Osakis, Minnesota to Bowlus, Minnesota - July 14, 2023

Looking for a Way Up

We embarked from the campsite at 9:50 AM, finding that a 25-mile stretch continues to be a natural start to our day.

Martinez’s Restraunt

After Meal Issues

In Melrose, Don inquired with a construction worker about good places to eat. He suggested the local bowling alley. En route, we halted at a corner on Main Street where a man was loading a box of tortilla shells and hot sauces into a vehicle. He informed us there was a restaurant inside the building. Donald investigated and reported back that it seemed like our kind of place. We stepped into Martinez Meat and Grocery and were absolutely delighted with our meals.

Soaking Up the Rail Trail

After consuming an abundant amount of food, I found myself in a dreamlike state as we journeyed to Albany. Once there, we paused at Don’s I-94 Travel Center, unaware that we were on the brink of a detour.

Don’s I-94 Travel Center

Upon leaving Don’s, we continued on the same rail trail we had been following for the last hundred miles. Ten miles later, we encountered a cyclist heading in the opposite direction who stopped to chat. Upon learning of our destination, he informed us that we had missed a turn at Albany. To reach the Bowlus campsite, we needed to take County Road 3 northward. We backtracked several miles to CR 3 and resumed pedaling. Once we crested a hill, I checked our remaining distance to the destination - 18 miles. I had to pause, take a deep breath, and accept this familiar situation, which I've experienced many times touring, and in life, in general.

Don and I maintained a steady pace on the undulating hills. Despite the setback, I found the ride enjoyable. It occurred to me that it could have been far worse if it had been raining heavily or had already turned dark.

We rolled into the town of Bowlus at around 7:10 PM. There, we discovered a suitable city park to set up camp, and conveniently located across the street was Jordie’s Trail Side Cafe. Don and I opted for the all-you-can-eat fish and shrimp buffet. Although I've had subpar experiences with buffet meals in the past, this one proved to be quite satisfying.

Entrance to Jordie’s

After dinner, we meandered into the garden area adjacent to the building and bumped into Larry, a fellow bicycle tourist whom we had met at our first campsite. He was also staying at the city park across the street, and our conversation carried on until bedtime.

Jordie’s Interior

The city park lacked shower facilities, but the restrooms were quite nice, offering hot water from the sinks. We all took sponge baths before climbing into our tents. After spending so much time on the road, these evening clean-ups are a necessity.

City Park Lockup Scene

Due to our unintended detour, we cycled approximately sixty five miles today.