Believe it or not this is my first proper rest day since I left the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Oregon more than 3 weeks ago. Since then I have cycled about 1,900 miles across this enormous country to reach approximately half way. More than half way, in fact, if Google maps is to be believed. I probably have less than 1,500 miles of the USA and Canada left to go. Symbolically, though, I will feel like I have left the western half of the country behind only when I cross the Mississippi River, which lies in between the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, still 50 miles or so ahead of me.
We went in to the affluent southern suburbs of Minneapolis today to drop off my bike at a local bike shop, where it will be getting a new chain and replacement bearings. I found myself back in a different America that I hadn’t seen at all since Helena and Missoula, and not in any major way since Portland, Oregon. This was a world of trendy coffee shops, leafy streets with bike lanes, sophisticated-looking restaurants and cool, arty, people, all of which have been conspicuous by their absence for many days. It underlines the two very different sides to this country that coexist but view the world very differently.
As I head east into Wisconsin, Michigan and beyond, I will be interested to see which way things lean. But for now there are practicalities to deal with. I need to get all my clothes clean. I have a lot of route and accommodation planning to do. The weather is supposed to get really hot again over the coming Labour Day holiday weekend. So there is plenty to consider. I’m about a day ahead of my original schedule so there is no desperate hurry; but I will have to get moving again by the end of the week I think, whether I feel like it or not.
In the meantime, I am sharing this lovely old farm with my friends, their dog, two cats, 8 hens and a rooster. The blue super moon was spectacular this evening and I am about as relaxed as can be, listening to the crickets chirping away. A rest was overdue and it feels good!
Should enter those tomatoes in the Horticultural Show tomorrow! Enjoy your rest and love to all in the Commers household.