Abner Serd

Author | Humorist | Storyteller

Day 72: Mankato to Madelia: MN

Today was a tough day. You may recall Minnesota State Highway 60, which was a two-lane road we followed heading into Faribault. Well, now it’s a four-lane divided highway, and we walked its shoulder for most of the day. We leaned in against a strong headwind — which, combined with the gusts that slapped at us every time a big truck sailed by, knocked us backwards from time to time.

But I didn’t mind so much. If anything, I’m grateful we found that rail trail from Faribault to Mankato. Busy roads have been the exception this journey, and I’m happy to credit two changes from the last time I walked across the continent: the Rails to Trails movement, and Google maps.

I did note one thing which might come in handy later: the MN Highway Department installs posts every 1/10th of a mile with a small, diamond-shaped reflectional thingy screwed onto it. When you count ten of those, you can start looking for the mile marker.

If nothing else, it helped to pass the time.

Oh — and the one time we got away from the highway, we found a very pretty waterfall just by the side of a county road. So good all around.

3 responses to “Day 72: Mankato to Madelia: MN”

  1. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Beautiful waterfall. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Patricia Lynch Avatar
    Patricia Lynch

    Hi Abner, I enjoyed seeing the waterfall. I think I would have been tempted to take a swim. Stay safe.

    1. abner Avatar

      Thanks Pat! Sometimes it is tempting. Yesterday I nearly jumped into a lake, dirty clothes and all. But then I thought about all the sunscreen and insect repellent I’d be washing into the lake, not to mention the prospect of hiking in wet shorts. Still …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *