Old World Charm lived up to its name. We woke up and from our bed the big picture window was filled with a misty covered lake. In the center of the window on the lawn before the lake shore is an old snag where a Bald Eagle soon perched. The Eagle stared down into the water looking for breakfast. Soon it was joined by a second. A third, this one a juvenile, tried to join the adults, but was chased off each time. Teenagers are not allowed at the adult table and needed to find their own tree.
It could have been the soft mattress or it could have been the recovery drink with beet juice powder but I felt refreshed. I snuck down stairs and sure enough, their was a fresh pot of coffee waiting. I poured a cup and returned to my room to watch the bald Eagle family as they ordered their breakfast.
At the appointed time of 7:34AM we wandered down to the formal dining room for another excellent meal. Rhonda had ordered some french toast with fresh strawberries and Becky’s own tapped maple syrup, and I had not one, but two breakfast burritos. Becky is a marvelous cook. As promised, Eric produced his energy laden Wisconsin style(added cheese) grits, sure to give us the needed boost on the bikes. He also poured us a shot of his own concoction; turmeric and apple cider, with black pepper for better absorption, a little cayenne pepper, and honey all mixed in a base of homemade sweet tea. We were ready.
Before we left, Eric also let us try his very own waxed based chain lube. He is an engineer and he has a Leadville 100 belt buckle. He has the credentials so why not. Eric is also another Renaissance Man with big dreams. He has the energy to get him there. We hope to return and take full advantage of their B&B and check on the progress of their dreams.
We were back on the road, heading towards Michigan on more of Wisconsin’s Rustic roads. I’m not sure if it was the beet juice, the turmeric cider shot, Becky’s hardy breakfast or Eric’s homemade wax chain lube, but we felt like we were flying down the road. And just like that we crossed a stream and were welcomed into Michigan.
Wisconsin has been an unexpected joy. A surprise at its beauty and the friendly people. I’m no general, but “I shall return”.
We made our first stop in Caspian and were told the closest restaurant was in Iron River only a couple miles north. It’s off the ACA(Adventure Cycling Association) route, so we detoured. We ate lunch in the Main Street Cafe, located on Main Street. Originally established in the late 1800’s as a boarding house.
Our destination is the Bewabic State Park. The ACA route took us down and around and back, about 21 miles further. Or, Google says “head directly east on US 2 for 11 miles. Your fast and strong, the shoulders are wide, you’ll make it there much faster than my estimated 1hr 14 minutes.” And Google was right again.
We learned Michigan State Parks will not turn bikers away. If the campgrounds are full, they will find a patch of grass in the overflow area. But today we were blessed and we have an available spot, right next to the bathhouse with showers and water and electricity to charge all our devices and and all for only $20!
We look forward to seeing what Michigan has to offer. So far it does not disappoint.
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