We’re at Lost Lake Campground tonight in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This forest is mostly hardwoods – birch, maple, and the first oaks I’ve noticed recently – along with a scattering of evergreens. Also some really cool fungi, per the attached picture. I do love the peacefulness of these NF campgrounds, but the lack of hookups is an inconvenience, especially when we want to use and/or recharge our various electronic gizmos. What would Jim Bridger et al have thought about the ways in which we “camp” nowadays?
The ride today was not overly long – 71 miles – but after 89 miles yesterday our bodies were not full of energy, plus we had a bit of a headwind much of the time, so we were happy to be finished by about 1:30. One of the highlights of the day was flushing a pair of squawking sandhill cranes from the undergrowth at the edge of the forest, almost right next to us. Being so close, we could easily appreciate how huge they are.
We passed through several small towns – Minocqua, Woodruff, St. Germain, and Eagle River, around which there was significant traffic, but once we got into the heart of the National Forest, the cars and trucks diminished greatly. We were left with our thoughts, our bikes, the road, and the often dark forest.
Tomorrow Kathy returns to the expedition! She has been in Paw Paw, Michigan, for a week, helping her dad move into assisted living. By all reports it is a very nice place with excellent staff, but it is still a major and often wrenching transition in so many ways. I’m so proud of her and the help she has given her family. She plans to drive a rental car all the way from Paw Paw to Escanaba, about 460 miles, because to fly there would take longer and cost far more. We wish her safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming her back.
The ride today was not overly long – 71 miles – but after 89 miles yesterday our bodies were not full of energy, plus we had a bit of a headwind much of the time, so we were happy to be finished by about 1:30. One of the highlights of the day was flushing a pair of squawking sandhill cranes from the undergrowth at the edge of the forest, almost right next to us. Being so close, we could easily appreciate how huge they are.
We passed through several small towns – Minocqua, Woodruff, St. Germain, and Eagle River, around which there was significant traffic, but once we got into the heart of the National Forest, the cars and trucks diminished greatly. We were left with our thoughts, our bikes, the road, and the often dark forest.
Tomorrow Kathy returns to the expedition! She has been in Paw Paw, Michigan, for a week, helping her dad move into assisted living. By all reports it is a very nice place with excellent staff, but it is still a major and often wrenching transition in so many ways. I’m so proud of her and the help she has given her family. She plans to drive a rental car all the way from Paw Paw to Escanaba, about 460 miles, because to fly there would take longer and cost far more. We wish her safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming her back.
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