80 (HOT) miles (This entry goes along with Day 32)
I think I fried my brain today. We just walked over a mile to the library, in above-85 degree heat, and I left all my journaling back at the motel. Sigh. So, instead of a complete, chronological update, I'll just do a summarized version today and do the detailed one in a couple days when we reach Gerry's sister's place.
We've crossed all of Minnesota since our last post. Almost all of that was flat riding, which was pretty enjoyable. But I have to say that I feel bad for the roads you Minnesotans have to drive on. The ones we've seen are in deplorable condition. And your mosquitos...voracious and nearly the size of Cessnas (to quote one of your own)!
Minnesota had a dirty trick waiting for us as we left today. We rode clear across the state without once shifting down to "granny", but this morning we had to leave the St. Croix River and it was a two mile climb - straight up. They didn't bother with the "let's grade gradually up the side of the canyon" when they built that puppy. They just brought in the big machines and dozed their way straight out. Ouch. We had packed our climbing legs away days ago and had to dig them out, pronto! It was a good thing we left at 7:10 while it was relatively cool.
Yesterday and today have been our hottest days yet, with very high humidity. You can actually see the moisture in the air when you look off in the distance. When we got into the state park yesterday afternoon, it took about four hours for my core body temp to go down. I was beat.
Time's up on the library computer. Check back in a few days for a more detailed day-by-day with pictures.
Prayer requests:
1-Gerry's right shoulder has been nagging him, probably from all the shifting on the hills.
2-My right hip still yells at me.
3-Continued protection on the roads. Today was probably the worst roads we've ridden on.
How can we thank you all enough for your ongoing prayer? We have absolutely no doubt that we are this far because of your faithfulness to lift us to our Father's throne.
This is the St. Croix River that we camped by last night. Hot and rumpled,
Gerry and Pat
1 comment:
Wow!!! I love reading your blog. Your trip thus far has to be amazing. All of those miles of thoughts, songs, prayers, and rotations of the pedals. I will continue to pray for your safety, perseverance, and that you can see the blessings along the way.
Know that we love you and check this often. Love, Nancy
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