Day 26 Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin to Dyersville

 A semi rest day of 55 miles. I needed to race ahead of an impending rainfall that was to carry on throughout the day. As I pulled into the parking lot of the hotel the rain drops began to fall as predicted. 

Iowa corn fields as far as the eyes could see.

Day 25 Winona MN to Prairie Du Chien Wisconsin

 A 94 mile ,3 state adventure. Beginning in Minnesota, crossing state line into Iowa, crossing the Mississippi River into Wisconsin. Went off route to save still another River crossing to stumble on a paved cycling path. All in all another stunning day of cycling as I turn more eastward through Illinois. 

Asphalt bike path 

History lesson 

Day 24 Prescott to Winona Minnesota

 Strataling the upper Mississippi River today for a 90 mileblast.

Crossing the Mississippi river again 

Unusual use for old skis.

Bridge leaving Prescott 

Early morning mist

Signpost for river road. 
. Another early start to beat the prediction of a thunderstorm at 3pm which didn't happen until 8PM . Biked on the Great River Road, as it is known. It's positioned on the Wisconsin side of the river and covers 250 miles.  Very similar to our river road along the Delaware 

Day 23 Cambridge to Prescott Wi.

 On the road again. Woke to an angry dark cloud filled sky. Concern soon gave way to clear skies and the st. Croix scenic byway  under my tires. A little disappointed that this route didn't hug the river as closely as I had hoped. 87 miles total today. 

River side house along the St. Croix

Byways signage.

St. Croix meeting the Mississippi. Minnesota meeting Wisconsin. 

Rest and recharge day

 Heavy showers night and day. Seems to me a good day to take a break and get a feel for the final 2 week push into Winchester where I pick up the start of the anchor house ride. I have completed 1837 miles in 21 days.

Day 21 Albany to Cambridge Mn.

 Another absolutely perfect weather day. Cool morning, tail and cross breeze, bright sunshine. Final 18 miles on the lake wobegon rail trail before being redirected to rural country roads. 95 miles in all today. Total mileage for the full first 3 weeks of riding 1827.

Mississippi River crossing. 

River flow to the south. 

Eastern terminus of wobegon trail.

Christmas tree farming. 

Day 20 Fergus Falls to Albany MN

 90 miles of all rail to trails. Some areas were a little bumpy, but nothing out of control.  The weather and winds were holding up. This states motto is the land of 10000 lakes and I can definitely see why.

Lake Wobegon trail marker. 

This guy.

That dirty shell 

Lake 

Lake

Swans in Lake.