The Last 2 Miles of a 20-Mile Day

While on my book tour, I've met many people who marvel 

at the idea of hiking 1000 miles. 

Sometimes, they ask me if it was difficult and a chuckle usually escapes from me before I can suppress it. 

You see, I'm not one of those ultra-marathoners or lifelong hikers or crazy people who have to cover 20 miles a day to feel alive. 

I feel quite alive reading a book or sitting in my 

office all day writing.

So, yes, it was difficult. Some days were downright painful. But the lakes call to me and I am happiest when walking near them.

Here's a little video shot on one of the more difficult days -- 

windy, cold, walking on the side of a road, 

18 miles down and 2 miles to go. 

And it shows how I motivated myself to hike the last 2 miles of a 20-mile day.

Yes, it was difficult. 

And, YES, it was worth every step. 

Driven by Erma!

I hiked 59 miles in three days to arrive in the town of Sebewaing.

Bay City -- the ending point for the first part of my adventure -- is over 30 miles away from Sebewaing and there was nowhere to stay in between.

So, I asked the owner of Rummel's Tree Haven B&B if she would drive me to a park on Saginaw Bay the final two days of this part of my hike.




The first day I would hike back to Sebewaing, the final day I'd hike to Bay City.

So, Erma (in first photo ) graciously chauffeured me, allowing me to cover the final stretch to Bay City, Michigan.

Thank you, Erma!






The final photo here is of the century-old maple tree that grows through the porch roof at Tree Haven.

Location:Sebewaing, MI