Getting by with the help of my friends.

I had a few days where not that much was happening except for FRIENDS! I had a surprise visit from Sue aka Walkie Talkie who helped save my sanity in Michigan on the North Country Trail when winter was setting in. She was visiting her brother in Waupaca while I was hiking in that area and found me. Yeah!!

After a morning where I kept my mind occupied by catching up on American Idol episodes on my phone, Sue met up with me for a late lunch. I finished up a nice trail section around some ponds and there she was! Chicken and cherries and soda! Yay!
I asked what her plans were for the night, and she said she’d probably stay in a motel. Mmm… maybe I can join and hang out some more? Yes! I hike a few more miles and she picks me up. Dinner, a shower, and great company!

After Sue dropped me off, Little Bird decided to surprise me and keep me company for a few days. It’s so nice! It makes the road walks less tedious and helps with the water carries.

One morning, I feel terrible because of my period and I only do 10 miles. I take the morning off, manage to drag myself through a road section, and then give up.

Luckily, I feel better the next day and we both get some hiking in.

After a sad motel breakfast, we head back to the trail and I start walking the nice trail tread. Little Bird drives to the next parking lot and walks toward me.

We enjoy the beautiful lupines and small yellow flowers. There are some new small orange flowers too. It’s fun to see new varieties along the trail. It’s dryer here and later in the season.

There are sections with pine trees and open grass sections. Short road walks connect the trail sections and are quick and easy.

Along the road, we see some cows with the biggest horns I’ve ever seen. Texas Long Horns?

At the next trailhead, there is the halfway sign. Woot! Making progress!