south haven, michigan

The harbor at Grand Haven, Michigan was very quiet this morning.

Tomorrow night, Lord willing, we'll be in LaPorte, Indiana. There, we will make a left turn, head east, and pedal to Maine and the Atlantic Ocean. Somewhere around 10 July, we will pick up two extra riders, Sarah and Barry. I'm looking forward to that.

This is Day 39 of our journey and we've pedaled 2,445.15 miles with approximately 1.118.85 miles to the ocean! We've had six flat tires, no serious dog threats, and neither of us had been attacked by a bear. I'm really looking forward to entering Indiana because at LaPorte, we make one left turn and we'll be headed toward the sun, Maine, and the Atlantic. I am caught up on my license plates and even found an Iowa plate. (I'm not going to ride in Iowa just because I found the plate!) 

Today, a later start than usual and off to the bike trail, U. S. Bike Route 35, which I followed most of the way to South Haven. Green signs are used to mark the route but I often miss them because they are used sparingly and often mounted lower than other signs. (Well, that's my excuse.) I did lose the signs in Holland, Michigan today but, thanks to two college students, was directed back to the trail and continued on to South Haven. The 35 trail is a good ride but when you ride it through residential areas careful attention is needed at driveways and intersecting streets and roads. You have to pay attention to where tree roots have grown under the paving because they can create some very bumpy surfaces. Still, this route is very reliable, not too hard to follow, and lightly traveled. The vehicles passing me were driven by very courteous and kind drivers for which I am certainly grateful.

After supper at Three Blondes Brewery, we went to Sherman's Ice Cream, got ice cream for Phil and Gale, and delivered it to the SnackWagon. It was kind of . . . a get-well gift. Phil may not be riding for a week or so. He took a spill yesterday and hurt his knee. After a visit with an E.R. doctor this morning, it looks like he and Gale will find a campsite where they will stay a week and then, after mending properly, he will continue his ride to Maine. In the meantime, I will go on so Margaret doesn't have to cancel and reschedule two weeks worth of motel reservations. We didn't plan it this way and we'd rather not have it be this way but, right now, it is. In the meantime, we want Phil's knee to heal and riding on it as it is may just make things worse. We may still finish this ride together. We're just not sure how to work that out yet. We will see what happens and I'll let you know. We will finish, that much I know.

One of my favorite misquotes is, "Slow and steady wins the race." Well, that is just not true. Slow and steady will not win anything, but . . . it will finish the race. Whoever said, "Slow and steady wins the race," has never raced. My goal in life is to finish my race. It's already been won. Hebrews 12:1-2 sums it up for me, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 

As I said, the race has already been won. Jesus did that on the cross. He is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God because he finished, as well. The race that is set before each of us requires only a finish. With patience and endurance we can all do that as long as we keep looking to Jesus. That means hanging out with him on a daily basis as we read his word, pray, and do the Bible . . . live it!

Know your race. Know your pace. And finish well.

muskegon, michigan

Country Dairy, New Era, Michigan.

 It's been a long day so I'm going to make this somewhat short and get in bed. We pedaled 81.68 miles from Manistee to Muskegon, Michigan. It was one of those days where we got a little bit of everything. No kidding! The highlight of the ride was finding Country Dairy in New Era. Phil and I visited Country Dairy last September and found that their ice cream is very healthy and promotes good pedaling. (We made that up but it seemed to work well today.)

We left Manistee in just a little bit of ran and followed the 35 Bike Trail which we stayed on most of the day. As we started the ride, the shoulders were fairly wide but as we pedaled south became more and more narrow. Thankfully, drivers were gracious and kind giving us plenty of room to rise. Then . . . the rain became heavier and heavier until we found ourselves under some trees in a Michigan monsoon. We patiently waited and soon began riding again in a mild rain.

In Ludington, we lost track of the green 35 Bike Trail signs and got lost. We were in Ludington for two hours! Two hours! The bridge that was supposed to get us to our route was under construction. That's when Mike found us. Mike was at a gas station, saw us looking lost and looking at our phones, and came to help. Mike not only helped but he connected us to Maria in Hart, Michigan who met Margaret and Gale there and gave directions to get to the Willian Field Memorial Hart-Montague Bike Trail. And she gave them a book of Michigan bike trails to help us with the rest of the trip. Mike also led Margaret and Gale to where the directions to the bike trail began. That's some kind of help. Thank you Mike and Maria.

Right before we got to the bike trail, Phil had a flat tire so we fixed that and then got on the trail and began pedaling on a paved trail through some really nice Michigan scenery. This bike trail is one of the nicest bike trails I think I've ever pedaled. It's well-kept, smooth, and well-marked. If you're ever in the area, give it a try. Phil and I pedaled the trail all the way to their camp ground, Duck Creek RV Resort, had supper, washed bikes, and now Margaret and I are at the Hampton Inn (camping), in Muskegon. 

Tomorrow, we are shooting for South Haven for our next stop. We will be getting out of Michigan before the July 4th crew heads here. We surely can tell it's summer vacation time. Seems like every vehicle is hauling kayaks, bikes, canoes, or four-wheelers. Every other vehicle is pulling a boat, dirt bikes, or a camper. RVs are everywhere, too. As far as The 4th goes, it looks like the world is coming to Michigan. We should be in Napoleon, Ohio, on July 4th, Lord willing. I checked Napoleon out, and they are celebrating July 4th all weekend. We should be there in time for the fireworks. Hope your July 4th is super special for you and your family and friends.

God bless America, land that I love

Stand beside her and guide her

Through the night with the light from above

From the mountains to the prairies

To the oceans white with foam

God bless America, my home sweet home

God bless America, my home sweet home

" . . . where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Live free or die. (Borrowed that from New Hampshire.)

If you're a barn person, Michigan has some grand old barns. Plan to take lots of photos.

manistee, michigan

Pappy's front window. He must be a character!

Well, I got pulled over today by Deputy S. Delgado of the Wexford County Sheriff's Department. I was on my bike only doing thirteen miles an hour over the posted seventy-five. Ha! You already know that's not true. But I was picking up an Iowa license plate on Michigan 131, the road I had been pedaling on all day. I turned around and there he was, blue and red lights flashing. When he got out of the car, the first thing he said to me was, "Are you aware that you cannot ride your bike on this road?" Of course, I did not and told him so. From there the conversation moved into what I needed to do and where I was going. That led to a short discussion about our ride to Maine. After checking my identification, he told me I needed to take my bike to the entrance ramp so I could get off of M-131. He also said, maybe we could put my bike into his cruiser and he would take me back to the road. The road just happened to be M-55 which is the road I was looking for anyway. My bike wouldn't fit into the car so I did the walk to the ramp and returned to M-55. I was hoping that my bike would have fit because, like a kid, I wanted to ride in his car. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! And FYI: when I started riding on M-131 in Kalkaska this morning, it was not the nice four-lane with wonderful wide shoulders. M-131 just sort of morphed into it. And, since I used no entrance or exit ramps, I did not see any of the Motor Vehicle Only signs. I was still wrong, was treated kindly, and appreciate the service these guys and gals of law enforcement do every day.

Talking with Deputy Delgado for a few minutes made me realize how important our law enforcement guys and gals are. Just so you know, I am not one of those Defund the Police crazies. I am a Defund the Media, Defund the Government, and Defund Hollywood guys. Right now, you cannot trust any of the three.

Today's ride was 82.33 miles with a good bit of headwind, narrow and rough shoulders, wide and smooth shoulders, a bit of rain, and some sunshine. In Cadillac, I asked a teller in a local bank, how to get to M-55. She told me, "Take this road by the bank until it ends. That is a bike trail that will take you around the lake and right to M-55. It did. The ride along the lake Cadillac Bike Trail which, of course, takes riders on a nice, paved trail along Lake Cadillac was nice and easy but I wasn't sure where, or when, I'd find M-55. So, I did what most men wouldn't do . . . I asked for more directions. I was told, "Take the trail to the light and turn right. At McDonald's, turn left. That's M-55." As I got closer to the light, a lady on a bike waved me to a stop and said, "Your wife is in the parking lot at McDonald's." And she was. Margaret, Gale, Phil, and I ate lunch there and then headed to Manistee, where we are right now.

We did stop at Pappy's and had a break in the parking lot. Pappy's wasn't open but if the signs are any indication of Pappy's character, I'd say Pappy is a character. I think we would have had some fun conversation if he had been in the shop.

We have seen literally hundreds of Help Wanted signs from Washington State to Michigan. I feel certain that we'll see similar signs all the way to the Atlantic. We've even seen signs enticing workers with $15.00 an hour and $200 bonus to come to work. That is so sorry. Maybe our government should stop giving people so much money for doing absolutely nothing. What we need is for kids and adults to get their fat fannies off their couches, get rid of their remotes, quit watching the N.F.L., M.L.B., and  N.B.A. and get a J.O.B. (Just a thought.)

"If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).

If you don't know where you're going, any road will get your there!

Hope your day was super! 

kalkaska, michigan

Chapel, Hartwick Pines State Park 

We are now at the All Seasons Motel in the village of Kalkaska, Michigan. The ride today was a short thirty-one mile ride that ended up being a bit longer than expected. Starting the ride in rain is not really something I would do at home but when I'm on a schedule there's not much of a choice. I knew there would be rain along the way because when I was loading the Explorer this morning, I would go outside to load something in just a sprinkle of rain. Next trip outside . . . no rain. Next trip . . . pouring rain. It was like living in Florida. When we moved to Florida, years ago, a Floridian told us, "If you don't like the weather here, just wait fifteen minutes . . . it'll change." That may be a nationwide thing. Sure works in Michigan.

At the fifteen mile mark of the ride I had my sixth flat tire of the ride! Another tiny, tiny piece of wire from a steel-belted radial tire took me down again. I am pedaling on new tires with new tubes and that tiny piece of wire stopped me dead in my tracks. I was pedaling on County Road 42 out of Gaylord, in the rain, and had  a flat tire so it was time to get a ride. Margaret picked me up and we headed to the motel where I fixed the flat . . . twice! Well, that's not quite accurate. If I had patched the punctured tube correctly the first time, I would not have had to patch the tube again. (Just a thought.) After that repair, Margaret and I stopped by Burger King for a few Whopper Juniors and headed back up Michigan 131 to get the last fifteen miles of riding finished. Ha! It started to rain like crazy. Oh well, I'll make those miles up later and/or somewhere else along the way. That's the way we do it

Since I have no pictures from today and since it was a rather boring day, I've decided to give you our travel plans up until Thursday, 08 July when we hope to pedal into Ashtabula, Ohio. Phil and I try our best to stay on this schedule because if Margaret and Gale have to change a lodging reservation for one night, they have to change reservations for every night thereafter. What a mess that would be. So here, for your enjoyment, are the travel plans for about two weeks:

Monday, 28 June - Manistee, Michigan (78.5 miles).

Tuesday, 29 June - Muskegon, Michigan (83.2 miles).

Wednesday, 30 June - South Haven, Michigan (66.8 miles).

Thursday, 01 July - LaPorte, Indiana (59 miles).

Friday, 02 July - Nappanee, Indiana (44 miles).

Saturday, 03 July - Kendallville, Indiana (39 miles).

Sunday, 04 July - Napoleon, Ohio (61 miles). Independence Day 2021!

Monday, 05 July - Fremont, Ohio (54 miles).

Tuesday, 06 July - Lorain, Ohio (57 miles).

Wednesday, 07 July - Euclid, Ohio (40 miles).

Thursday, 08 July - Ashtabula, Ohio (47 miles).

"We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

FYI - Because today was such a crazy day I did not get any photographs along the wet and rainy ride. Therefore, I borrowed a photo from our Hartwick Pines State Park visit yesterday. The old log church building is a great wedding venue if a small and quiet wedding is in the couple's plans. Inside the church building, this prayer is mounted behind the pulpit platform and it reads:

Our Heavenly Father, Creator of all that is nature,

We humbly come to you in the midst of nature’s splendor,

To thank you that as Americans we are free

To worship as we please, work as we please,

And move about as we please to enjoy all that is nature:

Its mountains, its hills, its valleys, its lakes,

Its streams, and the living things that dwell therein;

We pray unto You that someday the world may be at peace

And all men be free to enjoy nature’s abundance.

We ask you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ

That we be guided to protect this priceless heritage

Which we, in America, are privileged to enjoy. Amen.

This prayer sure is fitting for our cross-country journey. We're goin' to Maine! 2,220.18/1,343.82

gaylord, michigan (rest day)

 We just had a rest day but here we are with another rest day. This turned out to be a typical tourist day around Gaylord. We went to the Gaylord Farmers Market and bought kettle corn and candy, ate lunch at Diana's Delight, checked out a few stores, went to a flea market, and visited Hartwick Pines State Park, about twenty miles south of here. Hartwick Pines State Park is the third largest state park on Michigan's Lower Peninsula and the state's fifth-biggest park overall. The park contains an old-growth forest of white pines and red pines that resembles the appearance of all of Northern Michigan prior to the logging era. It is raining today, and was then, so we did some of the paths among the trees, visited the museum, and bought a few things at the gift shop. After dropping Phil and Gale off at the camp grounds, Margaret and I checked out the beginning of tomorrow's ride to Kalkaska. 

Here are a few photos from pedaling today and days past:

Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, Michigan is worth a visit. It's quiet!

The loggers had to get those huge logs out of the forest somehow. This did it.

There is also a Deer Farm where you can see live deer. Opposed to what?

We did not visit the Garlyn Zoo but their sign was impressive.

Barns are favorites for my photo file. This one had both age and character.

Old bikes are often given different job descriptions. Is this a promotion or demotion?

“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”  -Isaiah 55:12

This was a fun day!

gaylord, michigan

Weinerlicious Mackinaw City, close to the start of our ride today.

North Central State Trail, Mackinaw City to Gaylord, Michigan

 For 62.71 miles we pedaled on the North Central State Trail from Mackinaw City to Gaylord, Michigan. Maybe one percent of the trail was paved. The rest of the trail was crushed stone, that for the most part made for a smooth ride. We pedaled through Cheboygan, Topinabee, Indian River, Wolverine, Vanderbilt, and into Gaylord. The ride is easy but slower than pedaling on the road, mostly because of the riding surface. Of course, we had no narrow shoulders, no traffic, and no rumble strips, which was nice for a change. Our 62.71 mile ride today brings our total mileage to 2,189.18 miles with approximately 1,374.82 miles to go. That's about all there is to say for this day of the journey but let me tell you what is one of those Ripley's Believe It Or Not kind of stories:

If you've been following us on this blog, you know we often eat meals with Phil and Gale in their RV which has officially been named The SnackWagon. Our plans for this evening were to get settled into our camp site at The Hampton Inn while Phil and Gale got into their KOA site and hooked up for their time there. Supper would be at The SnackWagon. But . . . Margaret gets a call from Gale and Gale says, "This KOA requires a five dollar ($5.00) charge per guest for visitors to the camp sites." In other words, KOA would charge us five dollars each to go to Phil and Gale's RV to eat food that Margaret and Gale purchased and Gale prepared. Is that not crazy? Believe it or not. We went to Taco Bell.

Tomorrow is another rest day. We had a rest day yesterday because we pedaled extra miles on Wednesday when we pedaled from Manistique to St. Ignace to avoid a bunch of rain, which did come. And . . . we did avoid it. Tomorrow's rest day was previously scheduled and changing scheduling requires cancelling motels and campgrounds which often causes major problems. Cancelling is not the hard part. Finding new lodging is often the hard part, because of being close to the 4th of July and because of summer vacationing in general. Right now we are already scheduled into Indiana. Margaret and Gale do all this stuff and are usually scheduled a week or two ahead. (They do the hard part and Phil and I just pedal, shower, eat, and sleep wherever.) Many thanks to their hard and sometimes frustrating work.

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  -Luke 6:38

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”  -1 Peter 4:10

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  -Galatians 6:10

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, …” -Philippians 2:1-11

Others first.

mackinaw city, michigan

The Mackinac Bridge

We made a wise decision yesterday when we pedaled to St. Ignace. It did rain this morning, as forecasted,  and we would have been pedaling in the midst of at all. After loading our vehicles, we headed east fairly early. After crossing the Mackinac Bridge, A. K. A. Mighty Mac, into Mackinaw City, we did what
everybody would certainly do on a day off . . . we went to a laundromat. The Captain's Quarters is a cool little laundromat, if laundromats can be described as cool, and it was close to being empty at the time. That changed from empty to overpopulated in our time there. The prices to wash and dry require many, many quarters which probably contributes to the laundromat's name. But . . . you can't make it too tough for me to complain.

Additional information you really need to know . . . The Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere with 7,400 feet of roadway suspended in the air over the straits of Mackinac. Total length of the bridge, including its approaches, is approximately five miles. (Thought you'd want to know that.)

You probably would want to know this about Mackinac as well: The French spelled it "Mackinac" but pronounced it "Mack-in-AW." The British spelled it "Mackinaw" and pronounced it "Mack-in-AW." So . . . whether it's Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island, the Mackinac Bridge or the Straits of Mackinac, Fort Mackinac or Fort Michilimackinac on the mainland . . . it's pronounced "AW" on the end.

Back to the rest day . . . we met Phil and Gale at the Dixie Saloon for an early lunch and then Margaret and I came to The Lamplighter Motel. Phil and Gale went to the RV park for the rest of the day.

The Lamplighter Motel is owned and operated by Jennifer and Terry Davis. They have owned this motel for twenty-five years and it sure looks like a great place to spend some time. It's off the beaten path of tourism but close to everything you'd want to visit. Terry and Jennifer do a great job making folks like us feel welcome. We talked awhile about just about everything, including Terry's heart emergency surgeries. Jennifer credits the Lord with Terry's recovery. I also met Jennifer's brother, Tom who, with his wife, is visiting from California where he is a real estate broker near Silicon Valley. Tom is also a rower . . . I mean ocean rowing, out there in the big waters. He coaches too. Tom asked about my Young Life t-shirt and, as we talked, I found out that he is familiar with and has served with Young Life in the past. Tom, Terry, and Jennifer are the kind of folks we've been meeting all along the way. America is full of them and they are the encouragers who help keep us rolling down the roads to the Atlantic. Thank you, Lord.

Since this is a rest day . . . a picture is worth a thousand words:

The Lamplighter Motel Office

Sign in hardware store in Mackinac City. I got my pocket knife sharpened for $3.00! Can't beat that! I also got two scoops of chocolate peanut butter ice cream at Kilwins.

Mackinac Bridge. That's a mighty long bridge.

"Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

naubinway, michigan

 I'd like to build one of these just for the fun of it.

At the Big Boy next to the Comfort Inn where we stayed, there are several wooden vehicles that someone, I'm sure, had much fun and lots of wood and time. The 4x4 was my favorite, probably because it was the largest and most rigged looking of them all. The other vehicles included a train, a school bus, and an airplane. Maybe I'll have to build one for my great-grandson, since my other grandkids are too old for such yard toys. Guess it goes on the To Do List when I get home.

OK, here's the scoop on the ride today. Another good day on Route 2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula or U.P. The shoulders were mostly good, the wind was with us most of the time, the Lake Michigan scenery was terrific, (like riding near the ocean) and traffic, though a bit heavy, was kind and respectful of two bike riders on the shoulders. The weather was not hot and was mostly sunny, as well. We departed Manistique around 8:45 and were in Naubinway, Michigan by lunch time. A good tailwind helped us move along and get our day's riding out of the way. 44.18 miles and we were done for the day. We had the rest of the day off to do whatever. We went to lunch, first.

At a store next to our motel, Adoba Hotel Naubinway, we found our rooms and checked at a gift and junk store next door about where the locals eat. The first recommendation I received was Moose&Fries, or so I thought. After asking again, I was told the name of the restaurant was Moofinfries, not Moose&Fries. Moofinfries is called Moofinfries because they sell burgers (Moo), fish (fin), and fries. Made sense to me. So off to Moofinfries we went. At Moofinfries, we looked at the menu and sure enough, the only thing on the menu was burgers, fish, fries and ice cream. We had some of everything including ice cream. Margaret bought some ice cream for Phil because he's seventy-five years young today. Everything was great and more than we could eat.

At Moofinfries, we also met and talked with the owner. Well, there are two owners, Wayne & Laura Flatt. Wayne is a very pleasant and encouraging man. He not only takes the orders but also meanders from table to table talking with the customers who are
eating and enjoying his food. Wayne told us the story about how Moofinfries came to be and it is one of those encouraging and inspiring stories that make a day special. Wayne was a welder and was certified in welding anything from ships to aircraft. I used the word was, because Wayne no longer welds. He lost his right arm helping someone at an accident scene when another vehicle somehow was involved resulting in Wayne almost losing his life. He didn't lose his life but he did lose his arm. Welders need both arms and hands so Wayne was finished with something he had a passion to do, welding. That's where Moofinfries was born. Together with Laura, Moofinfries was started two years ago. It is now a favorite eating place for lots of folks and we know why. If you are ever in Naubinway, Michigan, stop by and find out for yourself.

Since Moofinfries is relatively new, Margaret asked Wayne how they made it through the last year. He told us that it was great! The parking lot was packed and people waited for an hour to an hour and a half for their food. And, Wayne said, "We only serve carry out," meaning all of their food, whether you eat-in or carry-out is served as to go orders. That's when we realized that our orders came out ready to carry-out. Smart idea! Our food was so good, and though we were full and had no room for ice cream, we ordered some anyway. It, also, was super good. Wayne said the ice cream came from Ludington, Michigan, the beef comes from his brother's herd, and the fish comes from local fishermen he used to weld for. He's the kind of guy who, by his attitude, encourages others. A sign in his shop says, "Today is a great day to have a great day." He also has an American flag with the words, God bless America. My prayer is that God would bless America. And he does. He blesses it with guys like Wayne. Wayne could have just thrown in the towel. He could have had a big pity-party, and continue to stay on the couch as he did for a year and a half . . . but he didn't. Wayne is an American hero. Thank you, Wayne, for your encouragement. May America be blessed with many folks just like you and Laura. (Thanks for about thirty pounds of fries, too.)

After looking at the weather-guessers prognostication for tomorrow, Phil and I decided we would rather ride forty more miles in the sunshine this afternoon than forty more miles tomorrow in the rain. So we did. On the way to the Mackinac Bridge we passed The Mystery Spot. We didn't stop there but we did get pictures of the sign. According to other signs The Mystery Spot is one of the most visited spots in the world. We still did not stop. It's a mystery to us!

As soon as the Mackinac Bridge came into view, we knew we were close to St. Ignace, our stopping point for tomorrow night. We pedaled two days in one today so tomorrow we take a day off. Margaret and Gale met us in a parking lot, we loaded the bikes, and are now back in Naubinway at the Adoba Hotel. Tomorrow we will be lazy. We'll go back to St. Ignace, drive across the Mackinac Bridge, and settle for the night in Mackinaw City.

This ride is filled with incredible scenery but I will tell you once again . . . the people make the trip real. I feel like we are pedaling through Real America and talking with folks, like Wayne, who really love America. They work hard, play hard, are patriotic, love their families, go to church on Sundays, support their communities, and simply enjoy life.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Be a blessing today.

manistique, michigan

Big Boy, Manistique, Michigan

 Drizzling rain, sunshine, followed by wind and rain. That's the story of our forty-five miles today as we pedaled from Escanaba, Michigan to Manistique, Michigan. This is Day 32 of our ride across America and we've pedaled 2,040.45 miles and have approximately 1,523,02 miles remaining. In future blogs I will indicate mileage with 2,040.45/1,523.02. The number on the left is the miles we've pedaled. The number on the right is the approximate mileage remaining. In 2009, I did this ride in fifty-one days. If that works out this trip, we've got nineteen days of pedaling to go. We'll see what happens in the days ahead.

We left Gale and the RV in Escanaba to have a water leak repaired. Margaret, Phil, and I headed east toward Manistique around 9:30. The shoulder was real good all the way but the weather was fickle. We had a variety of weather that resulted in riding in rain gear, changing to no rain gear, and changing back to rain gear. The sky was rumbling as we neared Manistique but no lightning was seen. We loaded up and finished our ride at a convenience store right outside Manistique and headed to Big Boy which, at one time, was a Frisch's Big Boy. Now, instead of the original Big Boy outside, we were greeted by a moose in Big Boy clothing. Great greeter, great lunch.

As Phil and I pedal, we continue to be entertained by what has become our favorite bird of the ride, the Red-winged Blackbird. They are everywhere! And they are noisy  I'm not sure if they are just happy birds or are telling us to get out of their territory. After reading the following information online, I think they're telling us to get out of their territory: 

You can find Red-winged Blackbirds in the breeding season by visiting cattail marshes and other wetlands, or simply by watching telephone wires on a drive through the country. Where there’s standing water and vegetation, Red-winged Blackbirds are likely to be one of the most common birds you see and hear. Listen for the male’s conk-la-lee!song. In winter, search through mixed-species blackbird flocks and be careful not to overlook the streaky, brown females, which can sometimes resemble a sparrow. Male Red-winged Blackbirds fiercely defend their territories during the breeding season, spending more than a quarter of daylight hours in territory defense. He chases other males out of the territory and attacks nest predators, sometimes going after much larger animals, including horses and people.

When we stopped to photograph the blue barn yesterday, we must have been in breeding territory. I noticed cattails and swampy-looking areas next to the road but what I noticed most of all were the Red-winged Blackbirds flying around  and over us and, at the same time, squawking like crazy. I think they wanted us . . . gone. Other times and at other places as we pedaled, we were escorted by little black fighter jets overhead for a few minutes until they peeled off and went back to their homes. Sure am glad we wear helmets!

Creation is incredible! Take a look around and you will find unbelievable and incredible things you can never understand. You just have to stand in awe and say, "Only God." Look at Genesis 1 and read the creation account and you'll find in verses 20 and 21 these verses pertaining to birds: And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky. So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind." 

There you have it! Creatures that actually live in and under the water and feathered creatures that fly high above the earth and often nest in trees. Then there are elephants, chameleons, porcupines, chickens, panda bears, turtles, giraffes, field mice, and many other curious and fascinating creatures. But in all of creation, God's most valued and treasured creation is You!

Don't forget that!

I found a Wisconsin license plate yesterday and two Michigan license plates today. I'm caught up on all my license plates!

escanaba, michigan

Iron County, Michigan 

This morning didn't look like a good day to go for a bike ride but we did. The day began with drizzling rain, 44 degrees, and wind. To stay warm I wore my bike shorts and Levis, I also wore an insulated long-sleeves t-shirt, a cycling jersey, my cycling windbreaker, and my raincoat. I'm not sure if I looked more like the Michelin Man or the Pillsbury Doughboy but I did stay a little warm for the morning part of the ride.

I noticed at a Michigan rest area that we were in Iron County. We came into Michigan in Ironwood, stayed one night in Iron River, and bought bike tires in Iron Mountain so I'm not sure where all this Iron stuff goes. Maybe it doesn't.

The bike tires were purchased and installed at Build A Bicycle - Bicycle Therapy, a shop Margaret found on a back street in Iron Mountain. I think Google helped her but I give her all the credit. The guys at the shop sure were helpful, took about an hour to change the tires, and loaded the bike for Margaret. In the meantime, Phil and I were headed east on Route 2 to Escanaba. In fact, from Ironwood to St. Ignace, the entire length of the Upper Peninsula, we pedal on Route 2. Can't get lost unless we try!

I told you when we came into Michigan that we were in the Eastern Time Zone. I had previously looked at a U.S. map, saw the time zone line, and thought it was on the Wisconsin/Michigan border. I was wrong. I saw the official sign as we approached Escanaba today. We are for sure, however, in the Eastern Time Zone . . . now!

In Build A Bicycle - Bicycle Therapy, I saw a sign with two bikes and a portion of a Bible verse from one of the best-known and most-used chapters in the Scriptures, Psalm 23, a Psalm of David:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2  He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me 5  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever."

Have a blessed day & follow your Shepherd.

iron river, michigan

One of the major attractions on Michigan Route 2. (Hmmmm)

 A little bit of rain, lots of hills, and at least a million mosquitoes! (That may be a slight exaggeration but it's close!) There's really not much to talk about for today's ride. We went back to the 32 mile marker where we stopped yesterday and headed toward Iron River. We did find Barry Rd, somewhere along Michigan Route 2 but that's about it for photo opportunities. The rest of the ride was pretty much the same with great scenery, rolling hills, and a flat tire. (And the mosquitoes.) But . . . when we arrived in Iron River, the little city was having a Father's Day Tractor and Car Show downtown on the main street. Phil and I walked through, took pictures, and found our evening dwelling places about two blocks away.

My two favorites.

Counting the 51.55 miles we pedaled today, we are now at 1,893.47 miles. We are over halfway even with most of Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine to go. According to Google Bike Maps, we have approximately 1,670 miles to go. We are over halfway! There's a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train! We are on the way! That's encouraging. We're  a bump over halfway!

Halfway is often a place where many people just quit. I don't know why, but it's a dangerous spot to be. I'm glad we're over it, not that I've ever thought about quitting. To me, halfway is like a boost in the adventure. It's like going over a mountain . . . it's all downhill now. Well, mentally it's downhill. We still have mountains in New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire! We''ll get over them!

There's a guy in the Bible who had to deal with the dangers of halfway but he successfully made it through the stress of it all. He faced ridicule, threats, opposition from enemies and from his own people, bribes, and lies. But he made it past halfway. His name was Nehemiah. He was a cupbearer to a king, a general contractor for the walls of Jerusalem, and a government official. He was also an encouragement to a lot of people. When he faced the halfway point of the wall-building process, he had one gigantic thing going for him. The people had it in their minds that this wall was going to get finished no matter what. "So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6) They were over the top, even with all the opposition, they saw the finish. And, finish they did, in fifty-two days! Then they partied, praised, prayed, and worshiped! What a time they had. Why? Because sometime during all the uphill battles, Nehemiah was able to turn their hearts and minds from fear to finish. It was a battle but the victory was sweet . . . and the enemy was furious!

So wherever your halfway is or whatever your halfway is . . . don't quit. It may be college. Maybe a relationship. Maybe reading through your Bible. Maybe a project you've spent years on. Whatever. Go for it. This is not the time to quit. Go for it.

Make your enemies/obstacles furious.

ironwood, michigan

 

Michigan . . . here we are, hope you're ready!

Two rides in one, that's what we did today. We didn't plan it that way, it just happened.

Ride No. 1 - Ashland, Wisconsin to Ironwood, Michigan, 37.04 miles. We had winds, both headwind and tailwind and, at times, it was hard to tell which was which. And it was hilly, more than I expected. Most of the ride was on very narrow shoulders and a good bit of traffic, most of which was pulling boats or campers. But, all in all, it was a good ride and we pedaled into Curry Park where Phil and Gale will make their home for tonight. Not long after lunch, Phil and I decided to pedal a few more miles east on Michigan Route 2, miles we won't have to pedal tomorrow, and possibly, in the rain. Oh . . . we are in the Eastern Time Zone now. That's the Home Time Zone for us. And we love it!

Ride No. 2 - Ironwood to Somewhere on Michigan Route 2, 32.81 miles. More hills, oh yes, more hills. But . . . we are done with them. Yippee! Tomorrow we will drive those 32 miles, get on our bikes, and pedal to Iron River which is also in Michigan. We will be in Michigan for some time now, since we just entered the Upper Peninsula, will pedal to St, Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge, down the west coast of Michigan, into Indiana, and with a left turn be headed to Maine again.

Michigan gets a big thumbs up for its roadway shoulders. Wisconsin, unfortunately, get a thumbs down. Both states are undergoing a lot of road reconstruction but we've become used to that and have figured out how to maneuver through the road work. Of course, good flaggers sure make things easier and safer. Michigan gets a thumbs up for its farms and barns too. I would love to go through some of these old barns just to see the large timber construction.

As we pedaled our extra miles we passed over the Bad River and passed by Government Road. I wouldn't have ridden down Government Road. I'm sure it's crooked, full of holes, under construction with workers who have no clue about how to build roads or run heavy equipment, overfunded and paid for by our tax dollars, and leads to a dead end. (Just a thought.) Government Road? Why?

Phil and I stopped for a rest stop and saw that we were right across the road from a big cemetery. I went over to check out some of the tombstones and immediately returned to my bike to grab my camera. There were many old tombstones and quite a few were military. I noticed a tombstone of a John B. Lewis, Corporal, Company K, !2th Wisconsin Infantry, Civil War. What stories could he tell? What was he like? How old was he during the war? Where did he fight? Was he scared? Did he die in battle? Along with Corporal Lewis' tombstone, there were others who fought in World Wars I and II and even the Spanish American War. Men who lived and, maybe died, for their country. Heroes.

I heard a man say one day, "The secret to happiness is having a new beginning ready at the end." At the end of what? Everything! Happy are high school students who have a job or college in line for new beginnings. And what about college students? Marriage maybe, families, jobs, and homes and years later, retirement. New beginnings are necessary for happiness. I am loving this bike ride but I am already planning my To Do List for when we get home. Why? New beginning . . . something to look forward to.

"The secret to happiness is having a new beginning ready at the end." I know that people don't like talking about cemeteries, tombstones, and dying but dying is part of living. We've all got to do it. I'm not ready to die but I'm prepared. Why? Because I have a new beginning ready at the end and it's because of my faith in God and my salvation through Jesus Christ my Lord. 

John 3:16 . . . the promise of a New Beginning.

ashland, wisconsin

 Looks like Florida . . . but it's Wisconsin.

Yep, we are in Wisconsin and will be again tomorrow for part of the ride. Right now, we are in Ashland, Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin. There are over twenty of these murals in the eight block center of the city. This mural not only recognizes the branches of the military but each person depicted is a veteran or active duty from the city. Names, ranks, branch of service, and wars or conflicts are painted on the wall as well. I love military things and this mural is over the top. Way to go, Ashland. Very patriotic.

OK, how about the ride today? We pedaled 63.17 miles with a crazy wind behind us! That's a tailwind . . . and it was moving. At time I noticed we were going twenty-two miles an hour and not pedaling. It was ferocious! But what a ride! The roads weren't bad but we did have some narrow shoulders and construction. One flagger told us we had to wait until all the vehicles going our direction were gone. When she gave us the ok to go, we had the road completely to ourselves. She did warn us of a downhill along the way. With the tailwind and the downhill, we cruised over thirty miles an hour through the whole construction zone. When we passed the flagger at the other end, we were still cruising and she called out, "Ya done good!" That was a ride to remember. Fun! Because of the tailwind we arrived in Ashland with time to spare. We had enough time to visit the North Shore National Lake Shore so Margaret and Gale could get their Passport Books stamped. They are very happy campers, now.

On the way, we noticed to the left of Route 2, Grizz Works. Grizz Works has to be the work shop or art studio of two very talented and creative chainsaw artists, Justin Howland and Jared Nelson. The workshop is outside but looks like it would be a great place to hang out and talk with Justin and Jared. There are many wood creations about the property. There was also some piles of huge timbers waiting to become something really impressive, unusual, and fun. I could just see that huge bear on our deck at home. Of course, every time I went outside, it would probably give me a scare. (The bear is the one on the right.)

In Ashland, we also visited Bay City Cycles, another super good bike shop. We left there with decals from the shop, a pair of cycling shoes (Phil), and a Bay City Cycles t-shirt (me). Every time we go into a bike shop, someone asks, "Where ya headed?" Well, that usually leads to a fun conversation about the ride and roads ahead. One of the cyclists in the shop overheard our conversation and said, "I rode twenty-six miles yesterday and thought I was doing good." We meet some of the neatest people in bike shops and restaurants.

We ate supper at Ashland Family Restaurant. It just re-opened on Tuesday and lots of folks obviously heard about it. One man, paying his bill, was overhead saying, "Thanks for opening again." We sure did agree. The food was really good and too much of it, but we still managed to eat most of it. Piggies.

Tomorrow we head for Ironwood, Michigan. We will be in the Upper Peninsula. (U. P.) We don't have many miles to pedal tomorrow so we might tack on a few extra to make the following days across the U. P. a bit easier. If we have a tailwind like today, tomorrow will literally be a breeze!

Riding across America gives us a real look at this country and its people. These are real people, hard-working, friendly, and patriotic. We see many American flags flying in these rural and agricultural areas. The one thing that tops my list of this ride is people. We meet all kinds of people but they make the ride so special. They love this country and work hard to keep it strong and free. Of course, we also see small buildings where people worship. The Founding Fathers of the United States of America were strong in their faith and determined to keep America committed to the wisdom and commands of Almighty God. They knew where our liberty and strength came from. 

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." -Psalm 33:12