One of the interesting things (to me anyway) is the transformation of the Mississippi in just a couple hundred miles. When we started at the headwaters we saw a narrow, shallow, clear running stream. Each time we crossed it (12 times thus far) it continued to grow in volume and width. It also began carrying more silt and changed from clear to cloudy. Yesterday we started seeing more dams and hydro facilities. We also saw our first rail terminal along the shores. It occurred to me how much more the river continues to develop into a major hub for energy, transportation and industry. Where we live, locks and dams are common, barges are fun to see. Rail lines are on both sides with big terminals for bulk commodities. Seeing the headwaters really gives an appreciation for how much water the Mississippi drains from the Midwest and how it has also transformed the Midwest.

Tomorrow (Friday) we ride along the shores of Minneapolis and St Paul, finishing in Hastings, MN where the Mississippi River joins the St Croix River and makes its first appearance in Wisconsin. Our ride will transform from county roads to urban riding through the heart of the 16th largest urban area in the US.

Our Day 4 ride was about 61 miles. It was a hot ride with long stretches of busy roads, but winds were light and we found shade when we needed it (including a nice rest stop along the river for a short nap).