String of Friends

Static Map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/412012250?privacy_code=i19kxCn1FeMtyNsObSLxAvQIfbcjrIc3 Animated Map: https://www.relive.com/view/vQvx714Xj9q I worried the cabin mosquitoes and the scratching skunk would keep me up, but we reached an agreement. The mosquitoes would get their fill before bedtime then chill. The skunk left to do skunky things during the night and I woke refreshed. The weather had cleared to partly cloudy with little chance of rain. (Morning at camp) I lingered until after 8:00 then headed the 11 miles to Battle Creek. The morning light shone in streamers through the trees. I listened to John Field’s solo piano nocturnes on the way. The route seemed very rural, but looking at the Relive map linked above, I see the trees hid a lot of industrial buildings. The rural road became a path along the river.  (Pretty morning light) In town I diverted to look at the Federal office building that once was the Battle Creek Sanitarium r...

Static map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/411778873?privacy_code=7ZPm1zwfsnsboCCL7lJPgfJOBewOd0qe Animated map: https://www.relive.com/view/vr63zykR8dO It was a rainy night. No way to pretend. I woke up at 6:45 after hearing rain drops on the tent most of the night. Thankfully, there weren’t when my eyes popped open. Checking my Windy app, I saw a second band of rain was on its way. I quickly got dressed and packed up my tent, strapping the wet rain fly to the back rack. Breakfast would be in South Haven just a few miles up the road.  (Drizzle on the way to South Haven) On my way to one of Michigan Parks’ well built shower/restroom building, I noticed a huge gob of bikes said “hi” then headed in. A guy in a bike cap was drying his rain fly with the hand drier. Good tip. I learned they are with a Chicago non-profit called Out Our Front Door (OOFD) (Just say it out loud!). They introduce people to bike camping. This was a special trip for all the 15 vo...

Static map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/411583619?privacy_code=5ioPlXtTUxn0FkPB7HBMnNKhVtL0gtz4 Animated map:  https://www.relive.com/view/vYvEd5WkzGq The day started leisurely. A bug free morning made for a slow oatmeal and instant coffee breakfast. I used PlantNet to ID two flowers at the campsite. Both invasive. Despite being in a national park, I was not in a pristine environment. After a look at the empty beach, I heading out quickly passing through Michigan City which is interestingly in Indiana. I noted the Amish pie stand on the way into town and wondered if Amish is a style or an origin. (Amish pie stand) After Michigan City, the route follows a sleepy road packed with expensive second homes for rich Chicagoians. Every open lot was being developed. I passed many people out for morning walks. At Michiania I crossed from Indiana into Michigan and the Eastern Time Zone, which I didn’t anticipate. I’d be an hour later arriving at camp than I’d thought...

Static map: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/411321695?privacy_code=yiKqVvrfi7tHxLpJFCWI7Y08Uoe5r5x1 Animated map:  https://www.relive.com/view/vmqXGXAxgo6 Finally, a campsite with water I could jump in! The Indiana Dunes. When I got there after a long and varied day of riding I just wanted to run down to the water’s edge and plunge in, but I restrained myself and got changed into my swimming suit first.  (Sunrise as I say goodbye to Chicago) The day began with an early start at 6:00, first light. Today was the day I was saying goodbye to Chicago after a four day stay. I was leaving early because I had a pleasant surprise. Due to a fortuitous Facebook post, another old friend from Knox learned I was it town. She had been living in New York City, but has recently moved back to her hometown of Chicago. We arranged to meet at a bakery in The Loop. I wanted to be there by 8:30 so we would have plenty of time to chat. It’s 22 miles from Asif’s house to The Godd...