Rails to Trails...Love 'em!

Michigan has converted a large majority of unused rail lines into both paved and unpaved multi-purpose trails. Over the last few days we have spent a great deal of time on such trails. I must admit that at times I feel like a train as I meander up through this state. Since I last posted we have traveled from Columbiaville, MI all the way to the northern part of Lake Michigan. This morning we ferried from Mackinaw City to an Mackinaw Island and then over to St. Ignace to avoid the worlds largest (or somewhere up there) suspension bridge (plus I don't think bikes are allowed). Mackinaw Island is fairly touristy but it was fun to be in a place where cars aren't allowed. I still found myself looking over my shoulder anticipating the vroom of a passing by automobile. Although this is not a new discovery, bugs love me and haven't been afraid to show me there affection. I have over fifty love bites all over my body to prove it. I just wish they didn't itch because I'm a scratcher! We celebrated the 4th in style by ordering broasted chicken at Bob's Lounge in Claire, who knew that broasted really means deep fried, we were both a little disappointed but jo-jo's and biscuits made up for it. It turns out that Google is usually spot on, it's our interpretation of it that keeps messing us up. We got a little lost again and ended up circling a large lake (adding 15+ miles to our days journey). So far we have put in over 700 miles and had some long rides the last three days, 102, 93, 98. Yesterday would have been only 88 miles but I left my passport, journal, phone, etc. at the bar and we were stayed at a campground 5 miles outside of Mackinaw. Sarah and Ali, two first year teachers, were gracious enough to share their campsite and cooked us a wonderful meal before we departed this morning. All in all things are going well. We rode through our first down pour, our knees are still working, our butts are not as sore, and our bicycles are still alive and turning. Thank you all for comments, sorry I haven't responded but our access to computers in fairly limited. We hope life is treating all of you well. It's time to get back on our bikes....later!