Day 36 -- "The Badger" a watery REST DAY

July 26, 2004

ROUTE:  Across lake Michigan                  
DISTANCE:  7 miles of riding...don't know how far we sailed...but a as they say in Alabama, "a fur piece."  
WINDS:  Don't matter

WEATHER:  beautiful        
TERRAIN:  damp         
TOTAL CLIMBING: 3 feet...into the boat

RIDE OVERVIEW: Mike here. Nice to sleep in today.  Because of the boat ride, we planned on loading late at 9:00 so everyone could have time to tour the town before loading on The Badger.  The motel was a ghost town shortly after loading which made it nice to just lie around for an hour or two.  The gals went to do laundry and finish the shopping, the guys went to wash the vehicles, and I got caught up on paperwork and route study--all in all, a nice restful morning.

We all gathered at the dock at noon for a 1:00 load and departure. Our weather was beautiful and the boat was on time.  During the ride, everyone lounged around reading or just watching the water go by. I spent most of the boat ride sorting photos and trying to get a cat nap before landing...as I'm typing this, my eyeballs are trying to check the inside of my eye lids for pinholes, yawn. I waited too late. By the time I was ready to put up the computer, several riders came by to view photos that we've taken so far . . . well, it was a good idea for a nap anyway.

We arrived around 6:00 Michigan time so most riders stopped in town to eat before going to the motel.  Several had friends or family meeting them at the port. Laure l (Fast '03) dropped by to see us and Evelyn. It was good to see her.  Of course we had to take the obligatory photos at the welcome sign.

When we got to the motel, we were met by Josh's mother who had brought him a cake for his upcoming birthday and pies for the SAG tomorrow. We always love to see family...especially when they bring goodies!!!  The riders will love it too.

Tomorrow we ride our last century to Mt Pleasant. It will be a long day so I'd better get out of here.  Hope you'll check in to see how we do then.  Mike

HEARD ON THE BOAT/DUH OF THE DAY:  From a curious passenger on the boat to one of our riders: "Where are you going?" Answer:  "Ludington."  Well, Duh!



PHOTOS OF THE DAY:

Just lounging on the ship...tough day.

Adrian wasn't so sure of his sea legs.  He didn't
get too far from the life preserver all day.

As Karen and I watched them all get on the boat,
 we were contemplating our last chance to make a run for it.

Russell and Ian were relieved to see land after 3½ hours of nothing but water.  At least they didn't
have to pedal across the pond.