Day 30

To Minneapolis! Indeed.

Had more rain and thunderstorms through the night but in the morning the skies were mostly clear. Packed up my things wet and got going. Took 95 down to Marine on St. Croix, which is really a mouthful for a town. Oldest logging settlement on the river. From there I took a road right up the side of the steep river valley through some farmland, though these farms are notably different. Almost like trinket farms- quant little things that somebody from the city goes out to every now and again. But who knows, I'm just speculating from the less-than-straight rows of crops and to-the-tee farmhouse decorarion.

From there I got on the Gateway trail. A well paved bike path which lifted me from the country side and shot me right into the mess of the twin cities. Got spit out somewhere in North St. Paul. And here's where I realized I was truly a Seattleite. Frst thing I did was go right to REI. First one I've seen the whole trip. But they sure had what I needed. Got me some white gas for the stove and some re-waterproofing agent for the rain suit. Nice fellas there were jealous of the trip. Down the street was the bike store, and Breezey got the equivalent of a full mani-pedi. Brand new chain, new tires, new tubes, and even a set of fenders. Chain was stretched out quite a bit after 1500 miles (oh yeah, my current total is 1,545), and the tires were worn down to the bone, all cut up and had pebbles and glass and things wedged in there. Fenders I hope will keep my feet, shins, and gears a litter drier and cleaner when riding in the rain.

From there I headed to the heart of the city. And HO! I said to myself when this came into view:

Only got better as I got closer.

Yesterday while raking my mind for anyone I knew in Minneapolis I remembered my friend Caroline from Skidmore. She's from here and I when I asked if she was around she said I could come stay in her apartment in Dinkytown (the college neighborhood to the University of Minnesota). Overjoyed, I made my way to her place and immediately exploded out my wet stuff to dry.

She was off to her parent's place for dinner, so I was left to my own devices. Rested on the couch for a bit, relishing in the luxury of it, and then ventured out into the city. Turns out, right across the street is a place selling poke bowls- pretty much my favorite food ever. I couldn't resist. Raw marinated fish on warm rice with fresh vegetables and a tasty sauce. Good lord, glorious food.

Now that I was fed I could go grocery shopping (it's a disaster if I go in there hungry). Got recommended a co-op across the river in Seward. Nice bridge I crossed to get there. Realized while on it, I was crossing the Mississippi for the first time. Boy, I really am going west.

Co-op was incredible. Found the bulk isle and went gonzo. Quinoa and couscous and rice and lentils and pasta and granola and beans and nuts and dried fruit! It was outrageous. Got some good indian sauces and then cheese, and some real fancy organic peanut butter. The real stuff.

Spent so long in there, by the time I came out the sun was getting low. But whoaw the golden hour was upon me.

I followed the light and found myself downtown. Cruising through the giant buildings, I let the city guide me where it would. Pulled up to a stop light and a group of girls were standing there talking. One of em looks at me and says, "would you mind if I kissed you on the cheek?" And I'm thinking to myself, now this is my kinda town! I says sure, and she does and her friend takes a photo. Some kind of batchelorette party of some sort. Now that we were aquainted I says "Hey! I got one night in Minneapolis, where should I go?" They say, "Downtown's too expensive, go to St. Anthony's." The light turned so I say thanks and off I go. In case you don't believe me, you can see her lipstick:

Up and down Marquette ave and then through the old Mill district I rode.

Realizing the sunset was getting real good, I made a B-line for the Stone Arch bridge. And boy, was that a good choice.

And here's Breezey looking fine, and me looking alright:

What a time. Lots of folks out on the street, it being Friday night. Rode through St. Anthony's right on the other side of the bridge there on the old brick streets past the old saw mills that are now artist lofts and restaurants. Finally headed back to Dinkytown when the light faded.

Real happy to be here, to have friends so gracious, to be in the right place at the right time, to have so much more to see, to be alive etc...