https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A3f2DHBtT/ I woke up rested despite last night’s storm. My campsite neighbors invited me over for a hot breakfast, and we shared stories over coffee and eggs. Encounters like this keep reminding me how generous and kind people can be, something I’ve seen again and again on this ride. Leaving Hawkeye Point, I continued east along quiet country roads. The heat came on early, but it was manageable and the miles passed easily. Around midday I rolled into Spirit Lake, a small town with a bit of a tourist vibe. I refueled with a big sandwich and soaked up the air conditioning for a bit before heading back out. The afternoon followed the same theme—back roads, open skies, and steady pedaling. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, I found myself finishing dinner and debating whether to set up my tent in the local park. Instead, I grabbed a motel room for the night and enjoyed the comfort of a real bed. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.