Who Needs a Trail Map Anyway?

Back at the RV at Lake Elmo, we decided to squeeze in a ride around the lake before dark. Don took a brief look at the trail map (emphasis on brief), and off we went!

We hadn’t even made it 30 seconds before we were nearly taken out by local residents—a doe and her baby—who darted across the path like they were running late for dinner.

We cruised along the paved trail by the lake, a quiet pond, and over a scenic little bridge. So far, so good. Then we decided to get a little adventurous and veered off onto a less-traveled path—likely a cross-country ski trail, gently lit by what we think were solar-powered lights, or possibly fairy magic. Hard to say.

We circled Eagle Point Lake Dam, passed a peaceful field of soybeans, and just when things were feeling serene… Beth nearly ran over a turtle. Don’t worry—turtle and rider both survived the encounter with only minor dignity loss.

Finally back at the RV and Jack gave us a look like, “Well, it’s about time.” 🐾

NOTE: Somewhere in the middle of all this, see the photographic evidence of Don’s pant leg rolled up like some kind of seasoned cyclist. Spoiler alert: this was not intentional. One might think someone who has been biking for decades wouldn’t wear jeans on a ride—but here we are.

Not only did Beth have to spring into action to save both Don and the bike chain from becoming denim-bound forever, but Don—dead serious—said, “This hasn’t happened since I was a kid!”

Well, childhood called, and it wants its rookie mistake back.

The result? A stylish new tear in what is possibly Don’s only pair of jeans on this trip. So now he’s not only wiser and slightly breezier, but more fashionable! 🤣Read more