happened upon a C-store, which I incidentally never realized anyone called anything but convenience stores. The little store in Clitheral called Koep's became my haven. The rain came down in buckets as soon as I had opened the door to the store. I let the shop keeper know I may be there for a bit. I ate dinner of hot dogs and chips and soda. There was flash flooding and bigger storms expected to bust through. Bruce, the man running the store that night kindly offered to let me pitch my tent outside if it didn't clear up. I was thankful because all the motels and campgrounds were full. I was actually getting quite worried about where I'd stay. So his offer was especially appreciated. I had some nice conversations with the people there. I really liked it. Right about the time I was getting ready to set up my tent I received word that the storms would pass us and head south. The sun was out again. It was getting late. I questioned Bruce on the mileage to the nearby state park. He said about 10 miles. I looked at the sun edging toward the horizon. I could make it.
I was ready to leave when I noticed that my previous day's patch had not held. My tire was flat. I couldn't be bothered with a repair. I pumped it up all the way and set out. I stopped twice to pump it up again before I made it the 12 miles to the Glendalough State Park. The park signs said it was full. My heart sank. I ventured in anyway. The sun was just kissing the last bit of the horizon. It was really my only option at this point. I had to ask around. Lucky for me, people left because of the rain. It was a tent only campsite and it was nice to see so many people enjoying the outdoors without an RV.  I got a campsite close to the showers and set up. I showered away the days rains and mud. I smiled as I laid down in my tent. I fell to sleep quickly.

Day 31 & 32

Day 31
46 Miles
I couldn't wake up for the life of me. I was devoid of energy. I didn't check out until after 10. I decided I would just do laundry.
I found the laundromat. I chatted with a man about my trip and he gave me fabric softener sheets.
I didn't set out for the day until 1 pm. And then it was slow going. The winds were in my face. The wind coupled with my lack of energy made the day near impossible. To top it off, all the stores and towns along the way seemed to be abandoned.

One month on the road

Five hours into the day and barely 30 miles had passed. I couldn't stand the wind. I was ready to lay in the road and just give up. My friend manned her computer and phone and worked tirelessly to find me someplace to camp. She did an awesome job. She found me a place 15 miles from where I was. It took me almost 3 hours to get there though. Some of that was a result of roadwork. But it was still so much effort.
I got to the golf course/campground about 8 pm. I asked a woman playing with her grandchild where I needed to check in. She pointed it out to me. When I was setting up camp the same woman came over to talk with me. She invited me to eat dinner with their family. I accepted gratefully. I showered before I headed to their camper.
I spent my evening eating with Sharon, Ted, their daughter Jill, and Jill's son Jackson. The food was delicious and warm. I sat around the fire with them until it was late. I enjoyed the company immensely. I retired and fell asleep quickly.

Day 32
56 Miles

 I slept well. I didn't get up as early as I wanted but still managed to hit the road by 9. Sharon offered me coffee and talked me through the detours on my route ahead. I thanked her for her kindness. I waved goodbye.
The detour was confusing so I made my own. I made much better time than the day before. The winds had calmed. I was in Little Falls by 1 pm.
I ate Pizza Hut (thanks again Ron). It tasted good. While the pizza was digesting I made some phone calls. I suddenly became more homesick than I had been yet. I began crying. I knew Melissa had a few days off and actually come retrieve me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to give up, but going on seemed so tough. I was so alone. I was so tired.
I called Ron. He told me to do what I needed to do. He told me the only person who would care if I gave up was me. He told me I was the only person who would judge me. He was right. And I knew I would not be okay with not finishing this trip. I gathered all my courage and got on my bike still crying a bit.
I was pedaling along thinking of home when...
I got a flat tire! In pure disbelief and frustration I threw my bike to the ground. My front rack popped off. Seriously!?! This just made more tears come. My desire to go home was only heightened. Nevertheless, I fixed both the tire and the rack. A tack had caused my flat. Yes, I said a tack. Ridiculous.
I carried on.
The same friend who found me the campsite the day before found me one again. It was cheaper than expected. and I had it all to myself. I sent some emails from my phone and went to sleep.

Day 30

66 Miles
I did manage to get up early. I was packed and ready by 8 am.  I filled my water and headed out by 9. I did however feel a bit sick.
The winds were ferocious. It was work to keep my bike straight. The winds whipped across the road and pushed me all over. I stopped a few miles from the park and got some more food. I was sitting outside eating when the thunder and lightning started rolling in. A woman pulled up in her truck. She asked if I was considering riding in it. She told me not to, as her pager had been going off like crazy. She went inside. The rain started. It was wicked and the wind teamed up with it make it impossible to see beyond the parking lot. The woman came back out and I asked her if she knew how long this would last. She told me tornadoes were coming through and that she had told the shop owners I would be hanging out for awhile. She didn't want to pull me out of a ditch somewhere. I thanked her for her concern and waited inside. They even let me put my bike inside the back room.
 I waited maybe an hour. The rain let up and I was off again. I was making good time considering. Lunch brought rains that were on and off. After lunch I made my own route again. I got caught in another downpour. I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me. I stopped at another convenience store. I almost got blown away. I was soaked to the bone. I waited again until the rain slowed. I went on.
I was having a hard time finding accommodations for the night. I was feeling crampy and tired. I called in a favor from a friend or two. They sent me $20 each and I got a hotel room. I showered and put on clean clothes. I passed out early.

Day 28 & 29

Day 28
69 Miles
I woke and showered. I slept wonderfully. I had a smile on my face. I packed up. Marta and I ate breakfast. She loaded me up with snacks and drinks. She gave me a new water bottle. Sweet! I hugged her and thanked her again. I told Jesse goodbye and headed on my way. Really glad I got to meet such awesome people. They really lightened my spirits.
I texted Kelly letting her know I was just going to move on. I have been a little behind schedule. I had a prospective place to stay in Fargo. I wanted make it there sooner rather than later.
Getting out of Minneapolis proved easier than getting in. I ditched my Adventure Cycling maps for Google maps bike routes out of the city. The route, although way over explained (as Google does), was quite enjoyable. It was mostly bike trails.
I had meant to find a bike shop on my way out of the city, but didn't want to get lost again. I needed a back tire. The tread was completely worn. The Kevlar was showing. I NEEDED a new tire. I found a really nice bike shop 35 or so miles out of the city. I bought an Armadillo tire made by Specialized. I put it on on the lawn behind a Walmart. I ate lunch. I headed back out. The tire made such a difference. Every pedal stroke was more efficient.
The scenery was gorgeous. Lakes were everywhere. As the day progressed I entered the very Swedish portion of Minnesota. The towns all had sister towns in Sweden. They welcomed me with signs saying Välkommen. I felt close to my heritage.
It was late evening when I arrived at the Wild River State Park. I paid for two days. I need a day to just relax. Maybe I was working myself too hard and that was why I couldn't seem to go on.
I set up camp. My flashlight and bike light both had gotten turned on in my panniers. Both had dead batteries. Then my phone crashed. I lost everything. I lost all my most recent numbers. I lost almost a week's worth of pictures. And I lost words of encouragement from loved ones. I was less than happy.
I tried to go to sleep.
There were warnings all over the park about bears and skunks. They said to put your food in your car... yeah great! I could do that! It was too dark to hang my gear. I packed everything up as tight as I could and went to sleep. Sleep did not come, but the animals did. I saw what I thought was a raccoon outside my tent at the last of the day's light. Noises all night kept me up as I heard creatures try to get into my gear. I heard breathing, loud breathing. I was sure there was a bear. I heard them manage to get something out of one my less secure panniers. I was terrified. I was up all night. I had no light, no phone, and no idea what to do. I took Benadryl, Sometime before sunset I fell asleep.

Day 29
Day Off

I only slept a little bit before the sun was up. I looked out my tent. My gear seemed relatively intact. I went back to sleep. I showered early in the day. I spent the day sleeping and trying to restore my phone  to its previous settings. The animals had only gotten into my electronics and not done any damage. I found tracks where my gear had been pulled out. Deer tracks! I had been freaked out all night about a deer! Sigh.
I repacked all my gear. I used more ziplock bags. I hung my food and toiletries in a tree. I made a bear piñata of sorts. I made a few adjustments on the bike. I wanted to head out early the next morning. I went to bed early.

Day 27

35 Miles
I woke up refreshed. I ate a good breakfast. I headed out into the rain toward Minneapolis.
My route was almost entirely bike trails.  It was a nice easy ride and the rain only lasted the first 30 or so minutes. The trails were busy. Runners, cyclists, walkers all seemed to be enjoying the weekend morning. I chatted with one cyclist for a mile or so about my trip. I enjoyed the dialogue. I was making good time and  I was aiming to meet a friend for lunch around noon. This proved rather difficult. St. Paul was easy to navigate through but as I ventured into Minneapolis my maps began to fail me. They were sending me up roads that didn't exist and I became very frustrated. At one point I was standing at a crosswalk with my map in one hand and my phone opened to Google maps in the other. I must've looked terribly lost. A gentleman riding his bike with his son stopped and asked where I was trying to go. I told him and he told me to follow him as he darted off. I pushed my heavy loaded bike after him. He darted along the bike paths and made sure I was still on his trail. We reached a fork and he stopped. He told me to follow the midtown Greenway until I reached my exit. I was still a bit confused but thanked him and we all went on our way.
The Midtown Greenway is a walking and bicycling trail cutting through the city. It proved very useful and quick. I still got lost briefly again but eventually found my designated meeting spot. I met Christine, a long time Internet friend at the Bad Waitress. Christine was with two friends. We had never actually met, but have been chatting online and the phone for years. I felt as though I was seeing an old friend, and I suppose I was. The conversation was pleasant and filled with laughter. It was great to put a face to the voice. I ate a delicious three cheese grilled cheese sandwich compliments of Christine. I didn't get to visit as long as I would have liked because getting lost had made me almost two hours late. I hugged Christine and her friends goodbye and set off to find my host for the night.
It took me awhile to get hold of Marta as she was busy with work. But I did find a really great park to just hang out in for awhile. Even though I had just had social interaction that I had so desperately needed I felt a huge pang for home. I was so tired of waking, packing, eating, pedaling, eating, setting up camp, sleeping and repeating it all over again. I didn't imagine that my biggest challenge would be to just keep doing it.  I sat in the park filled with emotion. I watched people laughing and walking along. I missed my friends. I knew they were all spending time with other loved ones, swimming, hiking, drinking, eating. I was alone with strangers day after day. Some days the only people I spoke with were the cashiers who rang up my chocolate milk. I love meeting people, I do. But I pined for familiarity. I pined for physical contact. I pined for shared laughter. If there was a good time to go home, now would be it. The airport was easily accessed and bike-friendly Minneapolis had plenty of shops to pack up my bike for me.
While sitting in the park I was hit with an intense rainstorm. It only lasted maybe five minutes before the sun came back out. There was a giant rainbow stretching across the sky. It lightened my mind, but I still wasn't sure I wanted to carry on.
I finally met up with Marta.She was a friend of one my friends. Her house was actually right off the park where I had been relaxing.  Marta welcomed me graciously. I relaxed and pet Bentley, her very handsome dog. We chatted lightly. After awhile she, Bentley and I went to pick up her boyfriend, Jesse. They showed me a little bit of the city and we headed to Lake Calhoun. We walked along the water and the told me about the city and the lake and the people. They were very kind and bought me dinner there too. I was beautiful talking and eating along the water at sunset. I came out of my shell with them a little and really relaxed and talked. I told them all about my trip, my gimpy hands (which I was barely noticing anymore, despite their getting worse). I told them about Kelly and her Boy Scouts. They encouraged me to contact her and ride with her. I was still turning it over. While sitting enjoying the atmosphere I saw a gentleman ride by where we were eating. He was riding with his son. It had been the man who had helped me earlier. I smiled. I approached him. I told him I had met him earlier and thanked him again. For the first time in a week I felt better. I was where I was supposed to be. What are the odds really? The man seemed just as surprised as me. It was warm smiles.
Marta, Jesse and I headed back to Marta's. We watched TV and ate cookies. I was quickly ready for bed though.
The bed was so comfortable. I was smiling when I went to bed. Bentley jumped up onto the bed and curled up near me. The warmth and the breathing was soothing. I drifted off to a wonderful sleep.

Day 26

56 Miles
I woke without the tooth pain of the night before. I was however starving. I looked ahead on my maps to find a place to get breakfast. After I packed and left finding food was more difficult than I had anticipated. It took me quite some time. And when I did, I was struck again with that dread of going on another day. I tried to push ahead. Minneapolis was in reach. I could make it by night if I pushed myself.
I rode on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi the entire morning. It was quite hilly and my spirits were growing weary. I oddly thought I heard drums randomly in a mostly forested area. I don't know where it was coming from. I didn't see any houses or buildings. But then again, there were hills and bluffs. The noise could have been echoing from anywhere.
I ate lunch at a Dairy Queen and charged my phone. I was having a hard time eating. I think it was because I was feeling so down. After lunch, I crossed back to the Minnesota side of the river. As I pedaled up and down more hills I saw a fully loaded bicycle ahead of me. The girl on the bike had stopped. Kelly was looking at her map. She asked where we were exactly. I told her and said the next town was another 8 or so miles. We rode and talked for a bit. She told me of how she started in Connecticut and was heading to Oregon as well. She asked if I was riding alone. She asked if I was going crazy. I said I often thought so. She told me how she rode solo all the way to Cleveland before meeting up with a group of Boy Scouts. She hated riding on her own. She told me how she enjoyed riding with people much better. She'd been riding with the Boy Scouts and was much happier. She suggested that I could ride with them as well. I told her I'd think about it and we exchanged numbers and agreed to meet up in Minneapolis. I stopped at a state park to relax. Kelly rode on. The socialization felt good. The prospect of company felt good.
The rest of my day was fairly easy. The hills became more rolling and I handled them much better. I passed some of the Boy Scouts along the way, although I didn't talk to them as they were stopped and I wanted to push on.
I debated carrying on to Minneapolis that evening, but came to the conclusion that resting up would be a better option. Stillwater Minnesota was a beautiful town, very rich from the looks of it. I opted for a hotel room. But this proved a stupid mistake. There were only two available hotel rooms available in the town. I overpaid for my accommodation. But the hotel bed was warm. And the sleep felt nice. Only 25ish miles to Minneapolis/St. Paul.