The morning started out on a bright note. I was walking out to the breakfast trailer just as a car pulled up and a little boy jumped out and ran towards the trailer. "Gramma!!!", he shouted, and leaped into Barbara's arms. It was a movie moment! Barbara's daughter, son-in-law and grandsons were attending a wedding in Minneapolis, and when they realized how close they were to Barbara, they changed their plane reservations and drove down to spend the day with her. Pretty cool!
We headed out for what I thought was a 58 mile day. Another drop-dead gorgeous day, with moderate hills, tailwinds, and sunshine. Edith got a late start so she caught up with me and instead of zooming off, stayed and rode with me for the rest of the day. Of course, she did a lot of waiting, too. We had a great time, stopping off for treats and chats with the locals. We met a golden retriever named Lady and three llamas. Here's a picture of Edith trying to get a smooch from Viton (I have no idea how that should be spelled). The llamas had just been shorn, and their owner called them "big French poodles." He was trying to mow the lawn, but apparently WomanTours cyclists had been stopping by for photo ops all day long.
Half way through the day, step-son Scott called and asked if he and his two-year-old daughter Marissa could stop by and say hello in Stillwater. (Oh, gee, what do you think I said?)
Just as we were turning coming up to Bayport, about mile 48, I told Edith that I needed to find a restroom before we headed into the last ten miles. Laurie pulled up just then, and as we talked about the turn we were making, I suddenly realized that we were only a mile from the end. I'd been thinking all day that we had a 58 mile route, but in fact, it was only 48! Way to read the cue sheet, Dusty! I was most happy.
Edith and I got to town in plenty of time for me to clean up before Scott arrived, and since we were on our own for dinner, Janet and Edith joined us for dinner downtown. I've been to Stillwater many times, but it is new to Janet and Edith, and it is always fun for me. Little Marissa has an independent streak--she does not want to be carried--she wants to walk on her own. But when you put her down, she refuses to take your hand, and since Stillwater is busy, we simply had to carry her!
Stillwater is a river town, with the traditional steps leading straight up the hill! Allie, remember climbing in to the top of the town up the big steps in Hot Springs? I asked Marissa if she wanted to walk up the stairs, and of course she did, but after about 20 steps she wanted to be carried. Jan, Edith, and Scott had followed us, so of course we had to finish. I carried Marissa up the steps and it was a challenge! Here's a picture of Marissa and I, standing on the rocks overlooking the Mighty--St. Croix River!
No comments:
Post a Comment