Day 25 – Bena, Minnesota (Tuesday, May 26, 2015)
I left Lakeside Campground in Erskine around 7am.
I picked up bits of breakfast along the way, muffins and stuff. It was not very satisfying but it held me over.
I had lunch at McDonald’s in Bemidji. I am still concerned about keeping my system running smoothly. One thing that I can say about McDonalds is that I have never suspected that the food has been “bad”.
I was entering the national forest at Cass Lake and a girl at the checkout counter recommended a restaurant and campground in Bena. I am finding recommendations by locals ahead of where I want to stop are more reliable than maps or the internet.
The forest was a nice change from the long stretch of treeless prairie. I found the smell of the conifers (I think especially the pine) especially beautiful. But the land was still essentially flat and height of the trees unimpressive. I believe the other attraction of the National Forests were the lakes and the associated fishing. The lakes were all low lying and I imagine, in keeping with the geography, quite shallow.
I had supper just west of Bena at a recommended place called Big Fish. It was a very friendly, inclusive place. Whoever entered was thoroughly greeted and brought into conversations. This was generally lead by the bar tender with a big booming voice and an infectious laugh (he may also been the owner.). I struck up a conversation with a Ornithologist who had just severed his Achilles and was wearing a special boot. The restricted mobility resulted in a blood clot that nearly killed him. My own issues with Achilles issues peaked my interest. Fortunately cycling seems to be good therapy.
I camped at Winnie’s General store in Bena. Not a bad little place. They had a good spot for tents and seem to have had other cyclists pass by.
