The entire trail from Big Rapids to Stanwood was closed today. Argh.

Initially, I thought it was just one small section that was closed, so I took a parallel road to skip a mile. Then I realized it was a much longer closure, but I could see no signs of construction anywhere, so I just risked it and walked on the closed trail. Camino Bill lives on the edge. And it was a good decision, it proved to be the best day of walking so far. The entire trail was dirt. My sore feet were so happy.

I eventually did see some workers. They were doing some work to prep the trail for paving later this year. I’m glad I got to enjoy the trail now before it is paved. I’m sure the cyclists will be happy, but for me it had echos of Joni Mitchell… They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

I walked 18.63 miles today. 42,000 steps. Originally, my plan was to cut a few miles out of my hike by taking a Lyft/Uber. But even in the college town of Big Rapids, no rides were available. I had to do the whole distance, but it was a lot easier on a soft trail. A joy, actually.