Trail Angels, Wisconsin Edition

We left MIlwaukee by going by the art museum one more time, then riding a bike path along the lake for several miles. We went up a steep hill and suddenly lost the bike path. We were back on track easily and on the Oak Leaf Trail. At a trail crossroads, where our map said to go left, we met a fella who indicated that straight was the way to go, as it led right to where we were going. He warned us of a few trail detours where they were repaving sections, but otherwise a great ride. Trail angel #1.

The ride was indeed great, albeit pretty hilly. We met a young fella riding along who gave us a recommendation for lunch in Cedarburg. We took him up on it, and it did not disappoint. As we were unlocking the bikes, another gentleman stopped and chatted with us. He had done some cycling tours as well. He gave us his name and number in case we ran into trouble. Trail angel #2.

We were back on the trail. It was very hot, and the hills continued. While the temperatures were not unusual for a Louisvillian, they were warm for Wisconsin, and everyone mentioned it. Whether we were not in shape, or just had the mindset that the weather would be more moderate, we were struggling with the heat.

To this point in the trip, the majority of our cycling has been on trails, which provides generally more relaxing riding, as you’re not on roads. However, the surface can be bumpier, and you have to stop at most road crossings. The scenery was mostly really beautiful as we traversed the countryside.

At Oostburg we left the trail, and Bruce started feeling the effects of the heat. We plugged ahead to Kohler-Andrae State Park, where we were to enjoy our first night of camping. It was farther to the camp than expected, and when we got to the camp, confusing signage led us to the opposite side of the park. A bummer when we were so tired, but it did give us a chance to see the dunes.

Finally we reached camp. The grounds were beautiful, but the campsite was packed! We pulled in and started setting up camp. One of our camp neighbors came over to chat. Bruce was feeling pretty crummy by this point. We cooked our dinner~ beef enchiladas, cleaned up, showered and went to bed. As luck would have it, we were next to a group of 6 college age girls who were clearly having a good time. They were loud. (and very profane! ☺️) In most campgrounds we’ve stayed in, quiet hours start at 10 or 11 pm, and everyone follows them well. This was not the case here, the girls were loud well past midnight.

Bruce had a horrible night….he was up all night and sick several times, and it was clear he had heat exhaustion. In the morning, he lay on the picnic table bench as Kelley packed up the camp. The sister of the neighbor that visited the night before came to chat. Barb was very curious about our travels, and says she reads accounts of others who travel by bicycle. Kelley shared that Bruce was really sick. She offered to take us to Sheboygan if needed.

Soon after that, her husband David came over and offered a lounge chair instead of the bench. Bruce was glad to have it. We asked if there was an immediate care center in Sheboygan. He said there was, and would gladly take us there. As Kelley continued to pack up, we decided to look for lodging in Two Rivers. We asked David if he would take us there, and he said yes! We got everything loaded into his car, and the bikes on his rack, and he took us all the way to Two Rivers! 45 miles one way. He helped Kelley unload the car, and Bruce hobbled into the lobby. Trail Angels #3.

We were 3 1/2 hours early for check-in. We were sitting in the lobby, and within 30 minutes the lady at the front desk said our room was ready. Woo-hoo! Trail Angel #4.

Bruce took a 3 hour nap. While he was sleeping, Kelley wandered around the town and down by the two rivers that dump into Lake MIchigan. When Bruce awoke he felt so much better~ still weak and woozy, but able to get out and walk around. We walked to the beach and watched the waves for a bit, and waded into the chilly water. We had an early dinner and walked around a bit more before turning in early. Glad that the ordeal was behind us.

Monday: cycling 62.5 miles

Hiking 2 miles

Tuesday: cycling 0 miles

Hiking- Kelley 9 miles, Bruce 2 miles