_Day 52 - 05 August - 238 Miles
Pipestone - Twin Cities
_The Parks
Though just over the border from South Dakota, Pipestone MN is another world. Gone is the high plains desert. There is green growth everywhere. The walking path through the park crosses water, through woods, and grasslands. At points the Sundance Tree is visible, respectfully not photographed. Inside the Visitor Center, artisans are busy crafting canupas (pipes) from the stone quarried here. Learn about the culture and respect the sacredness. They are not toys or bric-a-brac. Fort Pipestone, just outside the park entrance, is the tourist souvenier shop. The Road Back to meandering the secondary roads, we made our way to Bloomington, a suburb of Minneapolis. Talking with a clerk at a gas stop diverted us across Route 14 to avoid construction on 23. Up 71 and over 19, which we had been told would take us straight into Minneapolis. Noticing the late af ternoon sun on my right said the road had taken a turn to the south. Time to pull out the map! At least this time we were only a few miles off course instead of our usual 50 - 100. We’re learning! Lodging Thom has family here. The visit is an opportunity to rest and service the bikes. |