The worst part of leaving is not the goodbyes, or the purchase of equipment and supplies, or the definition of the route... these aspects are a delight when compared to the dreaded: Finish Your To Do List. Yes, all those activities which have hung around half accomplished all Spring, now have to be finished or your name will be mud with neighbors, friends and blog readers (who may seek revenge online!). The struggle to cut, chop, write, meet and pay across a series of fronts has now reached a conclusion. What isn't done will have to wait. Tomorrow its off into the wild blue...

My first day will take me West to Southern Michigan to visit friends . Then up to the Mackinaw Bridge (which I am in awe of). On the third day I go West along the UP to close to Ashland WI to meet up with family. After that is still a bit blurry -- but we will figure it out as we move along.

I am riding alone. My bike is the same one I rode to Uruguay, a stripped down 2012 BMW R 1200 GSA, known as a cam-head or an oil-head by the mechanics, slightly improved with a new rear shock. I am carrying emergency camping gear, but the plan is to stay with friends or in hotels along the way. I love wifi, and warmth, and sleeping in the dry, and I am getting old...

Nice to have you read along. HOWEVER, if I am sending you daily updates and you would rather NOT receive them PLEASE let me know and I will free you immediately.