East. Day 64.

August 11, 2016

Ludington to Clare, Michigan

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A 4:00 a.m. wake-up was tolerable with less than 20 steps to the bathroom (indoor!) and no stretching to unzip the tent and slip on my shoes. Thank you, Kathie!

Before falling back to sleep, I wasted a half-hour scrolling Facebook. You would think I could have kicked this habit over the last two months. But no. I rationalized--it kept me connected. Right.

Sleep again I had.

About 6:30 a.m. I popped up, eager to get going. It was going to be a long haul to Clare. I straightened Kathie's cozy guest room, leaving the chocolate sampler on the pillow, and headed downstairs. Kathie was up with her pups; her husband still asleep.

"I have cereal, is that okay?" she asked.

"Sure."

She pulled a couple of boxes from which to choose. Raisin Bran worked.

"I only have Almond milk."

"Fine for me." I'd been eating anything and everything since Missoula.

Kathie and I enjoyed a long chat before I got organized. Her floor pump made quick work out of topping off my tires, although they didn't need much.

"I want to take your picture with Higgins," she said before I launched.

Her Future Leader Dog puppy was wiggly and more interested in kisses than posing for the camera.

FLD Higgins kisses!

"Au revoir!"

What a little love does, to get a person back in the saddle. "I'll be home tomorrow, Andy!

At 50 miles I hopped onto the paved Pierre Marquette Trail. It would take me straight away (another 40 miles or so) to Clare. The riding was easy, as far as grades go.

A few comments about rail trails. No sharp inclines. Nice to be away from traffic. Not so convenient, at times, to find restrooms or stores.

Somewhere along the way, a white-tailed deer stood in the middle of the path ahead. When I got within 20 feet, it bounded for at least 75 yards before darting to disappear in the woods.

Peace.

My original Facebook post:

Postcard from the road. Clare, MI. August 11, 2016

I was afraid if I sat at the picnic table in front of the IGA in Lake any longer my head would drop and I would fall asleep. Funny how you don't notice the oppressive heat until you stop pedaling.

It was time to push on. My legs were stalling but I only needed them to keep on for less than 15 miles. It promised to be a slog.

Two slow miles later my phone rang. I rolled to a stop. It was Andy.

"Hey, I was thinking I might drive down and have dinner with you tonight," he said. "You have to eat, don't you?" He said he would only come if I said yes.

"It would be great if you came down," I answered.

Suddenly I was zooming down the wide, paved bike path that runs between Evart and Clare. My smile lifted the lead from my legs. I had an unexpected date!

Bonus photo from my book. Andy and me outside the Doherty Hotel.