Wanna help me hike?

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

L'Anse

Seems like it took me forever to get to here from Marquette. Some of that was weather related, some of it was me getting 'temporarily displaced' (we hikers don't call it 'lost') and some of it was tough trail (see the entry on bushwhacking). When I finally emerged from the woods and started walking the roads into town, I met Bill and Shari Kayramo. Really cool people. A few miles later I wound up at their home, meeting their wonderful family, eating sub sandwiches and drinking cold beer. They were kind to a complete stranger for no other reason than just to be kind. Their son runs a great printing business so, if you need promotional products, silkscreen, embroidery, vinyl graphics... anything, call this guy:
                                  

                               Joe Kayramo
                      Homestead Graphics and Design
                                 906-353-6741

I spent the night on the edge of town and got an early start so I could visit the Hilltop Bakery before getting my resupply from the post office. They sell a sweet roll that's as big as my head!  I ate it in about two bites and licked the plate clean.

At the post office, I picked up a perfectly packed resupply box (Quarterback Martha hands off to running back Wolverine for the touchdown!) and a box from my friends at Moosejaw: a new backpack and trekking poles to get me through to the end of this hike! Thanks so very much to Tom Miedema and Perry Keydel. They are hikers who help hikers and it is much appreciated.

Things kept getting better: Bob Dudo and his family at Java By The Bay literally called me in off the street to enjoy a fantastic sandwich and some really fine coffee. They were so kind and generous. They let me hang out, let a local reporter do an interview for the newspaper and, perhaps kindest of all, let me stay in their pop-up camper that looks out over the beautiful Keweenaw Bay. What a great day.

Tomorrow, I can't wait to get back to the trail. I heard that sweet trail and waterfalls await me as I hike on toward Rockland. It's gonna be awesome!








10 comments:

  1. Are those sasquatch prints? And the joke is: "sweet rolls BIGGER than your head". It's got to be bigger. That's what makes it funny! Love you,brother!

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    1. Hey Bri! The tracks are Ursus Americanus. They were all around my tent one morning. I thought I had heard something that night but I figured it was a raccoon so I just gave a half-assed "Go away." It must have worked.

      I still have sick fantasies about that sweet roll.

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  2. So glad to hear you had a good welcome in L'Anse! Enjoy the rest of your hike. - L'Anse native

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    1. Thank you for your comment. The people of L'Anse were SO nice to me. Everyone waved or offered a ride. That park down by the water was a great place to watch the sun set. I love L'Anse!

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  3. Sounds like folks are looking kindly on you as the days go by...safe travels bro...love ya J&P

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  4. Thanks Jim and Patti! Indeed, people are taking an interest in my hike. I'm always flattered and a little shocked. Every town is even nicer than the last. Can't wait to get to Ironwood!

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  5. I happened on your story a little late, but it gives me plenty of reading! it's good to see someone with a passion for Michigan! I recently left the military and having more free time has left me to pursue my passion of hiking and being away from Michigan has fueled my passion for Michigan, naturally. I recently completed the pickney-waterloo trail and am in the process for planning my trip for the shore to shore trail. It's stories like yours that will help bring motivation to my adventures, Hope all is well and you complete your journey safely.

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  6. Hey Gary - Sounds like we have some things in common: military service and a passion for hiking. That Pickney-Waterloo Trail is a sweet piece. You'll love the Shore To Shore Trail. Read about my hike here: wolverineshoretoshore.blogspot.com
    I'd love to hike with you someday. I'll send an email soon.

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    1. the trail was really nice, we went a little to far the first day though (27 miles) but the next day we were ready to go again. if you have any free time you can check out the post i made about the hike here: https://www.facebook.com/gary.zaborowski.1/posts/10152019604573696?notif_t=like

      i look forward to hearing from you.

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  7. So all you have to do to get a bear to leave, is just say "Go away". Got it. I'll have to remember that.

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