Fargo (2)

"The long and winding road..." I'm a Beatles fan. So we have crossed North Dakota in 5 days and will cross into Minnesota tomorrow. We are staying with Cindy and Brad Gray in Fargo, whose son Beau is a suitemate of Pat's at St. Olaf. We have been blessed to have so many helpful, gracious folks take us into their homes along our route. Leroy Anseth in Williston was most gracious in letting us stay in his home on a hot, mosquito-plagued day. Yes, I must admit that the mosquitos in western North Dakota are worse than they are in Wisconsin.

Over the past 5 days in North Dakota, we have seen the best of days and the worst of days. Monday the 80 mile ride from Williston to Newtown was absolutely the worst of days, with non-stop hills along the Lewis and Clark Trail on a day with temps in the high 80's and tons of mosquitos. Thursday was the best of days as we flew, with cool temps and light wind, 100 miles from Goodrich to Cooperstown. We have been eating well and are having no major physical or mechanical problems.

After 26 days we have cycled roughly 1785 miles, averaging about 69 miles a day. We are 2 days ahead of the itinerary that Dave set up before we started our trek. If we keep up this pace and have favorable weather, we expect to pull into our hometown, Stevens Point, by Thursday July 10. After a day at home to see family and take care of business we will continue our trek east.

Bill Jenkins