DAY 5 - LUDINTON, MI TO ROTHBURY, MI

Mileage: 51.0 - Total Mileage: 280.4

Margarita Count - 10

Today was another good day on the bike. Okay, let's face it, pretty much any day on the bike beats going to work. 😊 I carried half my load today, to get ready for tomorrow when we would be on our own. 

It was cool this morning (about 55) when we woke up. The wind was still blowing and fortunately it was going to be another tailwind day. We all started the day in vests and I also needed my bolero to keep my arms and shoulders warm. It was a pretty clear morning and Lake Michigan was again in sight part of the day. 

The first 30 miles today was on quiet roads near the lake. Elie rode with us today during their last day before heading home. We had a lot if rolling hills with some really fun downhills! We made good time to Hart, MI, where I decided to eat lunch. Rhonda, Jon and Elie decided to go another 10 miles down the road before lunch. As I was headed to the main street to find food, I passed the local Ace Hardware. I needed some blue loctite for a bolt that wouldn't stay tight so took the opportunity to grab some there. Then it was a good lunch at the Pink Elephant before heading down the road again. I love all the small diners and stores in the towns we go through. There is a personal feel to it - people are very friendly and helpful. 

From Hart on, the last 20 miles of the day was on bike trails. It was shady and cool - so cool I almost put my bolero back on to stay warm. The high today was 73 degrees! We've transitioned into a more agricultural area. I saw a lot of corn fields and many orchards. We've seen many fruit stands with peaches and blueberries. We'll have to sample some soon. 

We had a campsite reserved at a little lake in Rothbury, MI. By the time I rolled in, everyone was there enjoying the breeze off the lake. I had a couple of camp margaritas to celebrate 5 days and 280 miles on the bike and still moving. 

It was only about 72 degrees and felt cooler with the breeze coming off the lake, so I decided a swim in the lake was not going to happen. I love water (my friend, Peri, says I must be part lab!), but I love being warm even more. I'll have to wait for another opportunity down the road. 

Dave cooked jambalaya for dinner, with fresh grilled corn and black beans. We are sure going to miss having him and Elie with us - not just for the great cooking but also for the great company! 

Tomorrow is a long day and I'll be carrying full gear again. Time to get some sleep.