I consider this day seized.

I slept in, till 7:30!! I didn’t have to rush, I didn’t have to break down my camp and pack up. It was quite decadent!

Cynthia and I hung out together today and had a very enjoyable time. First up was breakfast at Round’s, where I had pancakes and a good omelette, and en entire carafe of hot, fresh coffee. From two other riders we heard the laundromat was just down the street, so next up was laundry. If you’re ever in Traverse City, and you need to wash your clothes, go to Eastfield Laundry on Eight Street. Their prices are good, the owner is there, and they have a nifty general store attached where you can get some awesome small-business laundry items.

After getting all my clothes cleaned and repacked, a sense of calm and freedom came over me. Ready for three more days of riding, I was free to take the day at my leisure.

We walked toward downtown and stopped in to Middlecoast Brewing for lunch and a couple of IPA’s. I got a new t-shirt.

We hit Front Street next, the main street in TC. So many stores! An ice cream place called out to me, and I got a great cherry ice cream, dried cherry, and brownie concoction. Immediately after, we came upon the Cherry Republic store, where I fell victim to wine tasting and candy and salsa buying, because dammit, I like cherries and that stuff is good. I have no shame.

Two of the day’s goals satisfied, we passed by a Boyne Country Sports store, where I achieved goal number three, procuring a camp chair. Oh, and what a chair. It’s perfect. Pictures tomorrow. Stay tuned. I’m writing this right now in the comfort of its hold. So much better than sitting on the ground. I’ve leveled up. I also got another new t-shirt for my silly collection.

We were heading back in the direction of camp when we came upon this food truck and beer area Cynthia remembered from previous runs on this trip. I was able to partake of two new IPA’s at The Little Fleet.

Jeff and Michael from the group were on a sold out sailboat tour in the bay, so we grabbed some food truck food and hiked back to camp. I found a wine key to open our bottle of cherry wine (Cherry Republic Conservancy), and I got to deploy and enjoy my new camp chair (worth the $$!) with dinner.

Jeff and Michael showed up after a while so we got to catch up on our days, then it was time to get cleaned up and retire for the evening.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day drinking and eating and shopping and getting to know my new friend better. The weather was warm, the sun shining, and I’m on vacation.

Tomorrow is the longest day, 71 miles to Boyne City. I expect hills. The high is only forecasted at 74 though, so it should be pleasant as can be expected for hill climbing.

So, I’m having fun, making new friends, seeing new things, and life is good.