Day 38 A rail-Trail day with the usual rain. Mackinaw, Michigan to Gaylord, Michigan.

Day 38.  68.6 miles on the North Central Trail so only 898 feet of elevation gain.  We started in Mackinaw City, Michigan and rode this trail all the way to Gaylord, Michigan.  It was a slow ride as we were on finely crushed limestone, but it was better than being along the road.  Here are some shots of Paul P. on the trail - before the rain started.

Along the way we saw some interesting, um, buildings.  These appear to be family outhouses!?

We also passed several information signs and this one told the history of the railroad.  It was amazing to me how they built this excellent roadbed with such primitive tools and machines.  Amazing.

Well, finally the thunderstorms descended upon us with a vengeance. We put on the rain-clothes and as we rode along in the flushing downpour, we came upon a tunnel under a road!  What a find!! You can see the rain pouring down.

When the rain let up, we were back on the trail again.  After several miles there was another lightning bolt and thunderclap that was a bit too close for comfort, so we stopped and by luck were under a wild apple tree.  Here is Paul P. enjoying an apple, as I did.  There were some worms, and they tasted good too.

Finally, when we got to Gaylord, the rails resumed and while they were not used much, at least they were showing some wear.

As we ended our day, mainly because the next step would put us in no-man's land past daylight, we met Gayle in town.  She parked by this "bear" that was sort of lost.  She wanted to take it home I think?!

Tomorrow we leave and head east and south - hopefully with a tailwind and fewer thunderstorms!