Sept 28 day 15

It was a fast day today we covered 57 miles in just over 5 hours and had an average of over 11 miles per hour.  Given that I many WAHOO moments so there were also a lot of "Oh GOD another Hill" shouts out too.
The ride was along state Hyway 35 most of the way.  This put the WI limestone bluffs on our left and Mississippi River lapping the road on the right. 
Here is a picture of the lock and Dam 8.

Note how the dam in the center of the picture looks pretty much level even though there is suppose to be a 11 foot drop.  We watched a whole tree pass though the dam. 
Just here David saw his first barge up close.  Here is a picture of it.

Notice the pile of coal, I would assume the coal is going to one of the power plants up the river. 
Here is a bonus picture looking north at the upper Mississippi refuge.

Wildlife is picking up considerably, yesterday we raced a deer down the road as the area next to the road was flooded.  Today we saw a flock of pelicans, Canada Geese and plenty of ducks.  But what was really cool was the bald eagle landing right next to the road.  David tried to take a picture of it but it took off before and the picture looked like clouds with little black points.

Talking about the photography Dave does has a problem.  We currently have two pictures of his feet, two pictures of his packs, three pictures of the ground and several of his fingers.

One truck passed within 1.5 feet of me and made me a little nervous but Dave said I was OK.  The shoulder on the road was great but at times a little rough and narrow.  On the narrow shoulders when a truck passes you the suction from behind the truck speeds the bike up 1-1.5 miles per hours.

Thankful for Today
Today with the river next us all day and lots of history plagues next to the road it was beautiful ride.  The Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge created in 1934 was easy to appreciate.  I am therefore grateful for the foresight of the people who passed the laws needed to protect this resource.
Love and kisses to all.
Allan

PS Dianne I still appreciate you too!