Here’s my first sighting of Lake Superior, at the mouth of the Tahquamenon River. I expect to see a lot of her in the next week or so.

I made it to Mackinac Bridge. I’m not (quite) as nervous about riding across it this time. After all, I’ve done it twice before. And this time my bike is legal!

And here’s Flash at the north end of the Bridge.

Unlike past rides, when I set out from home (often in the rain), I’m starting this one from Mackinaw City. But first I need to get there.

Fortunately, my dear friend Johnnie offered me the use of his wheelchair accessible van, which has a handy ramp, and is – just barely – big enough to fit my scooter in the back.

The mix of old and new technology that I’m using is creating some interesting “challenges” for the blog. The larger file sizes of the photos taken by my new phone, for example, are causing glitches when I post them. And sometimes they’re rotated or the wrong size.

I’ve been meaning to upgrade the blog software, but 24 hours before leaving is not the time to do that.

I think I have a work-around figured out, so I’m going to try that instead. Forgive me if some of the photos don’t get uploaded right.

I slept on the floor of my office last night.

I cancelled the ride around Lake Superior last year because of neck problems. I’ve had the neck checked out (and checked out and checked out…) and it’s a little better now, thanks largely to sleeping in better positions. So I needed to confirm before leaving that I can do the same in a sleeping bag, on the ground.

So last night I inflated the air mattress, rolled out the bag, and arranged my two little camping pillows in my studio/office. I had the windows open, to complete the “camping” simulation. I woke up around 6:00 and decided that I’d passed the test, so I stumbled to the bed for a more comfortable finish to the night. The question isn’t whether I’d be as comfortable as in my own bed, but whether I’d be comfortable enough, and could do it without aggravating my neck. So I think I’m good there.

There are still some things that aren’t ready for the trip. Most importantly, I’m waiting on a new tire for the scooter, which was supposed to arrive at the shop two days ago. It isn’t a crisis yet, but I really hate leaving anything that important until the last few days before I leave. But I have cell service for the trip all set, my credit card bank has been notified that I’ll be traveling in Canada, and delivery of my mail and The Grand Rapids Press has been suspended for while I’m gone. So I’m in a pretty good position for it.