After an unexpected overnight rain, the morning arrived crisp and clear in central Michigan, but with a persistent wind blowing in the wrong direction for riding a bike-head on. Our plan from the beginning was to ride to Muskegan, MI, a distance of about 70 miles, and catch the high speed ferry that traverses Lake Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fortunately the first 10 miles and the last 15 or so were bike trails, sheltered somewhat by the trees and winds. In between, it was brutal with steady winds of 15-20mph with gusts up to 30mph. Not sure how we would have made it except for an angel in human form who appeared. Kevin Keith was out for a mid-morning ride of about 25 miles or so and he happened to be going our direction. Alan asked him if we could tail him, NASCAR drafting style, for a few miles since we had been riding from Portsmouth. Kevin more than willingly and graciously obliged. He literally broke the wind for us for about 10 miles. For that we are incredibly grateful. A shout out to you Kevin! You da man!

Our plans changed when our wives were more comfortable taking us around Lake Michigan rather than loading RV’s and Travel Trailers onto an ocean liner that they were scheduled to get on. Suited all of us just fine. Any potential storms on Lake Michigan in a boat would not have been my idea of fun anyway! Riding with Lisa is a lot more fun! Along the way, Craig wanted to connect with an old friend from his consulting firm days who lives in Laporte, Indiana. John Diedrich and his wonderful wife Lois ended up treating all of us to a night at The Blue Heron Inn on the east shore of Pine Lake. What a delightful couple! We had a blast for dinner. John has been an entrepreneur his whole life, started and sold a drilling supply business, and now owns The Blue Herron Inn and associated T-Bones at Pier 11 here in Laporte. The restaurant is a classic gourmet steakhouse. I added the term gourmet, because everything was carefully prepared and simply delicious. Crab stuff spring rolls with plum sauce, parmesan crusted walleye and custard potatoes were just a few of the delicacies. I can say I have traveled the world over the years and this was one of the best little restaurants as part of an Inn that I have enjoyed. I highly recommend you visit sometime. John and Lois entertained for dinner, their hospitality was contagious, and that was pure fun! Craig and Dori bought dinner for the eight of us. John thought that was funny at his own restaurant. 🙂 Thanks Craig and Dori for an unexpected and delightful little adventure here at the Blue Herron Inn. We had great views of the lake from our rooms. Lisa and I plan to come back sometime to this little jewel of a place in Northern Indiana.

Just a footnote on John Diedrich. He exudes passion about his business and the relationships he has been blessed with over the years and you can tell he loves what he does. My message to the next generation is: do what you love and you will love what you do. Thanks again John and Lois for your incredible hospitality and being blessed by who you are!