Launching the shakedown cruise

Saturday, 8th June 2013; 9:17 am

The weather forecast hasn’t changed much since I last fretted about it, but it isn’t bad enough for a change of plans. Looking at the detail, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be persistent rain (except maybe Sunday night), and I can put up with intermittent showers. Right now, right here, it’s about 60ºF and sunny: a little cool, but otherwise lovely. Considering that I’ve had rides that were already pouring when I left, this is alright.

I’ve showered, eaten, packed and double-checked the scooter, locked up and alarmed the house, and checked my mail. All systems go. I’d figured I’d get on the road around 9am, which is my habit on these trips, so I’m running a little behind that, but not by much.

My objective for today is pretty simple: get to the Red Bridge Access trailhead for the Manistee River Trail, set up camp, and hike out and back as far as I have time for, in the opposite direction of where I’ll be going tomorrow. It’s about 125 miles of road, with minimal sightseeing, so I figure about 5 hours to get there.

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