C -14

Yesterday was a long day. 450 miles; third day of riding; New time zone (going east I lost an hour). So I got on the road around 9, and stopped frequently. I got my second wind around 4, and then made it to the motel after 7. I managed to mangle my bypass navigation through the twin cities, but made it without having to backtrack. I did ride on surface streets for about 3 miles.

I notice coincidences in my life. I spent my first night on the road in Glendive. At the motel where I checked in the clerk volunteered that restaurant across the street served good food, and I really should eat there. When I walked over I recognized the place. I Ho and I stopped there last year on the way to my 40th Yale reunion on the motorcycle. We ate lunch there. I remember telling I Ho that the people looked like honest family people and most of them voted for Trump. I didn’t know how to reconcile that.

In Fargo my room number was 406. I told the clerk, but she didn’t know that was the Montana area code. Yesterday I stopped for gas, so I could use the restroom. I always reset the trip meter when I fill up. Somehow the trip meter and the mile markers on I 94 matched for the next 2 hours.

I have also noticed that places (states) have personalities. In Minnesota, the signs for the rest areas are so inviting. Cold beverages, snacks, picnic tables, walking path, children’s playground, are all mentioned on the sign. Minnesota, where the pigeons are so polite they won’t shit on your car.

Wisconsin has a different vibe. The informational road sign (seen several times) says, “camp in the woods, not the left lane.” It’s the Brooklyn of the midwest.

Today is my day of rest, and it is the sabbath. I am staying at the Dells for another night. This little town has a good vibe, lots of character and energy.