The past four days in Michigan have been wonderful. From the scenery and vegetation to the people and towns. We left ludington a little late, forcing us to make a shortcut to our campground for the night. The woods started to get thick and very green. Rolling hills stood in our as we cycled to Leisure Time Campground. Sitting outside as we all re-grouped we spotted a cyclist walking towards. He hopped over the fence still in his spandex, reaching us his first words, "its quite expensive here." He was silent as we asked him how much, staring at the campsite for a while he turned and faced us " you usually can bargin the price down but I'm a little to tired." the campground host came walking out asking if he could help us. Hank asked for a site that could fit all five of us. The health department only allows two tents per site, even though we could easily fit ten. He said he could make a deal with us if we got two site. Talking it over amongst ourselves, he made the deal for us and said " what the health department doesn't know doesn't hurt them" and allowed us to have one site. That was easy...the couple came over later in the night to chat with us. They were on a world bike tour. starting in New Zealand than to L.A, up the pacific, across the northern tier, than to Europe to ride to china. Some of us were extremely jealous and inspired by their journey. Warren, the guy talking to us before said that in the states, everyone they encountered have been extremely nice, giving them money, food places to stay. Saying that you would never find that in Europe, he said we have something very special here in the states, something to be very proud of. (At least we have that :) ) Thinking back on the trip, he is indeed right, the people and culture here have been amazing in many ways towards us. We do have something to be proud about and hope it continues throughout our trip, and even after than.
The following day we made it to Luther. Around 30 miles, the group was moving really slow as a couple of us were a couple miles ahead riding around 8mph waiting for the others. With 50 miles to the next campground, daylight would not of made it possible. Once again the negotiation of a discount on a campsite was easy, getting on campsite for only 20 dollars, showers included. The ended early as the clouds grew thick over head.
Waking to rain, we covered ourselves in our rain equipment and got to it. Packing up as quickly as possible. By the 5th mile the sky cleared and we were sweating once again, stripping layers every 500 feet. Making it to Lake George we stayed at the local campground, taking showers, reading, and cooking up chili dogs.
Wonderful stories about your journey through the mid-west. Glad to hear you all are enjoying it so much. I was reading about some of America's Kitschiest Roadside Attractions and came across one called Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming, Michigan. According to the blurb a Yooper is someone who lives in Michigan's upper peninsula (the U.P.)which is covered in snow 1/2 the year. They are home to, Big Ernie, the worlds largest working rifle (35ft. and 4000 pds.) and Da Two-holer Outhouse. If your in the neighborhood you ought to stop by and meet some of the local Yoopers! They sound like a great bunch of people!
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