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Day 19 - August 7

Weather forecasting up here is an illusion. I think they just spew random stuff and hope that 50% is good enough. I usually rely on The Weather Channel. Nina relies on AccuWeather but is really a desciple of WGN's Tom Skilling. In fact, Tom was her first choice but she settled for me as a consolation prize.

I was considering skipping the Keweenaw Peninsula because, two days ago, TWC was predicting 20 mph headwinds.  Reluctant to commit to 75 miles ride to Copper Harbor facing that prospect I thought about turning East to Baraga. With Nina's urging I decided to forge ahead. This stretch of Superior shoreline is one of the most spectacular. Wouldn't you know that I had one of the most delightful riding days of the trip with 68 degrees and light wind. Tomorrow is expected to provide a tail wind for the remainder of the ride to Copper Harbor.

It seems that, rather than having actual meteorologists apply scientific principles to forecast UP weather, TWC in Atlanta instead has a monkey throwing darts at a forecast board.  When the monkey hits "rain" he is given another dart for probability of precipitation. Wind speed and direction also require two darts. I have to stop listening to the monkey. I could have potentially missed one of the best parts of this adventure.

Another milestone; 1,000 miles into the trip.  Would someone check with OSMC and see if my knee is due for a 1,000 mile service interval?  Dr. Kibilowski may need to lube the bearings, change the oil and tighten the hinges. I seriously hope that I don't void the warranty. Also mention that I'm available for testimonial commercial advertising in about two weeks.

If I were traveling south from Zimmyville I would be at The Villages in Florida today.  Hi Joanie!  Today's mileage 38 for a total of 1,022.

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