It was going to be a GREAT day. Only 39 miles to Karen and Bob’s house which would leave plenty of time to splash around in the lake . . .

. . . and what a way to start our the day riding along quiet lakes with no traffic . . .

We entered Otter Tail county home of Karen and Bob as well as 58,000 other happy otters and 1,048 lakes!!!!

. . . a typical ‘Mom and Pop’ resort that had it hay day on the 1950-70’s. Many of these type of resorts have been split up and sold of as individual cabins and properties. When we were kids we went to one near Walker, MN name Wi-Wi-Ta. Great memories!!!!

. . . a little library on wheels . . . yeah, a bookmobile!!!!

. . .a blast from the past. I’m sure in it’s day this is where the local fisherman hung out and swapped ‘tall tales’ regarding fishing.

. . . mmmmm, looks like we are out on the western front . . .

I met Jan, Cynthia and Missy out for a morning walk enjoying the quiet morning and cool temps.

Soon we arrived at the Phelps Mill, a must see in Ottertail County. The county took possession in the 1960’s and the facility is very well preserved. Three flours of wheat processing . . .

. . .all powered by a water turbine . . . as time went on an addition was added and a second turbine . . .

. . . amazing craftsmanship. Much of the machinery, including the elevator tubes were made of wood!!!!

. . . back on the road with 15 miles to the lake. You could smell tis guying coming on before you could see him!!!!

. . . sounds like a local issue in OT County. Will have to ask Bob what it is all about . . .

. . . which came first, the Dead Lake or the Dead Lake due to invasives????? Funny name for a lake!!!

Nice to be cycling along the birding trail. In WI we have one of these routes too in the northern third of the state. Brings in revenue to the local service providers from a non-motorized cliental (except for their vehicle of course which they use to drive from site to site)

. . . speaking of driving we soon wheel into the Karen and Bobs’ . . .

. . . they made us feel immediately ‘at home’!!!!

. . . my sister Roxanne had come up from the Mpls too so it was sort of a family reunion for us. They had snacks and food out ALL day, including lunch, afternoon goodies, dinner and dessert. The wine,beer and soda flowed freely too!!!!

David started on a sitting raft . . .

. . . so did ‘Good Mike’ who was also enjoying a Leinees’s beer from WI!!!!!

Denise decide to do some paddleboard yoga . . . and she didn’t fall off!!!!

. . .soon David graduated to the paddleboard . . .

. . . Wade was chilling an grinnin’ . . .

. . . soon the cover came off the jets ski’s and away we went . . .

Corvin and Dr Mike tearing up the lake. They used the yellow keys for the machines which allow them to go up to 70 mph!!!

. . . David got in the act too . . .

Bob brought out ‘Super Mabel’ for her maiden voyage. It is supposed to handle three adult size riders . . .

. . . the three WoJo’s were the first to give it a try . . .

. . . away we went

Bob pulled us with one of the jet ski’s and it was quite a ride . . .

. . .once Mabel planed off it was a wild ride . . . soon Karen and Roxanne said THAT’S ENOUGH AND BACK TO SHORE E WENT.!!!!

Wade, David and Mike then took a ride. Wade got flipped out and soon the plug from the air bladder popped pout and Mabel filled with water. Bob ‘towed’ the whole operation back to shore. We drained Mabel and soon she will be ready for a air refill and more fun!!!

It was time for dinner and Bob was the grill master . . . teriyaki marinated chicken breasts . . .YUM . . .

Karen gives the official ‘Come and get it’ . . .

. . with loaded potatoes, carrots, cheese bread and scmoodie with fresh fruit!!!!

. . . and Mark came back for seconds!!!!!

. . . dishes were cleaned up and soon it was time for our nightly map meeting regarding our route tomorrow. The first 20 miles would be to ‘get us back on track’ . .

Rod gave out a few awards . . .

. . . including a ‘scraper’ he found along the way as a thank you to Karen and Bob for ‘scraping’ something together for us to eat!!!!

We turned out 44th day on the road at Karen’s and Bob’s which marks the half way point of our 88 day adventure. We are at the half way mileage point too. Allison has been carrying candles to mark the occasion and the temps in her panniers has gotten so hot the zero melted!!!

. . .but she bought another one at Larry’s in Battle Lake. then  umbers were added to the brownie trifle Karen had made for dessert . . .

. . . and there wasn’t any left by the time we got done wit hit!!!

We had a GREAT time at Karen and Bob’s and it was a well deserved break off the bike and a GREAT way to celebrate our half way point. Thanks again to you two, and Roxanne for being such great hosts. We didn’t want to leave!!!!