Hallelujah! A superb day. The wind was gentle but precisely what we wanted: from the NNW. We were heading South and sometimes slightly SE. Sunny but not hot.

The result? The pleasure of bicycling was restored today on US Hwy 59. For most of the day the shoulder was minimal but sufficient. Traffic was moderate, the drivers were courteous. The only issue was a slow-moving farm vehicle with an elaborate superstructure which passed us rather too closely; I'm sure its wing was over my head as it chugged by.

Breakfast at Thief River Falls, 58 kms from Karlstad. We were there by 10:00 am and it would have been sooner but for two events. First, the absolute necessity of a photo-shoot when we encountered the pink flamingo 4th of July parade. I kid you not; the photo will confirm. Second, a rather long interruption for an interview with Mizzima News Agency based in New Delhi. The caller, Te Te, was very thorough, speaking mostly with Soe Naing in Burmese. This roadside item was irresistible but it tested the capacity of the iPhone camera. These represent most of the parade participants, but the grand beginning did not come out well enough. The parade started with a "Happy Birthday America" sign held by two rather large flamingos,followed by a giant pink flamingo parade marshal. Stunning really.

When we arrived at Erskine, where US Hwy 59 intersects US Route No. 2 heading east, we had a decision to make: go east or go south. The immediate issue was how far we'd have to cycle to find accommodation and dinner. South was longer than we would normally want to do, but the wind was still with us. And South gives us more options. Perhaps it was the promise of a night at the Casino! Our abode this evening: rather unlike our rustic cabin in Indian Head SK (see day twenty-two), but less expensive.

Today: 155 kms. To date: 2,769 kms. Total "earned" per km pledges: $2,997.44.
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