Cross Country Day 37: Fargo to Ashby.

Today I panicked

Yesterday was a good rest day. My good friend Travis drove up from Sioux Falls to say hi and a high school classmate of mine, Brett, also surprised me with a great night of catching up.

Now the gear is packed and ready to go. But I didn't have to carry it. Barb and Kurt gave us yet another gift of carrying bags today. They live right off the bike trail in Fargo so it was nice to just hop on and go. First destination: Red River and the State Line. The Red River defines the line between North Dakota and Fargo and has caused many an issue over the decades with flooding. Today it was calm and quiet. A bridge with a white plank in the middle signified the transition.

Hello, Minnesota! Now entering state number 5!

I'm now back in my home state of Minnesota. The trip out of Moorhead was mainly on trail with some bike routes mixed in. Had a slight ok more than slight panic moment in the edge of town. Went to take a picture of the water tower and my phone was GONE. Uh oh. Problem. Quick pocket searching confirmed that yes it had fallen out somewhere in the last 5 miles. I didn't have means of locating it so I dashed back up the trail. Panic mode in full effect. Thankfully found it about 1.5 miles back. Phew. Now re-secured I got pic and left Moorhead.

There weren't a ton of interesting things along the way. Corn, beans, beans, and corn. How wonderfilly like home. Occasionally sugar beets peppered the landscape.

I stopped in Fergus Falls fo visit with a dear college fiend before finding the Central Lakes State Trail. After probably 1,000 miles we're finally back on rail trail. Hooray! I may or may not have had a little dance party. Also I saw swans! With cygnets!

A quick 20 miles later and we are camped at the Ashby resort. Right along the lake. Finally had our first campfire of the trip even.

Central MN lake country us one of my happy places and I'm so glad to be back.

'til next time

-Matt