After yesterday’s 70-mile terrain packed day, today seemed pretty easy. We lagged a bit and we were out at our latest time yet at nine.

It got super chilly last night, and I woke up at 3am feeling cold. Got up a few hours later to a low temp and a LOT of dew; it may as well have rained.

Once we finally got going, today was all about water. Continuing along Lake Charlevoix, it was a quick eleven or so miles to a crossing on the Ironton Ferry in Eveline Township. We did have to wait about 45 minutes to cross, but we had plenty of conversation with our line-mates to carry us through.

In a few short miles we were in the town of Charlevoix, a quaint, thriving lakeside town. The ride in had me marveling at the money; we rode down a street where the beautiful, large homes were are separated from the street by a tall, thick hedge.

Cynthia and I got lunch at a small shop called Black Market Foods and sat at a table on the sidewalk. Beautiful weather and many people to watch.

When we decided to roll out, we got stopped at the drawbridge, then pedaled on, out through a neighborhood and back into the country.

The next stop was Petosky, and we were saved the trouble of riding on US 31 again by a biking trail.

Approaching Little Traverse Bay, we suddenly were right by the shoreline again. The Great Lakes are so lovely (and unsalted!).

Today featured a lot of trail and not overly busy roads, plus fewer hills. The coastline was gorgeous, and around Petosky and Harbor Springs we rode past some of the grandest, historic looking and enviable homes I’ve ever seen. Old money from the old days, just stunning. A lot of the houses had names; I saw one called Holiday House (Taylor!). I found myself wondering how anyone obtains such a house, and what they do with all that space. I could fit like three of my homes in some of those old places.

Rolling through Harbor Springs, which I’ve been to in the winter (snowboarding at nearby Nubs Knob and Boyne Highlands), there was just one last long climb up State Street to Harbor Springs Middle School, which is WAY nicer than my middle school was. For instance, it features this inspirational sign:

Cleaned up and dinner eaten, Cynthia, me, and a large part of the Ohio Contingent circled the camp chairs and enjoyed some wine. Such a fun group of people; I’m so glad I met them. This is why I’m never worried about doing these trips alone. I may start them by myself, but I always finish them among friends.

Tomorrow is the last day. Cynthia and I are shooting for an 8am departure. She is parked in Mackinac City and will start her long drive home to Pennsylvania, and I have to get cleaned up and break down my bike to trailer with the bus I’m taking back to Montague. Others who’ve done this in the past say I should get back to Montague around 8pm (we leave at 2pm), then I’ll have another three hours to drive to home.

Tomorrow is about 44-1/2 miles, and I’ve heard there isn’t much to stop for, and the topography looks moderate. Just have to stay on task, because I can’t miss the bus.

I’m sad that it’s over when it seems it just began, but I’m looking forward to my soft warm bed, my comfortable home, and all my kitties. Travel and adventure makes me appreciate home more.