My body wasn’t as excited about the last two long riding days as my endorphin addled brain was, and it asked me to take it easy today. I was OK with that, since this Pettibone Resort Campground is on the river conveniently across from downtown, and has lots of big shade trees.
The lower Mississippi River is a working river with lots of industry on shore shipping by barge. And it’s too hot to do anything outside. This Wisconsin part of the river is used more for recreation, and is the most beautiful area of the state according to a local camper.
There are many seasonal sites here, where people leave the camper all summer. Water is high and still flooding part of the area, due to heavy snowfall and minus 40s last winter. Some sites are still flooded (look carefully at flooded tree pic), other people are just removing the mud.
There are lots of power boats, and some houseboats, and there is a swimming beach on the river. Water is warm. And I’ve got a barge unloading concrete with a giant vacuum.
Downtown has beautiful waterfront park. There are many bike paths and bicyclists. It’s a small university town, and it feels inviting. I like it better than any other place I’ve passed through.
Reminds me of Calgary, scaled down. It’s becoming obvious that Calgary has some of the best parks and bike trails around. And with the no sweat climate, I can understand why oil patch people who have worked all over the world keep coming back, and like Calgary best.
Anyway, I had a relaxing day exploring the paths and parks, used a library computer, found a grocery store with tasty deli treats for lunch and supper, and generally enjoyed myself.
Even on a bike, the view from the road is just a passing glance. I wanted this trip to be an explore, more than just a distance ride, and so it has become.
Notice the flags at the university stadium flying straight out to the north. That’s my kind of wind, and it’s supposed to be there for me tomorrow.
