July 3rd
Friday
65 Miles
Bowlus MN to Bicycle Bunkhouse, Dalbo MN
Today we crossed the mighty Mississippi River close to the dam 3 miles from Bowlus, Minnesota. After a few stops for pictures we were "on the road again", no more bike trail. We rode through fairly flat farm land that gradually changed to rolling hills with pasture. We saw cows grazing with alpacas, a quarter horse farm, chicken & turkey houses, and a few small dairies. Later in the day we found ourselves riding in an area with more trees and forest mixed with pastures and grass hay fields. It was in this area we spotted a wood chuck sunning on a round bale of hay.
In Minnesota we have been amazed at the many silos next to barns and how marvelous they are. Little did we know we would have the opportunity to sleep in one! Our end of the day stop was planned for the Bicycle Bunkhouse in Dalbo, Minnesota. Upon arrival we looked around, amazed at the accommodations. The original family barn was transformed into a bunk house with all the comforts of home and there was sleeping quarters in the old silo beside the barn - we slept in the silo! The owner, Donn Olson has thought of and provided everything a traveling cyclist could want or need. It was such a pleasure to meet Donn, visit with him and the best part was when he gave us a tour of what he called his 'playground'. On the back of his property he has planted trees and created a paradise for wildlife as well as a natural area he and his wife can enjoy. The history of his farm is fascinating, we loved the tour he gave us and most of all enjoyed the peaceful beauty of it all.
Donn is one of those special people that has a generous heart, enjoys life, and most of all spreads joy in all he does. If you cycle (or drive) through Dalbo, Minnesota stop to say hello to Donn and his wife Sherry. It will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
Today we crossed the mighty Mississippi River close to the dam 3 miles from Bowlus, Minnesota. After a few stops for pictures we were "on the road again", no more bike trail. We rode through fairly flat farm land that gradually changed to rolling hills with pasture. We saw cows grazing with alpacas, a quarter horse farm, chicken & turkey houses, and a few small dairies. Later in the day we found ourselves riding in an area with more trees and forest mixed with pastures and grass hay fields. It was in this area we spotted a wood chuck sunning on a round bale of hay.
In Minnesota we have been amazed at the many silos next to barns and how marvelous they are. Little did we know we would have the opportunity to sleep in one! Our end of the day stop was planned for the Bicycle Bunkhouse in Dalbo, Minnesota. Upon arrival we looked around, amazed at the accommodations. The original family barn was transformed into a bunk house with all the comforts of home and there was sleeping quarters in the old silo beside the barn - we slept in the silo! The owner, Donn Olson has thought of and provided everything a traveling cyclist could want or need. It was such a pleasure to meet Donn, visit with him and the best part was when he gave us a tour of what he called his 'playground'. On the back of his property he has planted trees and created a paradise for wildlife as well as a natural area he and his wife can enjoy. The history of his farm is fascinating, we loved the tour he gave us and most of all enjoyed the peaceful beauty of it all.
Donn is one of those special people that has a generous heart, enjoys life, and most of all spreads joy in all he does. If you cycle (or drive) through Dalbo, Minnesota stop to say hello to Donn and his wife Sherry. It will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.
Dam at the Mississippi
Crossing the Mississippi
Woodchuck
Platte River...headed to Colorado
Donn Olson
We slept in the silo!
Wasn't that a great place? We really enjoyed staying there!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great place, we saw your photo on the 2015 wall.
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