Week 3 - Done! - What a week of contrasts 😎➡️😶‍🌫️

This last week has been quite strange with the weather being effected by the wildfires in Northern Minnesota and Canada, whilst I kept myself informed to the wildfires in Europe. The air quality has not been good in the second half of the week after we cycled over 400 miles in six days through the upper peninsula and then down the eastern shore of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Lake Huron disappeared in the smoky atmosphere so the scenery has been somewhat muted by the conditions.

That said, we had a beautiful day when we took the ferry across the Mackinac Island and enjoyed the ‘traffic free’ conditions and the transparent waters of Lake Huron. Mackinac Island sits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and the only means of transport on the island is either by foot, a bicycle or horse. It is quite a tourist attraction with bicycles of every variety available for hire and you will not be shocked to hear that we brought our bikes with us on the ferry. We left from the Upper Peninsula to the Island and then from the Island to the Lower Pennisula, then, upon landing in Mackinaw City, we had a further 20 miles to reach overnight church.

Another highlight this week was meeting Jami Kinzer’s parents, Jo and Steve, who owned a wonderful property on the Upper Peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan, where a strange creature was seen in the waters. Could that be the Loch Ness monster on holiday??! ………………No, that’s me!

After I had showered, we had a wonderful time singing together as I played their keyboard piano. Great times!!! Steve threatened to put a ball and chain on me and not allow me to leave.

By contrast the day after the trip to Mackinac Island we awoke to yellow, greenish clouds and a long ride along a gravel trail. The news of my presence in America apparently was picked up by the local deer fly population as they pursued me alone the trail. In particular they were after my blood and my backside was an obvious target and I’m still smarting from their generous attention.

After 6 days of cycling we rolled into Durand and, finally, a day off. I think everyone is grateful for the break, however, we face 4 more days of cycling from tomorrow with over 300 miles to be covered. Why on earth did I not consider the mileage in the time I joined the ride!?!? That said, I’m only 7 rides away from Niagara and the end of the ride for me. Most of the folks on this ride still have 3 weeks left and another 1,000 miles to reach Maine.

To be honest, I would love to return to Maine again and, in particular, visit John & Linda Walker Gregoire, who I prayed with and worked on their garden in 2023, however, I have the small event of a ride in Scotland to co-ordinate. This starts just a few days after the arrival in Maine, hence I’m heading home in time to spend 2 weeks at home before the Scotland Tour starts. I’m so looking forward to spending time with Elaine and Robson (🐕) before my travels continue.

My only concern is that I may be swapping the Michigan deer flies for the Scotland midges - Ouch!!