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.