Rollin was in pieces in the back of the car.
The Steven's Point exit was on our way and we hoped to get the situation with our chainrings resolved at the Hostel shoppe. After overnighting at a campground we headed to the bike shop. Turns out the spacing between the gear rings was off and one gear ring was bent. Likely from all the chain problems, yanking and reaming that had to be done to get the chain loose, each time it jammed. Hopefully it is resolved now. Since Tony can't give me a visual picture of what is going on when I change gears, I marked the places where the thumb shifter needs to be when the chain is on the middle and the big gear ring.
Once we arrived in Goodrich ND, we claimed our usual spot at the park a block from my Dad's house.
After the expense of 2 trips out west in such a short period of time, it was a blessing to be able to camp for only $15.00 each night. My older sister had come from MO and was staying at a motel in a nearby town, being able to have our meals at the trailer would help us all. We had supper at the picnic table and whatever family wanted to join in were welcome.
The only drawback about our camping was that the electric at the park wasn't set up so we could use our air conditioner. We had a few very hot evenings.
Everything going on the sale had to be washed or polished, plus washing walls, cleaning cupboards and baseboards, we didn't have time or the energy to ride. We feel into bed, exhausted each night.
A sad day, but made easier because my Dad had always loved a good auction. Most likely many of the things being sold, came from auctions. We had a good turnout, and with the Lord's help, made it through the day.
We did some fall riding, but it seemed like I didn't have the energy to and ride and blog. Losing a parent is a hard thing, no matter how old a person is.
Our friend Jeff, who rode with us in PALM this year, has been diagnosed with leukemia. No wonder, he was only up to riding one day on PALM. He is on his second round of chemo and is on the bone marrow transplant list. If you are healthy and under 44 years of age, please donate bone marrow. Even if you aren't a match for Jeff, you may be for someone else. Also please keep our dear friends Jeff and Kiersten in your prayers.
Oct 12th, I had the bunion on my left foot removed. By the way, this is a surgery to be avoided, if at all possible. Our daughter and her 4 home schooled children came up and helped for a week and a half. I was so glad she could. For the first 2 weeks I could only be up 10 minutes of each hour, the next 2 weeks I got to graduate to being up 20 minutes of every hour. I'm almost recovered now and will have the second foot done the day after Christmas. I dread it, but I wanted to have it all over with by the time spring riding weather arrives.
Snow covers the ground and more predicted tonight, so even if I were in riding condition, our riding for the season would be done.
Big news! We recently purchased 2 lots in the village of Northport MI , population 548, located on the Leelanau Penninsula. There is nothing on the lots right now and we really aren't sure yet what our plans for them might be. Maybe a pole barn, maybe a cottage. For now, we have a variance to put our camping trailer there for the summer. At this point we have no plans to move there, but rather, to use it as a vacation property. It is 90 minutes north of us. From the lots, it's a 2 block stroll to 3 public beaches, a playground and the marina . Downtown, with it's quaint little shops is a short walk away. We have an ongoing love affair with Lake Michigan and have always wanted to own property near the lake. We've talked and dreamed of such a thing for years, but never thought it would come to pass. Our ultimate would be to own property on the lake, but that is not in our financial realm. We are still pinching ourselves to make sure this is real.
The only thing missing from the scene of white sand and turquoise waters is palm trees. When we visited last summer, sailboat lessons entertained us. We are looking forward to using our tandem kayak in the bay. There are sandcastles to be built and swimming to done. roads to be explored and places to ride. More fun times ahead.
The area is known for it's vineyards and wineries, with many fruit orchards dotting the landscape as well. 30 miles from where we are and on the other side of the peninsula you will find the famed Sleeping Bear National lakeshore and dunes. This 40 mile long, 3 sided, piece of land that juts out into Lake Michigan is one of the most unique places on earth. A good portion of it is in a land conservancy, so the area will not face a future of big box stores or huge hotels. Many place to hike and explore.
Northport is on the bay side of the peninsula, Lake Michigan is 2/1/2 miles across the peninsula, and 10 miles from the village, at lands end , is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, and Leelanau State Park.
Christmas Cove has already become one of our favorite places. We love to sit there and listen to the waves and are looking forward to walking the beach next summer, seeking Petoskey stones and other cool rocks. Peterson Beach is another great place to scan the beach for treasures.
Terrain on the peninsula varies, flat riding in places, with hills rolling through the middle of this unique landscape, combined with many quiet country roads is a natural draw for cyclists. We are looking forward to exploring with Rollin.
It's still hard to believe that God has given us our dream of having property near Lake Michigan. A totally unexpected blessing and one we are very grateful for. Tune in next spring for more adventures.
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