This morning, I officially started my ride following the Mississippi River from its source in the north to where it ends in the south.
I enjoyed dipping my rear tire in the river while kids played in it. Lake Itaska is in the background.
Following tradition, I dipped my rear tire in the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itaska State Park. When the ride’s over, I’ll dip my front tire in the other end of the Mississippi, near New Orleans.
The trip feels different now. My legs are rested after a day off in Itaska, and I’m doing more than exploring places in Minnesota I haven’t been to before, which were on an optional portion of the MRT. I’m starting the actual ride. It was also a perfect day for cycling. For the first time, I didn’t have to wear rain gear to stay warm. It was sunny and the wind was at my back.
The pictures for today focus on how small the Mississippi is up here, often a few yards across. Instead of the “Mighty Mississippi,” the river is much more like the “Mini Miss.” I’m looking forward to watching the river grow, and glancing back at these pictures when it really is mighty.
Starting with this post, I’m going to share one song from the music I listen to while I ride. The first song I’ll share is A Prayer Like Any Other. Maybe you can listen to it while looking at the pictures.
To see larger versions of the pictures, right-click them and choose something like ‘open picture in new tab’.
