Day 35 - Owatonna, MN to Le Center, MN - Two Far 2020 - NTF (Not Two Far) - CycleBlaze

July 4, 2020

Day 35 - Owatonna, MN to Le Center, MN

Heart 2 Comment 0

Today's route was similar to yesterday's - a nice mix of farms and small towns.  

The scenery is beautiful.
Heart 2 Comment 0
Dairy farm
Heart 1 Comment 0
Equipment all lined up - ready to work after the holiday?
Heart 1 Comment 0

We are starting to see lots of lakes.

Heart 1 Comment 0

The first town we came to today was Waseca.  It is a very pretty town.  Downtown was decorated with flags and flowers.

Heart 2 Comment 0
Heart 1 Comment 0

The Waseca County courthouse.

Heart 2 Comment 0

There were a number of beautiful homes on the main street.

Heart 2 Comment 0
Heart 1 Comment 0

The big draw in Waseca, I think, is the lake.  Clear Lake was busy with boaters today.

Heart 1 Comment 0
Heart 2 Comment 1
Keith A. SpanglerDid you take a dip!
Reply to this comment
3 years ago

Past Waseca, we rode out in the country again, past more farms.  Here is my postcard picture of the day.

Heart 2 Comment 1

Not everything is picture perfect, of course.  We also rode past this property today.   Anyone want a "fixer-upper" Minnesota farm?

Heart 1 Comment 0
It appears to be abandoned, but there are some cows grazing up on this hill behind the house.
Heart 1 Comment 0

And now a more cheerful picture - today's roadside chicken!

Heart 1 Comment 0

Our last stop today was in the little community of Kilkenny.  We had found a pub on Google maps, but it didn't look like much.  We figured at least it would be a place to get a cold drink and use the bathroom.  We had decided ahead of time to skip it if it were full of local drinkers on a Saturday afternoon.  We rode into Kilkenny on the only street with any businesses.

"Downtown" Kilkenny
Heart 1 Comment 0
Murphy's Pub exterior.
Heart 2 Comment 0

Kerry said for me to stick my head in and see what I thought.  We wouldn't stay if it were crowded and/or grungy.

This is what we found inside - clean, open, bright and only one table occupied.

Heart 5 Comment 0

We had a good time relaxing with a drink and a snack and talking with owner (in pink top) and the other couple.  It turns out that the man was the general contractor that remodeled the place when the owner bought the building eight years ago.  It also turns out the the couple, Mark and Betty, used to cycle and were interested in seeing our bike.  I think we may have recruited another tandem team!

Betty and Mark
Heart 3 Comment 2
Betty RichterType your comment here
Reply to this comment
3 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithIt was super that you stopped at Murphy's Pub in Kilkenny as we celebrated the 4th of July with a bacon cheese burger and fries. We usually have that meal after the parade at North Morristown's 4th of July Celebration, but due to COVID 19 their celebration was sadly cancelled this year. (Come back next year for an old fashioned celebration there!) You enticed our adventure side with your stories of your travels!! We will be following you on your 2020 journey and beyond!! Betty and Mark
Reply to this comment
3 years ago

We often tell people that we like the ease of rolling our bike from the parking lot into the room at old roadside motels.  Our motel tonight is the Guardian Inn.  This place definitely one-upped roadside motels.  We rolled into the GARAGE connected to our room.  What a luxury!

Heart 3 Comment 5
Keith A. SpanglerNow that is style!
Reply to this comment
3 years ago
Alain AbbateLove the garage.
Reply to this comment
3 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithTo Alain AbbateIt's the same as a the place we stayed in Willmar two years ago - the Guardian Inn. Kerry didn't wash the bike at this one.
Reply to this comment
3 years ago
Jeanna & Kerry SmithTo Keith A. SpanglerIt was certainly convenient - no worries about how to get the bike in!
Reply to this comment
3 years ago
Alain AbbateTo Jeanna & Kerry SmithI thought it looked familiar :)
Reply to this comment
3 years ago

Today's ride: 47 miles (76 km)
Total: 887 miles (1,427 km)

Rate this entry's writing Heart 7
Comment on this entry Comment 1
Lou HarminSunday morning and I love reading your comments on the ride. I know that I can not do what you do but I love reading about it. I am jealous Lou.
Reply to this comment
3 years ago