I was worried about getting to Manitowoc way too early, but rural detours conspired to send me all over two counties… and just like five years ago, I found myself chasing my shadow into Manitowoc as the sun disappeared behind me. (I’m more comfortable riding after dark than I was, but it’s still lousy for navigating unfamiliar territory.)

First order of business was exchanging my ticket from tomorrow to tonight (more properly: from Monday morning to Sunday morning). A mere formality. Boarding starts at midnight (Central time).

One of the downtown bars is having a street party with a live band, which can be heard throughout much of the downtown district. They’re playing journeyman covers of 70s and 80s hard rock and metal. Not really “my scene”.

I found my way to a pub serving microbrews, which should not be surprising to find in Wisconsin in 2014. Time for a couple pints.

The beer isn’t just to help me sleep, but also to relax. The long day of riding – 12 hours, give or take meals – has left me tense and cranky. You should’ve heard the string of colorful metaphors when my camera bag accidentally pressed against the horn button and bumped the turn signal on. Fortunately I was stopped at the time; it could’ve been messy if I’d been on the road. It’s a bit of a come-down from the mood I was in this morning (because I really am happy with how the trip has gone). It’s probably for the best that I’m getting an extra day after returning home, to ease myself back into my regular life.

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