Day 46 August 14 Chesterton to South Haven Michigan Sea to Sea 08

Day 46 August 14 Chesterton to South Haven Michigan Sea to Sea

Today’s Stats

Distance 82.8 miles
Time in Saddle 5.45 hours
Average speed 14.1 miles per hour
Ascent 1832 feet
Current elevation 711
Today’s’ temperature was 78 degrees with NW winds.

We got up this morning about 445 AM. We were staying at Rogers and Kerrie’s and it would be about an hour drive to camp. Kerrie made us our lunches and had some breakfast for us. She had made homemade cinnamon buns, which were really delicious. Thanks so much Kerrie for all you did for us. We enjoyed being with the kids and you and Roger. It was nice change from camping and putting up our tents.

Unfortunately, we arrived at camp much later than what we planned due to a major accident on Interstate 80 that forced four lanes of traffic onto the shoulder. We arrived at 7Am instead of 615. Both Hank and I managed to get on the road by 720. I biked by myself most of the way except for the last 20 miles, when Augie Faber joined me and pulled me in, as the winds from the north were getting a little stronger and we had to work harder.

The ride was really quite nice. We biked through lots of forested areas that had lots of oak and maple trees. The Indian Dunes area is quite large so we biked for a few miles to pass that area. We than enter areas where there were lots of beautiful homes along the lakefront. We could see there is as lot of money along this area. As I biked, I thought how great it would be if people living in these nice homes would also have a heart to give some of their wealth to local charities that assist people in difficult situations.

We crossed into Michigan today and also changed our time to Eastern Time. I took pictures of both Welcome to Michigan and Welcome to Indiana as there was no Welcome to Indiana sign on the route we took yesterday.

As I was biking through St. Joseph, there was a refreshment stop hosted by the CRC here. They had just decided at the last minute to do this. They had water, fruit and cookies. I had just been debating with myself when I should stop for lunch, as it was just about 50 miles. I told myself not to stop till at least mile 52 and or at 1230. Well it was just about this time and there it was. It was perfect timing for me. I was really ready of a break and needed to eat, as I was getting hungry.
Top picture is the refreshment stop provided by the church. Next picture is all the kitchen support staff as a SAG stop. They are a great group of women who seem to be having lots of fun.

After the stop, I started biking with Paul and Teresa Hoekstra. As we were stopped at a red light, the car next to us rolls down his window and starts to talk to us. I look at him and recognize my first cousin David Jaarsma and his wife, Janet. They happened to be driving along the route. I could not believe that we meet each other like that. He invited me to their condo. I followed them home, as it was only a short ride down to the lighthouse and waterfront in St Joseph’s. They live in a condo overlooking the channel and harbor in St Joseph. It was a great visit as David also gave me a substantial donation to the Sea to Sea. Thank you Dave and Janet. It is much appreciated. I think this is one of our God moments. It was so providential and the timing was perfect as I was biking through St. Joseph.

I arrived at South Haven about 4 PM and stopped at the beach area to take some pictures of the lighthouse and beach. South Haven is a nice town with a great beach area and interesting shops. Unfortunately, I had little time to explore, as I wanted to get into camp, which was still 3 miles to go. I was ready to be in camp at this time.

Hank arrived in camp at about 530. He was tired and glad to be here. Unfortunately, a car hit another of our cyclists. Lois Craven was biking along when a car came to close and the rear view mirror hit Lois. The driven apparently was not paying attention to where she was going. Lois was not serious hurt, but does have a few bruises. This is now the third time a cyclist has been hit by a vehicle. We are thankful that there have not been any serious injuries.