In Memory of Warmer Summers

July 28 – August 1

Iron River, Michigan; Hardwood, MI; Rapid River, MI; Indian Lake State Park, MI; Little Hog Island State Park, MI

We crossed into Michigan on July 28, straight into the Upper Pennisula, or U.P. as they refer to it. 

Before reaching Michigan, we had one last ride on a trail in Wisconsin (free of charge) on the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail.  A great trail that brought smiles to everyone especially after we got our bearings and were no longer looking for missing trail markers and signs.  They said they will be up in two weeks.

Still rocking the Maple Leaf in Escanaba

Upon arriving in Iron River we discovered we were sharing an entire campground with volunteer firefighters from all over the U. P. engaged in not just one, but two parades that very night, and a firefighters competition the next day.  Let’s just say we were lucky to get out of there with some sleep.

Our next stop brought us to Hardwood, MI where the campground was what is referred to as “primitive”.  That means a pit-toilet and a water pump.  The good news was this site is on the shore of a lake on the east branch of the Sturgeon River so Sallie and I went for a swim to help clean up after the day.  For me this includes cold shaving in the lake.  That’s not pleasant, but it is better than cold shaving in the frigid waters of the water pump.

Ryan Conaughty arrived to join us at this site and a swim.  We had great fun hearing his always entertaining stories of his adventures since we last saw him in Fargo.  Toward sunset Ryan and I took a few minutes to go down to the lake to watch the sunset.  He was quite moved by the view and spoke of the beauty we are so privilaged to see when we set out on our tours.

I have to confess that the hours I keep prevent me from seeing too many sunsets until later in the year when the days get shorter or we get close to the eastern edge of a time zone.  Its not like I’m not paying attention though, I spend my day checking the sights, sounds, and smells of the land and I am forever gazing at the enormous display of stars when I rise at night.  Sallie and I get up at 5:30am and getting to bed before sunset is pretty much mandatory for us.

Ryan runs on a different schedule.  He can sleep in until some time after we’ve already left camp.  He once said, “The later I sleep, the more rest I get.”  Can’t argue with that.

He sees more sunsets than I and maybe I should take more time for these.