Ionia to Battle Creek

June 16

Miles traveled: 45

We had a nice easy day. We got off late and still got into Battle Creek by 2pm. We stayed on the South side of Battle Creek in a Comfort Inn. After getting settled and showering we headed out to get something to eat. It's amazing how nice it felt to walk vs. ride. We walked probably a mile and a half to a Chinese buffet for "Lupper"(combination lunch & supper). Not the best choice but it was a good change from the pizza and subs we had eaten to that point.

After eating we walked another half mile in search of a bookstore. We found a Barnes & Noble in the mall accross the street. We enjoyed reading and sipping sweet drinks for a couple hours before heading back to our hotel room. As we were walking back Jan said, "You know, this feels like vacation." I agreed. It was just a real pleasant way to spend an afternoon.

We have been concentrating so much on our riding that we haven't always taken the time to take in the sights and sounds around us. Now granted, most of the towns we have stayed in were quite small and without much that is unique or interesting. But there have been some beautiful scenery along the way. I think of the rides along the water in the U.P., The towns of Petosky and Charlevoix. I enjoyed the ride from Kalkaska to Evert, particularly as we dropped down to the Manistee River valley and then back out. God's Country. That's what Michiganders call it. I could've stayed for a week in any one of these places just hanging out.

I've noticed a common element in the places that I find myself drawn to. There is something about water. I have no desire to board a big ship and sail out into the Great Lakes or oceans. But along the shore and being around lakes and rivers is awesome. My dream home growing up would have been a place with a rocky stream running through it.

When we were in voluntary service at Amigo Centre we lived on a good sized lake. I loved it. Each season brought new things. Summer was time to float out onto the lake on innertubes and cool off, or throw out a worm and catch and release a few fish. Spring time brought migrating birds and ducks. Fall was again alive with a variety of ducks. Winter was time for ice skating, ice fishing, and exploring the edges of the marsh.

Today was a good day for relaxing and reflecting on the journey to this point. Jan and I talked about how our uncertainty during the first couple of days kept us from fully enjoying where we were. I was still not feeling well and was uncertain if I could sustain this level of exertion for a week. Jan too was uncertain about whether she could handle the trip. The farther into the trip our confidence level has grown and has allowed us to get into a rhythm and enjoy ourselves a bit more. We certainly have enjoyed ourselves.