Phelps, Wisconsin to Crystal Falls, Michigan- July 23, 2023

Michigan!

Today marked our official crossing into Michigan, the final state on our tour (though we're still quite a distance from Grand Rapids). The sense of satisfaction that came with this milestone is difficult to express.

Last night, Donald and I slept soundly, feeling almost comatose. We started our day early, with Donald picking up a couple of coffees from the local gas station for a quick breakfast at the table.

Packing my clean laundry into my bag gave me a satisfying sense of order – I'm set for another week.

Crossing Over

In the morning, we cycled about fifteen miles to the Michigan border and paused to soak up the moment. Our first significant stop in the new state was Caspian, a place where we continued our routine of grabbing cold drinks and food from a local gas station. We ate lunch in a gazebo at the back. Both the town and our eating spot seemed to have seen better days.

Caspian Gazebo

Donald’s Third Bicycle

We continued pedaling towards Crystal Falls, tailing a rainstorm. We narrowly missed the rain but ended up pedaling on the wet, steaming pavement it left behind.

Tired from the day's work, we rolled into Crystal Falls, stopping briefly at the courthouse before heading to Paint River Hills Campground. We were greeted warmly by a friendly couple and the campground host. The campsite offers nice tent sites and a relatively new shower house.

Courthouse

Having set up our tents and sleeping pads, we ventured out for dinner at the Raven's Nest Bar, feasting on Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. I've never eaten so much in bars and gas stations before, but I'm grateful for all the cycling to counterbalance the calories.

The local crowd at the Raven's Nest was friendly, albeit a bit rough. It was unsettling to see a woman and her baby in such an environment, particularly after witnessing a few folks openly using drugs. I pondered if this is a more accepted way of life in the Upper Peninsula?

Upon returning to the campsite, we quickly cleaned up and retreated to our tents as the mosquito onslaught intensified. 

Today, we cycled fifty miles.