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Day 26 - August 14

Today I finished the Google Map misguided bike path detour, ending in Brimley at the South end of Lake Superior.  I encamped early hoping to do some beach walking but just as I got everything set up, a thunderstorm blew through and dampened my enthusiasm.  I managed to get all of the equipment and bags into the tent before the rain started so I should (fingers crossed) be dry tonight. It this still light up here until 9:00pm so I just may get that beach walk in yet.

I am now just 14 miles from completing the circle tour of Lake Superior. I could have ridden into Sault St. Marie and finished today but it is nice to spend one more night under the stars (yes it is supposed to clear) with a campfire as the temps dip. Don't get me wrong; I'm happy that tonight is my last night on an air mattress and that by Sunday I will be in repose on the memory foam that I so love. After a month in the saddle I am just reflecting on the experience and waxing nostalgic.

I will craft a more eloquent reflection later, but my first impressions are warm. There was much to like and counterbalanceing disappointment too. Just know that the experience was positive enough that I wanted one more night in the wilderness before the finale.

Nina is picking me up tomorrow sans Penny Lane and we will go see Tequamenon Falls on Thursday before traveling to our friends on Mullett Lake for a couple of celebratory days. I'm finished and Suzy is having a birthday so we have plenty of reason to live it up!  Saturday when we return to Zimmyville, I will be runited with Penny Lane and begin to rebuild that bond.

I trained hard for this ride but I didn't train for the unwind. I have been burning 5,000 calories a day and consuming about that much too. I have to figure out how to scale back my diet to match my lifestyle. I may need to have my jaw wired shut. Last night I had a pizza and salad for dinner but left the restaurant hungry. I went across the street after dinner and had a sandwich to fill the void.

Today's distance was 54 miles for a total of 1,402. With only 14 miles to go I intend to sleep late tomorrow and saunter over the finish line at lunch time. There is a Pan-Asian restaurant across from our hotel - yesssss!

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