Tri-State region

We're stopped over in Dubuque, Iowa after a couple chilly days of riding along the Mississippi. A cold front blew in and caught us off guard a bit - the temperature fell to around freezing the past two nights. God must like us though - right after the cold front blew in a Cabela's store appeared on the horizon. It was the same effect as when you grocery shop while hungry (S.W.H.) - we purchased hats and socks and gloves. It was amazing.


On Thursday we met Tom Larson of La Crosse, WI. We enjoyed a few PBRs (Tom's favorite beer) and watched the wind change from north to south on his porch, bringing with it the cold weather. Tom has had MS since 1989 but doesn't let it get him down. It wasn't too hard to find him, he was out and about on his hover-round cruising around the neighborhood. He loves that thing - he praises it and swears, "i'm not getting paid a thing to say this but...." Tom was hilarious and we had a great time.


I thought Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois were as flat as pancakes but this is not so. This portion of the tri-state area (Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois) is actually quite hilly. It is because we're in a "driftless area", an area untouched by the glaciers that formed the plains. We have been traveling along the river for a few days in the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge. It has been beautiful - the bluffs along the Mississippi are steep and covered with deciduous trees. Soon we will begin to head east towards Chicago to meet Devin's grandparents in Odell, Illinois.

Thanks to all those who have contacted us about coming through your area. We'll make as many stops as we can afford - just as long as we make it to Maine before the snow does.

Donald