DAY 35--Paul Bunyan country

Today was SUNNY! Had a good headwind most of the day. We stopped by Lake Itasca for one last look before we left. Rode along rolling hills through farmland and densely wooded areas-- beautiful! We were following the Great River Road, tracking along the Mississippi River. Crossed the river a couple of times. Saw more bald eagles. Rode into Bemidji, a cute town right on the lake, somewhat touristy on the one end, with a university at the other end. They have a giant (rather ugly) statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe at the visitor's center, which seems to be quite the local attraction. After looking around town a bit and getting some ice cream, we rode a great bike path around the lake to Lake Bemidji State Park, where we camped. We had time for a short hike along the lake and saw a hairy woodpecker, a pileated woodpecker, and some interesting mushrooms.