Distance today = 51.85 km; Total distance = 7679.05 km; Location = Detroit Lakes – 46 49.507′ N, 95 48.739′ W; Start time = 0829, Finish time = 1646

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/188425098

It was one of those perfect days for running – temps between 15C and 20C, with a slight breeze at my back. Coupled with the beautiful scenery in northern Minnesota, it really made for a top day on the road.

The farms in this region look like they’re doing very well. The crops are stunning, with bright greens being de rigueur. The wheat here is different to the golden colour I’m used to in Australia. It’s a very deep green – at least at this early season stage – similar to the green of the leaves of an iris. I haven’t seen a lot of sheep so far in the US, but what I have seen have been gigantic; half way in size between Australian sheep and cattle.

Sad to see so many tortoises (terrapins to be more precise) squashed on the shoulders of the roads. I guess it means there are plenty of them around.

We’re staying tonight right on the shore of Detroit Lake – a fantastic location. Don’t confuse it with Detroit City in Michigan, which is a long way from here. In two days so far, I’ve been very impressed with Minnesota. I’m looking forward to running many more kilometres here.

PS Thanks to Jimbo for repairing yesterday’s bad Garmin file. The link has been inserted into yesterday’s blog.

Distance today = 51.31 km; Total distance = 7730.36 km; Location = Park Rapids (10 km west of) – 46 55.210′ N, 95 10.299′ W; Start time = 0834, Finish time = 1648

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/188727172

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/188729463

It was probably my slowest day yet, for two reasons. I just didn’t have anything in my legs today – that was one reason. The other was because of all the stops I had to make to get small rocks out of my shoes.

At least the tough day was tempered by beautiful scenery. I ran much of the day through forests, dotted with lakes. That made it easier to take. I also saw what I think were two baby beavers by the side of the road. I shooed them back toward the nearby lake so that they weren’t tempted to cross the busy road.

I also ran past a lake which is quite unique. The Indian word for the lake is something like “lake that flows in two directions”. Two creeks emanate from the small lake, one eventually emptying in the Atlantic via the Mississippi, the other into the Arctic Ocean.

For the past week or more I have noticed that almost every church I have passed has been Lutheran. I assume a lot of German immigrants settled this region in the past. There are definitely many names of German origin. One exception today was the Northwoods Cowboy Church – what the……????

I finished my day of running about 10 km outside the town or Park Rapids, where Carmel picked me up. As we were heading to town, a mother duck with about eight ducklings waddled straight out in front of the car. Luckily Carmel was able to brake and avoid them. We would have felt very bad if we’d squashed a whole family of duckies.

A quick update on the Red Wine Value Quotient – I simply have not come close to tasting a red that compares in value to the $1.79 bottle from California back in February. Sorry about that. How strange if the winner ends up coming from the very first few days of the competition.

Distance today = 55.12 km; Total distance = 7785.48 km; Location = Walker – 47 06.082′ N, 94 35.394′ W; Start time = 0832, Finish time = 1746

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/189028369

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/189031294

As I’ve said before, a day can be a long time in journey running. After yesterday’s tough one, today was a joy.

Most of the day was spent on the Heartland Trail, an old rail trail that runs from Park Rapids to Walker and beyond. The scenery was absolutely stunning – lush forests populated with deer, rabbits, ducks, and squirrels. There were also many lakes, some with beaver dams. It was one of the best days of running I’ve ever had. I didn’t even notice the 55 km. Have a look at the video when it’s uploaded.

I once again crossed both a latitude and longitude (also known as a parallel and a meridian respectively). These were 47 N and 95 W. I’m gradually making progress.

Finally, a less savoury sidelight. If you’re squeamish, turn away now. I bought some lunch today and had just put the last bit into my mouth. Just seconds later I lifted the lid off a garbage bin to put the food wrapper in. I almost gagged. Besides the smell, the whole inside was completely infested with maggots. And here was me with a mouthful of food. I was so close to bringing it all up!!!

Anyhow, sorry about that, but I’m trying to relate the full experience of the run. These things happen!