The most beautiful day so far! I took tons of pictures- only some are posted here.

I started the day with a tight chest- and the morning was emotional. I never figured out whether my body was reflecting some inner conflict working itself out- or whether j had an emotional day b/c my body was working into a new level of fitness...probably some of both.

What I do know is that we teased Wisconsin again, but ended up in minnesota this evening. The farmland was picturesque- like Italy or wine country but with corn! It felt good to climb hills, see vistas, and swoop down.

I learned something about how the Mississippi ebbs, gets naturally dammed and flows. I also saw a bald eagle get fed- a fortuitous happening when I stopped to learn
About the river- the geologist sheri also stopped (she and Ann had taken a simpler "off route" ride today) Sherri also Id'd the fuel barge...and then Ann caught up - noting we could catch the eagle feeding if we hurried- so I tagged along.

What a neat day. I rode alone, but near people the whole day - ending up with company at just the right times (with Mary for directions, the group for lunch, folks riding by to join my pictures, and of course the eagles)