Tour of Lake Michigan - May 20 to June 7, 2012 - Part 1

     This experience is still sinking in. 19 days of riding, 1,723 miles total.  Somehow over all those miles and days, our bodies and bikes barely faltered.  Our spirits were rarely low, and we only ran in to one mechanical problem on the second to last day that was easily managed (with a quick phone call to Eric--thanks again!!)  For now, all I can say is it was exhilarating, peaceful, reflective, revealing, refreshing, and inspiring.  There is no better way to travel than by bicycle.  On this journey Agatha and I maintained a journal and log, but only took pictures documenting the last week or so.  In this post, I'm going to upload some of the photos we took, and in coming posts talk a little about the trip itself, and the impact it had on me.
 

Breakfast on our final day: we split a half gallon of milk, a box of frosted mini wheats. Salem, WI.

The most unusual road name I've ever heard of.  Milwaukee-ish, WI.

Loaded down Casseroll at Whitefish Dunes State Park, WI.

Typical scene: Agatha getting dinner together after a long day.  Point Beach State Park, WI.

Just before sunrise, about 4:30 AM.  Whitefish Dunes State Park, WI.

Sun coming up over the lake, same location as previous shot.

Nice stretch of road--farmland to the west, lake and bluffs to the east.  Somewhere along the central lakeshore, WI.

A bench along the Anahpee Trail between Algoma and Casco, WI.  "There can be no doubt that a society rooted in the soil is more stable than one rooted in pavements." --Aldo Leopold.  Fitting.

Striking a nice pose entering the beautiful Door County.

Goofing at the beach, Whitefish Dunes State Park.

The Last Supper--Chili beans, tuna, gas station condiment packets, 50 cent cigars, and Milwaukee's Best Ice (we tried to go with local options throughout the trip.)  Is it sad or wonderful how happy this made us at the time?  I say wonderful.