Rainbow Run

Hundreds of runners unexpectedly surged towards us, just as we reached the middle of a bridge. The starting line for the Rainbow Run 5K was just beyond the bridge in Boom Island Park.

Pedestrian Lift Bridge

Cycled to Wisconsin across a rarity: a working lift bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Rode in a friend’s truck part-way, then cycled the Gateway and Brown’s Creek State Trails to Stillwater where the bridge crosses the St. Croix River. A new bridge now carries vehicle traffic.

(Almost) Self-Sustaining Building

On our walk: a mill worker depicted at the Pillsbury A-Mill. Completed in 1881, it was the world’s largest flour mill for 40 years. Today the building is well-appointed artist lofts; a hydroelectric generator, combined with geothermal, produces 75% of the building’s energy needs.

Incongruous Fireplace

Walked with friends in 85° sunshine. Cooled off with a cuppa in the Emery Hotel near an incongruous fireplace.