August 6, 2013 Eagle River, WI ---> Iron Mountain, MI - 70 miles
Our original thought had been to continue off the AC route and ride 55 miles to Florence, WI, followed by a longer ride on Wed to Escanaba, MI - the completion of the first major leg of the ride. However, due to a seeming lack of motels/accommodations in Florence, we decided to make a longer ride to Iron Mountain, MI where there were numerous motels, leaving a shorter ride on Wednesday.
When we left Eagle River at approximately 9:00 am, there was a steady misting rain and it was quite cloudy. The temperature was around 60 degrees. Luckily, after the first 10 miles or so, the mist was minuscule and the clouds starting clearing somewhat. No real rain in the immediate forecast.
Once again, we could not have asked for better bike riding conditions. The route we took was on state and county roads, again with nicely paved and broad shoulders. The best part, however, was very little traffic. For the most part, it seemed as if we pretty much had the road to ourselves.
The last 10 miles or so to Florence were some of my favorite riding to date. The road was lined with beautiful little wild flowers, lush ferns and stands of healthy cat tails. But what really struck me was the increasing frequency with which we began seeing maple trees with leaves turning colors - some bright red. Really hit the theme of the bike trip.
I also saw more and more wildlife. Canadian geese, wild turkeys strutting alongside the road, another blue heron swooping ahead, many beautiful majestic looking black birds. Not sure if they were ravens, crows, or some other type of bird (I am once again showing my ignorance of such things). All I know is that I love watching them and think they are beautiful. I also am convinced that I may have seen a wolf of some sort. From a distance I thought I was seeing a deer standing alongside the road ahead, but as I got closer, the animal raised its head and eventually started "skulking" across the road in that wolf-like manner I have observed at wild-life parks. The shape of its head and body, as well as its mannerisms, made me think "wolf," although it is entirely possible it may have just been a dog. But I don't think so, and will choose to continue to believe that it was a wolf.
By the time we reached Florence at mid- day, the sun was starting to come out. Florence was a lovely little town perched on the side of one of those northern lakes. We stopped at Barb's Cafe on Main St for lunch, and were treated to some of the best sweet potato fries you could imagine. Fresh, very sweet potatoey, and hot. I had a French Dip Au Ju to go with the fries, all for about $6.00. A great deal and delicious.
After emerging from the cafe and getting ready to resume the ride, I noticed some beautiful sunflowers alongside the house next door to the cafe and went over to take a picture. A lady and her dog came out to see what I was doing, and I told her that sunflowers were my favorite and hers were very pretty. She told me to look on the other side of the plants, where there were red sunflowers. Added a whole new dimension to my appreciation of sunflowers. Her dog, named Kada, came over and cheerfully greeted me with a smile on her face. Made my day.
The final 14 miles to Iron Mountain were easier than you might imagine at that stage of the day. We pretty much cruised at 15 - 20 mph most of the way. A little over halfway we crossed into Michigan - the third state on our trip. We arrived in Iron Mountain late afternoon and found a reasonably priced motel for the night. Dinner tonight was a chopped chicken salad at Subway.
Tomorrow we head towards Escanaba, MI. I found a little locally owned motel near the water that received very high ratings on Trip Advisor and went ahead and reserved our rooms. So, we are planning to take our time leaving town in the morning for the 50 mile or so ride.
