Note: Dan is providing a brief update for Liz
Sunday, July 23 Elizabeth left her campsite on the eastern shoreline of the Mississippi to ride north 58 miles – crossing the Mississippi River from Illinois into Iowa and on to the destination near Oxford, IA.
Just outside of Muscantine Elizabeth passed the Octagon House – a novelty built in 1855. One of the other riders has a family connection to this house so a brief stop was in order. The route was challenging but one of rolling hills and there were relatively light winds. Elizabeth was anxious to get to the destination so she didn’t take many long breaks along the way.
At 35 miles Elizabeth met up with some other riders at “TJ’s Gas and Grub” to eat lunch. She looked around the store and was amazed to find that they had one of her favorites – Cutwater Lime Margaritas from San Diego, CA. A couple of those managed to find their way into Elizabeth’s trunk bag.
Elizabeth got into Wapsie Park in Oxford Junction by 2:30 and started the routine – tent, hand laundry, bathing, etc. Wapsie Park also was home to the Legionaire’s Ballroom where a Polka Dance was held that night. Elizabeth got her a ticket and enjoyed some Polka music before retiring for the night!
Monday’s ride was 59 miles but had a lot more hills with almost 3000 feet of climbs before reaching the destination of Dryersville. Just outside of Dryersville Elizabeth passed the site where “Field of Dreams” (1989 starring Kevin Costner) was filmed.
The town of Dryersville is home to the St Francis Xavier Basilica built in 1888.
Tuesday Elizabeth awoke to a low level fog in a very picturesque camping scene. Today’s destination of Marquette lay some 66 miles to the north and would require 3200 feet of climb – the biggest day of climb since she got back on her bike after her knee trouble. Elizabeth did not escape the heat wave as the day was forecast to hit 90 degrees.
The hilly route afforded many scenic vistas.
About halfway into the ride Elizabeth had to stop at Pedretti’s Bakery in Elkader, IA. Where else can you get John Deere decorated cookies?
After a long, hot, hilly ride it was worth the additional 5 mile round trip to get a cold desert at the Dairy Queen in Prairie du Chien, WI just across the Mississippi River. It was a chance to celebrate the end of a long day of riding — and the fact that Elizabeth’s knee was holding up OK despite the hills!
After tomorrow’s 65 mile to La Crosse, the group would end an 11 day 600+ mile stretch between rest days with a well deserved zero day!
You’re doing great, girl! So happy your knee is holding up, too. You certainly earned those canned SD Margaritas. We’re loving the great pictures. Never knew there were so many interesting spots along that route. Especially enjoyed hearing about the John Deere decorated cookies. Willie Nelson here this last weekend with 35,000 in attendance……..not us! Too many folks, so Willie’s CD was great in our living room! Zach Bryan was here, too. Must look for some of his music, too.l. Thanks to both you and Dan for sharing with us.
Love, Norine McCulley
renegmc@bendbroadband.com
I am so enjoying these posts. You are truly seeing America up close in a way that few of us ever will. Yay for the knee!
So happy your knee is holding up. 🫶