Day 49: Brownsvile, MN

There was some pretty good rain last night, but no hail (at least that we noticed).  But by daybreak the skies were clear and it wasn't long before it started warming up.  While walking the dog this morning we ran into a couple that we had met nearly three weeks ago at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park in North Dakota.  With the speed that we travel that's only happened one other time that we've been aware of (but I think our polka dot van might be more memorable than most vehicles).

Views from 600 feet above the Mississippi at Great River Bluffs State Park.

Today's ride was probably one of the most scenic of our travels, along Winona County Road 1, which is just south of I-90 were it crosses the Mississippi River at La Crosse, WI.  It follows the ridge line of a bluff probably 400 or 500 feet above the river, affording excellent views of the river marshes, the main shipping channel of the Mississippi and some of the towns and cities in the area.

Alea rides into camp...

It was also a very short riding day - only 25 miles total - due to the spacing of available campgrounds along our route.  We're camped at Wildcat Landing and Campground ($34.20, power only), which is jointly operated by the local county and the Corps of Engineers.  Lana loves it here, as the Mississippi is very shallow and affords her the opportunity to play ball in the water (her favorite activity).

Our sunny weather didn't last all that long, though.  Another line of storms is expected to come through about the same time as last night.  So we've once again prepared a dinner that can be taken inside if the weather makes cooking outside unpleasant.