Caught a late ferry through Lake Michigan storms. People were getting sick and having a terrible time. Made it to Muskegon late at night and found my way to the unexpected (but welcome) hostel. As far as I can tell, there are only two in the state: Muskegon and Detroit. Regardless, welcome to Michigan. The woman who runs the hostel, Faith, stayed up to let me in and then gave me some curry rice. Very generous. Faith also gave me a homemade candy bar.

Crossing the time zone over the lake, arriving so late, and being in such a cool spot made it an easy choice to take a Zero Day.

I was the only one around, and so impressed by the bookshelf, I spent the day reading Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea". Not his best work, but it was an important parable for me to read at this time in my life. Sometimes, a book meets you just when you need it. This was the case here.

I was on my way out after 1 day rest, and after a late start (accidentally locked up my gloves), I was on my way out. Barely a few miles down the lovely paved bike path, I got unexpectedly hit by a car!!! The only collision of the entire trip. It was a blind corner for us both, a driveway vs. a bike path. Since I am such a defensive rider, she hit only my bags and rear wheel, not me. It was such a low speed collision, I could have just kept riding if the hit hadn't "taco'd" my rear wheel, causing it to catch, throwing me to the ground. I was fine, except for a bruised hip and a shaken feeling. I took my bike to a shop just in case and decided to stay put for another day.