Day 2 – Reed City

I walked 16.75 miles today. My watch says that was 39,000 steps.

It would have been shorter, but there were no food options near my lodging, so I had to walk 2.5 miles past where I was staying to grab a late lunch, and some supplies for dinner. After eating, I tried to get a Lyft back to the house, but it’s so rural here, there were no drivers available. So I hoofed it back.

Is there anyone on this trail with you?

I don’t see many people, but nearly all the people I see are on their bikes. Frankly, this route is better for bikers than walkers. So far it’s been 100% paved, which bikers love, and hikers dread (we like soft dirt trails). The walkers I see are just out for a few hours, no backpacks.

Are there any cows?

Stop it.

Started the day with a great breakfast at my B&B. My hosts were great. They had been missionaries in Central America for 20 years before buying this farm a few years ago. I learned after I left that they were classmates of my dear friend, Peg Tewksbury. Small world!
Most of the morning was pleasant and went through forests and some nice fields.
The afternoon sucked. Several miles of the route was near a large highway.
My Air BnB is fantastic. Comfy furniture. Small kitchen. Nice bathroom. Fast internet. Great place to put your feet up and recover.
In Europe, I didn’t listen to much while I walked, but this trail is pretty monotonous (and today had an unattractive stretch), so I’ve been listening to eBooks more. Yesterday, I finished “The Heros Way” by Tim Parks. It’s about an author who follows the 1848 escape route of Italian founding father Giuseppe Garibaldi and his army from Rome to Ravenna. I really enjoyed it, but hiking 500-miles to follow the path of a historical figure is the kind of stupid thing I would love to do. Today, I started “Walking with Sam” which is the story of Brat Pack member Andrew McCarthy’s walk with his son on the Camino de Santiago. It’s pretty good too, but again, I’m the target audience. I like hearing him talk about the places I visited (and will soon visit again). Perfect for me, but I can’t promise you’ll love it.

8 thoughts on “Day 2 – Reed City”

  3. I’m disappointed that Michigan is lacking in its number of cows!

    Come to think of it, I haven’t seen any cows in South Korea!!

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    1. Following the news in Korea. Looks like it was a wild week there. Glad you are safe and happy, even if you’re one of those cow people.

      Reply

  5. One of my very good friends from MSU is from Reed City. Her family owned the biggest dairy farm in Michigan back in the early 70s. Surprising that you haven’t seen any cows yet.

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