Stage 27 - Kabetogama, MN Rest Day - June 20, Thursday 

I suppose one can screw up a rest day; however, I am determined to maximize the benefits from mine. The best part of the day, no offense intended, is taking charge of what I do. As I view it, I get to determine what I do as long as my plans don’t mess up anyone else’s arrangements. 

REST & RECOVERY ... 

Last night we enjoyed sitting around the outdoor fire pit. Telling stories. Jokes. Laughing. Watching the sunset in wonderment. As we retired for the evening, I told everyone: “don’t wake me up if I’m sleeping tomorrow “. 

I have a wonderful sleep. I wake up at 6:00 a.m. and wander around outside. Visit the dock. Talk to folks heading out to fish. Sit in the early morning sun going through my photos deciding what to keep. At 8:00, I return to the cabin, crawl back into bed, and immediately fall back asleep, out like a rock. I sleep till 10:30 and boy, I need it. 

THE WISDOM OF NO ... 

Sleeping so deeply and for so long confirms yesterday’s decision not to ride any more than I did. My body was exhausted; my energy banks depleted. The extended sleep does me good! 

David had proactively rented a pontoon boat for the day and everyone is looking forward to a day on the water. 

My second ‘wise no’ is forgoing the boat trip and staying at the cabin. I need a ‘me’ day.  I watch the group depart on the boat happy for them and happy for me. They wave goodbye and shout advice on what I do or don’t do. I take photos of their glad tidings. A feeling of mutual goodwill prevails. 

RELAXING ... 

“No cycling” is on my day’s agenda much to the pleasure of my butt and my hands especially. Both have been feeling the detrimental effects of daily repetitive long distance cycling. A break is just what the doctor ordered (hahaha ...pun intended!). 

I enjoy a long hot cleansing shower. Wearing clean non-cycling clothes is a pleasure. 

I do two loads of laundry. I think of Terri and chuckle at the realization cleaning and folding my clothes is relaxing and therapeutic. 

I write three day’s worth of blogs. I’m thankful that internet connectivity enables me to post text updates. I’m annoyed to no end that insufficient band width prevents posting pictures. 

The day is sunny, warm and peaceful. 

REUNITED ... 

Judy said they would be gone long enough for me to miss them. She is right. About six o’clock I start watching the lake looking for the returning pontoon boat. I began getting a little anxious and then nearing 7:00 p.m., the returning party is spied approaching home. I hasten to the dock to greet them. 

By all reports they had a wonderful time. 

We end the evening like we did last night: gathered at the fire pit, chatting and laughing, ooing and ahhing at another incredible sunset. Our fun is enhanced with the making of S’mores. Jonah wins the Golden Marshmallow contest when he magically creates what can only be accurately described as a blueberry cupcake. A feat never to be repeated. 

We retire for the evening, another amazing day behind us.