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I didn’t write anything yesterday, in part because it was a day off from biking, but also because I was too busy enjoying the company of good friends.I spent yesterday morning helping Xander plaster the outside wall of his house. After a big fajita lunch, Xander, Melissa and I drove out to see the land where Melissa is running a therapy program for children with autism, then down to the White River to swim and collect some of nature’s bounty. We found summer apples that were already sweet, and a plethora of wild blackberries and raspberries to snack on and take home for pancake making. In the evening we had a smelt fry at the house and ate fish tacos with my friends Zach and Christel and their kids Oleana (3) and Mirabel (6 mos.). The day was nicely capped off with music-making in the living room.
This morning (8/13) I used yesterday’s berry harvest and some of my leftover blueberries to make very fruity pancakes. Xander, Melissa and I had been invited out to pick purple raspberries at the home of Bill Hart, whom I met at Thursday’s picnic. We spent an hour or so at the farmer’s market downtown, then drove out just west of town to Bill’s place. His bushes were loaded with big, soft, purple berries. We picked several quarts’ worth, and I filled one of my old Gatorade containers for the road.
We arrived back at the market just as it was closing down. As often happens on that block of Chapple Avenue, I ran into more friends I haven’t seen in quite a while, and we all ended up chatting for at least another hour. Finally, I said my goodbyes and got back on the road heading south.
I only had about 26 miles to ride to get to Copper Falls State Park, and I did them without a stop, arriving at the park at 3:30. The greeter at the entrance station put me in an overflow campsite, which happens to be the nicest site in the park. It’s very roomy, private, and close to the Bad River.
I had plenty of time to swim in the river, get camp set up, and take an afternoon hike. After seeing the familiar waterfalls, I walked a very nice loop trail that I’ve somehow never been on before. I had plenty of firewood at the campsite, so I made dinner over a fire, roasting purple potatoes from the farmers’ market and frying grilled cheese on cranberry walnut bread from the bakery. I am continuing to enjoy the fire’s friendly ambiance as I write.
Tomorrow I will journey south as far as Park Falls, then leave highway 13 behind to head east into the Chequamegon National Forest to camp. It seem strange that my trip is nearing its end, but I am ready for it–ready to be settled a while after a long summer on the road.
