We start in Moorhead, Minnesota, on the North Dakota
border and travel along Highway 34 through Smokey Hills State
Forest. Minnesota is honeycombed with forest roads begging to
be explored by anything comfortable in the dirt, so we take a side
trip, but soon find ourselves on Highway 200 on our way through
Chippewa National Forest heading toward the shipping center of
Duluth. Much of the road is an alleyway of pines, and at one point
we pull over in the shade to take a phone call.
It turns into a sober reminder that our freedom to go where
we like is bought and paid for by people we hardly know. It's the
Family Readiness Coordinator of the 1-504 Parachute Infantry
Regiment. She tells me my son's platoon was ambushed in
Ghanzi Province, Afghanistan. He's not hurt, but there's sad
news about his squad leader. I can only wish you the best on
your sweet journey down cool, shady roads to your rest, Staff Sgt.
Fredsti. You're a good man in the company of good men and we
thank you.
Left: The Niagara region's wineries and the unique local climate produce
world-class wines and some beautiful landscapes. Above: Taking a break before
crossing Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
www.FavoriteRidesAndDestinations.com | ridermagazine.com
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SPRING 2017 ISSUE 01 / VOL. 02
