Deer River

Like yesterday we cycled gentle rolling terrain in cool weather.  Unlike yesterday, the head winds were not a big factor, but they still blew.  We cycled through the Chippewa National Forest with the hopes of seeing bald eagles that make it their home.  However, they were no where to be seen.  We did stop along the Lady Slipper Parkway where we were told that a large flock of birds off in a distance were pelicans. Since we associate pelicans with the ocean we were skeptical.  Besides, we wanted eagles.

Our day’s destination was the Gosh Dam Place motel.  In hind sight we missed some significant clues that would have had us call ahead for reservations.  As we turned off the highway we had a 12 mile ride to the motel.  Numerous campers and trucks passed us all pulling boats.  When we got near the hotel we saw a large lake and many resorts filled with campers and boats.  As we pulled into the motel’s parking lot we saw 2 dozen pickup trucks with boats.  In our defense, neither of us are fishermen and did not know that it is fishing season. 

As eternal optimists, we went into the packed bar/motel and asked for a room.  Lucky for us Linda, the owner, was very kind.  Despite being swamped with customers, she located a motel for us 12 miles away in Deer River and called for reservations.  While neither of us wanted to cycle another 12 miles we were thankful that we had a place to stay.  Linda is this trip’s first trail angel.  Being smarter, we have decided that we will call ahead for reservations at our future stops.

Maps:  Today
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