Northern MN: Day 4

Today’s Insights from the (bike) saddle….

Morning ride out and back from
Gosh Dam motel—
Twenty-two miles with wide shoulder.
Purpose was to ride some miles.

Made me realize,
My preference is to have destination.
Can be destination that adds to total trip.
Can be destination to food stop.

Riding out and back
To make sure I keep moving,
Takes more commitment for me.
Would be easier to not bother.

This afternoon in Grand Rapids,
I'm aware of a couple of things:

Don't ASSUME.
Pulled in front of motel for night,
“Oh no! Another Oasis!”

Now I know that
Fading exterior is just until,
Internal rehab is completed.
Room is charming & fresh.
New owner, energetic young man
Excited to be creating good lodging option.

As my Mother always said,
"You can't tell a book by its cover.”
I had to laugh at myself.

We visited Libby Muir,
Very dear, longtime friend from Northfield.
Now in care center in Grand Rapids where
Daughter, Peggy Marshall lives.

Libby spoke of her appreciation
For care she receives,
For life earlier and now.
I could hear it in her words,
See it in her eyes.

Her "prism of gratitude"
Enveloped me as a visitor.
May I live her example.

Thank you for being with me on this trip.
I am grateful to each of you.

LIn

Acres of stock-piled logs, piled 3-deep—outside Blandin Paper Mill in Grand Rapids, MN

Typical Northern MN lakeside scene: summer resorts.

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