Day 2

Day 2 started off with a lot of knee pain. I stayed at the hotel till almost 11 am.  Why?  To watch the forecast and plan the day.  The planning was easy.  The forecast was rain on Saturday with possible snow on Sunday morning.  With my painful knees, I didn't want them subjected to cold temperatures.  I was debating on staying at the hotel for the next couple of days.  The cost would be considerable.  So after looking at the trail map, I figured I could ride the next 13 miles of the trail to Rushford.  The morning temperatures are in the 40s. 

I packed up the bike and rolled out of the hotel.  I slowly made my way along the trail.  It is a beautiful trail.  Tree covered and quiet.  The sky was overcast.  I stop every couple of miles due to my knee pain.  I also feel a slower pace take over.  There is no rush.  It would be a great trail to ride for fun and not travel.

At the halfway point to my goal, I stop at a picnic area to eat.  No, I haven't eaten breakfast.  I have things to cook, but nothing instant.  My brunch consists of cornmeal pancakes with dried cranberries, tuna with mayo, and an apple-blueberry puree.  I cook over my alcohol stove.  It works perfectly.  I actually added the exact amount of fuel to cook the pancakes. 

The picnic area is quiet except for the birds, light wind, and some flies.  There are butterflies everywhere.  I can't get a picture because they move so frequently. 

After some introspection, I come to realize that I probably will not backpack by myself again.  I really don't like the solitude.  It is interesting to me that I want companionship, yet I take this long trip on my own.  I had thought about it while planning the trip, but I figured this was the way to do it.  Now I am not too sure.  If I was to stop the trip now, I have no place to live and no car.  So I continue.  I don't know what I want to do next.

I stop more frequently due to knee pain.  Another stop included stop at a bend in the river.  Almost in the center of the photo you can see and eagle flying towards the camera.  There were actually three eagles here.  Two adults and a juvenile.  They were beautiful to watch. 

Just before three pm, I made it to Rushford.  This is a quiet town with travelers that come to hunt.  I have ridden 14.27 miles.  I get directions from a lady at the trail/train depot station where the above sign is located.   I ride to Windswept Inn. 

Not much to look at, but at $42 a night, a good deal.  I book two nights.  The lady who checked me in was really nice to talk to.  My room is the open door.  I sit outside on the chairs to relax.  I watch the high school kids walk home.  The lady who checked me in said that prom night was tomorrow and I may see kids walking to the high school in prom outfits, weather permitting. 

I take a walk to downtown (4 blocks) to get something to eat.  I stop at Shawnee's Bar and Grill.  I have the chipolte burger.  It was great.  I left the bar at 5 pm as it was filling up.  I slowly walk back to the room.  Slowly, because my knees still hurt and I am tired. 

I turn on the TV and watch the weather channel and other shows for the rest of the night.