Up to this point, I would say we would have lived a - well, limited life on the road, but the last couple of days in Michigan I would say that we have been spoiled rotten. After a luxurious night in a Holiday Day Express in Grand Rapids, (the soap smelled like cloves...that will wake you up!) and a breakfast reception at Pine Rest that was full of kindness and support. (We were even assured that this foolish bike ride might smack of God who uses such for his glory. That was a great relief for me.) Many thanks, Pine Rest, for the great reception and all your words of encouragement. Cal really does love you guys!
I need to put a plug in for Carson City United Methodist Church. What hospitality! Never has a cold cup of water been given with so much laughter and insight! We pray a blessing on that church and her new pastor, Andy. And a big thank you to Amy who understands what camping is all about and is not afraid to offer everything to the stranger in need.
And now I am parked downtown in a sweet little town called North Branch where we will be spending the night at a United Methodist church parking lot here. For those of you who like maps, we took highway 57 across the central part of Michigan. From North Branch, we once again will be using Adventure Cycling bike maps which will take away some of the stress of traveling unknown roads. We will keep you informed.
Our new friend today was Gus, the Sara Lee Delivery Man, who we met during Cal's break in a Dollar General parking lot. I wish we had taken his picture. He was full of curiosity about what we were up to and offered us some hot dog buns. One more example of Michigan hospitality.
Michigan is a great place to watch fall approach. I see the occasional sumac turning red and the maples are beginning to think about it. The sides of the road are rich with golden rod and blue chicory and the brown of dried Queen Ann's Lace. I think that it will only be getting better as we continue east.
The children in Michigan had their first day of school and as one Kindergarten teacher told me, the heat was "yucky."
Joy to all of you and thank you for keeping us in your prayers.
Mary
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I am certain I speak for most if not all of us seven brothers and sisters. I remember that every time our family traveled to Michigan, as we crossed the Indiana Michigan border, Mom would say "Just look at that Michigan sky." I think Mom would often have this sentence out before the entire car had crossed into Michigan.
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