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Root River Trail, Lanesboro to Peterson

Tammy and I had a great 28 mile out-and-back ride on the Root River Trail today. We went east from Lanesboro and rode to Peterson. With Covid-19 some places were closed. We were bummed to find Aroma Pie Shoppe, our favorite stop for pie in Whalan, was closed for the season. We did get a snack in Peterson at Burdey’s Cafe and turned around.

Workout summary map showing a 27.96-mile cycling route winding along a river valley, completed in 125 minutes at 4 minutes 29 seconds per mile.

The trail was in fabulous shape and the temperatures where in the mid-60’s all day. It was a great day for riding. The rain held while we were on the trail too!

Paved bike trail crosses a historic steel pony truss bridge over a calm river flanked by forested green hills under cloudy skies Two cyclists in helmets smile for a selfie on a tree-lined paved trail on an overcast day. Three people rowing a small wooden dory on the Root River, surrounded by lush green tree-covered bluffs under cloudy skies. Two cyclists in masks and bike helmets take a selfie beside a giant garden gnome and a Peterson Welcomes You sign. Two cyclists in helmets posing in front of the Welcome to Whalan sign, Home of the Stand Still Parade, surrounded by green trees. Root River curving through a wooded valley with sandy banks and green tree-covered hills under overcast skies
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Lanesboro is a great central location on the Root River Trail to explore a variety of different cities in Southern Minnesota.

Railroad crossing sign post in Lanesboro with directional signs showing distances to Preston, Fountain, Harmony, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, and Houston Railroad crossing sign on the Root River Trail with distance markers to Preston, Fountain, Harmony and other towns, beside a paved trail in Lanesboro Minnesota.
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Picture stop at the Lanesboro Dam, built in 1868. Long exposures taken with Spectre.

Lanesboro Dam spillway cascading over a wide concrete wall into a calm pool, with rough granite riprap in the foreground, trees and overcast sky behind.Lanesboro Dam spilling water across its full width into a rocky river below, surrounded by trees under overcast skies.Two people smiling for a selfie in front of the rushing Lanesboro Dam waterfall and rocky river on a cloudy day.

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We took a morning walk around Lanesboro. It had just finished raining and everything looked nice and there weren’t very many people out. We spent some time in Lanesboro Arts. They always have interesting work from local artists.

Stone Mill Hotel and Suites in a red barn-style Feed Mill building in Lanesboro, surrounded by colorful flower gardensLanesboro Grocery storefront with striped awning, potted plants, bench, and directional signs for Trail, Walking Bridge, and Visitor CenterThe Peddler shop in Lanesboro MN with colorful clothing and textiles displayed on sidewalk tables outside the open storefront.Old Village Hall Restaurant and Pub in a historic stone building dated 1886 with a bell tower, Lanesboro MNIvy-covered Amish Experience shop on a small-town Main Street with colorful pumpkin and sunflower decorations on the sidewalk

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Habberstad House Bed & Breakfast

Tammy and I are spending the weekend in Lanesboro and staying at the wonderful Habberstad House Bed & Breakfast. We have the Carriage House for the weekend. Lanesboro is a great place for cycling and has a number of unique places to stay.

Victorian three-story house painted green and red with ornate gingerbread trim, wrap-around porch, and American flag, surrounded by lush gardensVictorian green and red house with decorative trim, bay window, and ornate black iron garden benches on a mulched path amid lush landscapingLush garden with ferns, hostas, and flowering plants alongside a brick path leading to a light green Victorian-style houseLight green Victorian-style house with dark green trim, a tiered fountain surrounded by marigolds, lush lawn, and a stone birdbath in foreground.

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First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. First day of school during a pandemic. First day of school via distance learning.

We still kept tradition. I made chocolate chip pancakes and fresh whipped cream for breakfast. We went out front for all the traditional first day of school photos.

But then things were different. Instead of going off to school, we went back in the house.

Mazie and Tyler each have a space setup to attend school. We made sure they were ready. Last minute I realized they needed extension cords. Then I went upstairs to my office and got to work. They all connected via Google Classrooms for their classes. And we were off!

Tammy helped with anything that wasn’t working. Both kids had a good first day. Mazie had one teacher that couldn’t figure out some technical issues. Tyler’s class seemed to go really smooth. They both were uploading videos they took to Flipgrid to share with their classes.

Overall I would say first day of school via distance learning was a success!

Chocolate chip pancake cooking in a round nonstick skillet on a gas stove, with a knife block, spatula, mixing bowl, and toaster on the counter behind it.
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Mulan via Disney+

We watched Mulan tonight on Disney+ with Premier Access. The movie was great. None of us had seen the animated version so the story was all new and hooked us right away.

The film itself was impressive and the action was phenomenal. Watching it at home was just fine. We don’t have a full home theatre but it was still a great experience. We forgot to make popcorn though. 🍿

It would be a welcome change to be able to see movies right away on digital platforms.

Young woman in red traditional Chinese armor leaping mid-air with sword raised, mountains and battle in background, movie poster
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Lucky got shaved down at the groomer today. She had too many mats in her fur. She looks way different! An okay look, but we’ll let her fur grow out again. 💈🐩

White dog with a close-shaved body and fluffy tail and head stands on green grass in front of a rock-bordered garden bed.
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Family movie tonight, National Treasure. Tyler’s pick. Fun story. 🍿

Movie poster for National Treasure 2004 showing a silhouetted man holding a document against a glowing Declaration of Independence backdrop with flames
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Nice lunch today at Keepsake Cidery outside of Northfield. They have a great selection of ciders, sandwiches, and snacks. Worth the drive and they have a great outdoor space. Dogs welcome too. 🍎

Two Keepsake Cidery glasses on an outdoor metal lattice table, one amber cider and one pale gold cider, with a green bottle nearby.