Homeward Bound

I’ll be home this evening, back at Gaylord, sitting in my favorite Lazy Boy, watching the season finale of 24. That’s just fine. A man can only take so much adventure at one time and for me, that time has come.

Right now I am sitting in Loren Preuss’ living room, watching National Treasure and drinking home brewed beers. Loren was my “host teacher” when I student taught at Roscommon High School this spring, but I prefer to call him my mentor. A mentor has an investment in their protégé’s success, and imparts wisdom that may not always fit into the typical mold. Loren is my age, has many of the same interests, and much more experience teaching students about social studies and life. Saginaw Valley State University made a perfect match, my first since meeting Christa. And we all know that one turned out happily ever after.

This is a regular family night with Loren, his wife Wendy, Emily and Justin. It’s nice, relaxing chance to just sit and talk. Given my past month of “excitements” it’s a pleasure to enjoy such a peaceful evening. I look forward to many more with my own family.

Earlier today I met my brother-in-law Walt Leibold in at Loggers Restaurant in West Branch for a bite to eat. I had the big burrito. PERFECT. My Precious. Afterward I went to the Java Junction to post my blog; once I explained what I was doing they told me they heard I was coming through town. What? That stuff better stop when I get back home or I’ll be in some real trouble. Please don’t GPS me.

The sun started shining in West Branch and made for a beautiful trip. I almost decided to go to the Kirtland Warbler Festival instead of biking directly to Roscommon, but I came to my sense just in time. As I close in on Gaylord, the landmarks become more and more familiar. Christa and I spent our wedding night at the Est-Wood Motel in St. Helen in 1981. Back then it didn't exactly offer the typical "honeymoon suite", but I understand the new owners have worked hard to make it a pretty nice little lodge. And it’s for sale, honey.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be visiting with students and teachers at Roscommon High School, some of whom have commented on this blog. Most didn’t believe me when I told them I cycling across the country, so I have to rub it in thoroughly. I hope they have learned some lessons about planning, preparation, persistence and problem-solving from my experience.

My trip tomorrow will take me through Grayling and north on Old US27 into Gaylord. I should be arriving about 3:00pm, but as I reminded my wife, there are some things you can’t necessarily plan on when you are cycling – the biggest of which is time. I’ll be stopping at Gerta’s Draperies, where Chirsta has a shopping list of items to pick up on my way home. I will love doing her shopping. I love doing her errands. I love life. And I’ll see you tomorrow.