Monday, June 27, 2011

6/26 - Day 23

Barn composition.  A Wrightian palette of grey and cherokee red.
Barn ruins.  The sunken roof calls to mind the work of Felix Candela, known for his hyperbolic paraboloids.
La Fond House.  St. Joseph, MN.  The last FLW project until Cody, WY.
I tried using Crocodile Dundee taming tactics (yeah right) to get some better photos, but it didn't work with these pooches.
Putting on those miles!
Hit the 1300 milestone today.
Journal time.  St. Joseph, MN.  Outside of St. Benedict Monastery in the historic downtown strip.
Per conversation with Peter and Julie, residents of Stearne County, Lake Wobegon is a fictitious place crafted by famous radio voice Garrison Keillor, from which the trail receives its name.  More info here.
The name seems rather appropriate given the almost fictitious level of beauty along the trail (especially its many many lakes).
Birch trees abound along the Lake Wobegon Trail.  Did I mention these were my favorite?
Detail.  Yellow Pond Lily.
The grain of new growth overtaking old was stunning.  In this same category of fine-lined gradient were all the hues of green of all the prairie grasses, reeds, shrubs, etc.  Never again will it suffice to call something 'green'.
Signage for Smiley Rd.
Trail tar repair and concomitant (mysterious) white clothe substance (looked like toilet paper, but clearly wasn't a prank as it was just about everywhere I could see the tar).
Detail.  Bike sculpture.  Wobegon Trail.
Old timber RR bridge.  Wobegon trail just west of West Union, MN.
At a few stretches along the Wobegon, the trail rode center between Interstate 94 and various County Roads.  The various rhythms make for great cycling (not to mention the limited grade). 
Beginning in Melrose, MN, a series of signs accompanied the Lake Wobegon markers, each with a given inspirational message.  This was my favorite.
Ride re-fuel at Lake Osakis.
Not only are the MN lakes great in number, but in clarity as well.  This photo taken at about 2.5' water depth, from dock at 1.5' above water surface.

6/25 - Day 22

Breaking camp early morning.  Beautiful  and packed grounds at Baker Park on Lake Katrina!
Tunnel approach/exit (this taken while leaving) to the campgrounds from the Baker Park bike path.
Early sun rays peaking through clouds over Lake Katrina.
Detail.  Window graphic at gas station.
Corner Bar.  St. Michael, MN.  Apparently a nationally known bar, per conversation with Brenda, a local.
Grain silo top.  One of the more exciting paint jobs along the way.
County road cruising parallel with the Mississippi.
Lunch on the Mississippi.  Monticello, MN.
Detail.  Utility pole. 
Silver-painted faux split-face a la Andy Warhol.

Blog Archive