Day 9 - Manistique to Escanaba MI

 Miles - 53.7

Trip miles - 558

https://strava.app.link/RSM0cyI685b

We had a good night sleeping in the RV. Bill kindly drove us to Manistique. After a quick breakfast and some supplies at Jack’s we met up with Mark and continued on Rte 2 west. The weather was nice. Cool and no rain. Some more seemingly endless flat straight riding. In Rapid River we are meant to catch up with Mark’s brother Tom. His sister in law Maryjo is there but Tom is on his way from Escanaba. 

Manistique waterfront 

And lighthouse 

Tim and I enjoy a park lunch and chat with the farmers market host who is playing Irish music and getting things ready. Very nice spot. Now heading south we eventually run into Mark’s brother.  There is some scary riding on busy roads heading into town.  A bit before Escanaba Tim and I say goodbye and set up camp at a county park. Nice campground with big sites right on the river. Fairly empty as well. 

We celebrated our half way point with a nice dinner at a lakeside cafe. Pretty place, nice people, good food. 

Lakeside cafe 

What I am carrying:

  • Tent
  • Sleeping Bag 
  • Air pad
  • Air pillow
  • Stove
  • Fuel
  • Pot
  • Mug
  • Spoon
  • Multitool
  • Bike tools
  • Spare tubes
  • Chargers for everything
  • 2 bike shorts and shirts
  • One set of street clothes
  • Toilet kit
  • Some food
  • Small towel
  • Maps
  • GPS
  • Hat and gloves
  • Long underwear
  • Rain coat
  • Puffy coat
  • Rain pants
I don’t know how much it weighs but it all fits into 4 saddle bags. 2 in front and 2 in the rear. 

Tomorrow I’m expecting more flat riding on fast state roads to Marinette. We will stop as we pass through Escanaba for breakfast and supplies. 

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