Seeing as I took the day off yesterday, I had some miles to make up. I also anticipated getting out of the city to be a pain in the neck. Getting out and in of big cities like this are always the hardest. So I packed bright and early and then split.
There's Breezey all loaded up in Caroline's apartment just before going. A nice place. Felt very hip after being out of a city for a while.
On a tip from a fellow at the bike store, I took the Northstar Commuter Train running North from the Twins stadium all the way to Big Lake. I know it's cheating a little bit, but it gave me a solid boost to make my way across Minnesota, and the ticket was only five bucks.
So I made my way downtown on another conveniently located bike path (last picture of Minneapolis skyline here I promise- it's just very picturesque).
Twins stadium was like most- blatantly branded regalia posted about and a few lonesome straglers wandering about talking to themselves. I found the station and a shorter man with light red hair asked if I had a phone charger. I did and we sat by the outlet while we waited for the train. He too was going to Big Lake.
Train came on time at 10:44 and I loaded Breezey into a car, while all the ticketmasters asked me the usual questions. There she is all strapped in.
I sat with my new acquaintance and talked for the hour's ride. His name was Matthew and was from the area. We talked about transportation and water quality and he had much travel experience, in the States and in Europe. Turns out he was an Aerospace engineer but was through with it and was out traveling. After he got off in Big Lake he aimed to walk down highway 10 with his small suitcase until someone picked him up.
Before I knew it we had arrived and I passed Matt on the road offering a short goodbye. The day was clear as could be and I made goodtime to Clearwater. Had lunch on the banks of the Clearwater river (a small tributary to the Mississippi).
Up the Mississippi further I arrived in St Cloud. Went through the university, and then through downtown. Main street was empty as a ghost town.
There were shops and all, just no one out. Sunday, I though must be the reason. But when I turned to go West off the river, I found where they all were.
This hot strip of self-indulgence. A capitalist wasteland. This can't be what freedom looks like, I thought to myself. But I rode on.
After St Cloud I got on the Lake Wobegon trail, which took me clear to Avon, where I stopped on a bench by a lovely garden.
I do appreciate a good bench. After Avon I headed for Albany, my goal for the day. Only 54 miles, but I had a later start with the train and all. Somewhere along the trail this flag came out of nowhere. Feelings of patriotism are already running high. Heard fireworks here and there all day.
I have a feeling this 4th of July is going to be like none I've ever had, not only because I'm on the road, but because of the current president. Something I'll be thinking about in the next couple of days, no doubt.
Found camp in city park in Albany.
We shall see where tomorrow takes me.
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