Pepin, WI

Traveling by bike gives so much more depth to the journey. I can confidently say that I know, not just the interstates, but the hidden gems, backroads, smells, sounds, and locals of all the states we've been through. It's not touristy, but that's perfect. I love being able to take in the natural world around me at slow speeds, right up close.

Today we continued biking along the Mississippi River in heavy humidity. After lunch we stopped at an awesome local bike shop and talked for awhile with the owner. Rob, Erin, Stella, and I took a reroute, he suggested, down to the river to bike on a more secluded road, which was beautiful.

On out way through Alma, we stopped for blueberry cheesecake ice cream at a very cute shop. It had a garden behind it and several hotel suites upstairs. I would love to live in one of the suites!

Pepin is small and quaint and known as the birthplace of Laura Ingalla Wilder. A couple of us went to the tiny museum that had some neat things about the Wilders. It was so much fun to reminisce in my childhood.

There is another cycling group in town tonight: Cycle Across America. They're headed from Seattle to Boston and are fully supported with bike mechanics, a massage therapist, and more. We are a very different operation from them.

Tomorrow I get to see Aunt Kit and Aunt Cyntia; I can't wait!!