Turtle Time

To Avon, Minnesota -- 57.3 miles, 12.8 mph, 1150 ft

It was one year ago today that we tentatively set off from our hotel in Barcelona on the start of our European bike trip. In hindsight, that first day was an awful lot nicer and easier than what we experienced this year, just one month ago. Thankfully, the weather has improved dramatically and we ended today's sunny ride at 80 degrees!

It's amazing how the weather affects your attitude -- almost no wind and sunny blue skies. As a result, we were in no huge hurry. We took a lengthy break at the midpoint at the Kettle Restaurant, and for once I wasn't famished. And, though I'm a little nervous to say it, for the second day, my knees have been pain free!  Perhaps the three rest days did the trick. Time will tell, but my fingers are crossed.

As of today, we have completed 1450 miles over 28 days.  We are more than a third of the way through the full bike journey. The set of waypoint pins on our TrackMyTour map is starting to look pretty substantial.  

I'm guessing all that biking had something to do with the hole on the inside of my bike shorts.  I was wondering why my leg was stinging a little as I rode.  Fortunately, a quick stop at a shop in St Cloud, and we were on our way again.

The lodge of choice tonight was the Budget Host Inn.  For ten extra bucks, Don could sleep on the floor officially. Dex and Kylie are still holding up well and run around outside as soon as we are done for the day.  Dexter, Eagle Eyes, spied a turtle about two seconds after we arrived.

For dinner, we did another twofer. Subway for the main meal and McDonald’s for dessert. Not quite the same European dining experience we had last summer.