I had dinner down the street in Alma at the Best Dam View restaurant and grill which was right across the street from a US Corp of Engineers lock. Had a great conversation with the bartender who was impressed by my story. Then she brought up the fact she had just met a young fella the day before who was waiting for his uncle from Milwaukee to pick him up. He had not seen his Unc for 18 years but needed a ride the rest of the way to Milwaukee after skateboarding all the way from Everett, WA!!!!! My trip seemed like small potatoes compared to that endeavor.

By the time I retired to my room after dinner the sky had cleared and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful night . . . go figure.

Today’s ride along the Mississippi was beautiful. The weather was very pleasant and I still had the south wind I have been enjoying the whole trip so far.

Great vistas along the Great River Highway, 35.

Who knew. The actual site was six miles off the highway, I wasn’t that interested.

One of my unique finds. I’ve got to key it out to determine what kind of bug it is.

Typical of the great viewing as I pedaled by the Tiffany Wildlife Area

This was a pleasant surprise just northeast of Pepin. I thought I had been transported to Italy or France. Band new winery that was still looking for help. Too bad it is not closer to MSN. Someone with a dream has LOTS of cash backing them. Hope it works out for them. I’ll be back!

What . . . did I make a wrong turn in Tuscany?

No . . . it’s just Pepin, WI.

Complete with courtyard . . .

. . . and nice stonework.

Funny what you will read while standing by a convenience store eating lunch. Among other items on the community bulletin board was an announcement on what to do it the local nuclear reactor has a melt down! Love the part about putting your clothes in a plastic bag. Doesn’t go on to say what you are then supposed to do with them!

What do it the big one blows . . . ?

. . . take a shower!

Wood nymphs!

Art or a sale?

A Kodak moment around every curve.

You would think we in Wisconsin could name an airport on our side of the river with the name of one of our cities! Aren’t we “Open for Business?”

 Tonight I am camping in MN at the St Croix Regional Park, a relatively new addition to the Washington County park system. Just about empty and I had the whole tent camping area to myself. I was planning on staying just north at the Afton State Park until the nice folks at the regional park told me all the campsites at Afton are walk-ins, with the walk in part being close to a mile!

My home for the night. Quiet and dry. A new shower building too!

Being six miles out of Prescott, and with no food, I set up camp, cleaned up and pedaled back into town for dinner. Had been thinking of red meat all day so headed over to the Muddy Waters Bar and Grill. Great outdoor seating, great blues and a great burger!

Yes . . . California burger with all the trimmings.

I had passed a DQ on the way into town and decided I needed a treat. On our cross country ride, we had something like this almost every night. Back then the DQ version was called a Hot Fudge Brownie Delight. It’s now a Oreo Brownie Earthquake. Still yummy!

Just one of these was enough for the night . . . but there is always tomorrow!