After leaving our hosts, we stopped at the Gaylord Farmers Market, a covered block just off Main, and picked up some apples. Then, we stopped at the Big Bear Deli (photo above) to catch up on email, as we didn’t have WiFi available overnight. Following the railroad tracks north, we picked up the North Central Trail, part of over 1000 miles of trails in Michigan.

The trail proved to be more a snowmobile trail than a bicycle touring trail: the “packed crushed limestone” surface had apparently been recently prepped for the winter season with a fresh application of unpacked material, which turned out to act very much like loose gravel, forcing us to pedal downhill with our heavy trailer and small wheels, and to dismount at nearly every road and driveway crossing for the next 30 miles.

We ate lunch at the Thirsty Sturgeon, just off the trail near Wolverine, and then started uphill again toward Indian River. By this time we realized we were severely overloaded and began drafting alternate plans.

Arriving in Indian River, we found the road to our hosts for the evening, John and Dorothy.  A series of steep hills lay ahead.  Dorothy found us on the road and led us downhill and down a long dirt lane to their wonderful beach home on Burt Lake.  After an enjoyable evening visiting with an amazing couple–who, of similar age, still participates in marathons and bike events far beyond our capabilities at any age–we retired to guest quarters above the detached garage.

The next morning, we were treated to a breakfast of yogurt and pancakes with walnuts and blueberries, and conversation, finally saying our goodbyes and heading off for the next day’s ventures. Thanks, Dorothy and John, for a wonderful visit.