Day 34: Rutledge, Minnesota -Hayward, Wisconsin 69 miles

The ride was challenging. There was an unexpected detour and that changed the expected millage. Headwinds felt as if there was a hurricane. It rained and got soaking wet.

Due to these obstacles, I simply was not going to be able to make it to Hayward with daylight. I stopped and started asking for a ride. At this point I really needed a ride and I was truly worried.

Steve saw me and pulled over. He said he was on his way home but that he would help me get on my way. He drove me to his house, gave me a Mountain Dew and told me to relax while we waited for his wife who was going to drive me to where I needed to go.

When his wife got home he said "we're gonna put you to work, helping us bring the groceries in". I was amazed at his kindness and the fact that he let me into his house was just...I can't find the right words to describe such act of kindness.

His wife drove me a bit past Trego, Wisconsin. We had an amazing conversation. I will never forget what Steve, who is also or was a firefighter in the past, and his wife did to help me.