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Happenings, Reflections, Ideas, Analysis

TRACE THE MITTEN

Water and hydration

7/8/2021

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I enjoy watching YouTube videos while I ride inside.  Yesterday I needed an easy day because of sore muscles and watched a video about a day in a tour through the National Forest in Utah.

This adventurer has a YouTube channel and this was the second video tour that I heard his plan for getting water.  He was carrying two frame bottles holding about 23 ounces each and a squeezable gathering pouch to which he could attach a flow through filter.  He stated that this would hold about half of a bottle.  He could hold about 58 ounces at a time, just shy of a half gallon. 

I saw this and I said, "carry more water" and "have a better plan".  This adventurer has been touring for over 20 years and has much more experience than me.  He has survived with his strategy. 
Here is what I consider about water:
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HAVE PLENTY: When I got started touring again in 2010 I bought this Camelbak from REI.  There is a 100 ounce bladder and room for gear with a capacity of 18L.  I would supplement this with two or three bottle on frame cages and my total liquid would be 169 oz.  This would get me through the day to my campsite.  I could also make it through the evening and morning if I could not refill.  I remember only once going through all my water during the day and I found a spigot at a township fire hall that filled me up. 
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HAVE IT ACCESSIBLE: Last year I received the gift of double walled insulated. Nice to keep the water cooler longer. I also put my water on my inside trainer.
HAVE IT STAY REFRESHING:  On the Camelbak I added the insulated tube cover and the double walled bottles help some with the water temperature.  I feel best about putting electrolytes in the bottles and not the bladder.  The water bottles are easier to fill at a stop.  If I happen to stop at a restaurant for lunch I can get some ice for the bladder. 
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HYDRATE BEFORE YOU LEAVE: experts advise drink up before you ride.
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DRINK BEFORE YOU FEEL THIRSTY: Having the Camelbak really made this easy to take little sips regularly.
IS THE CLIMATE HUMID OR ARID?
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In the Michigan humidity I sweat a lot and I usually do not need to urinate to get rid of my excess fluids.
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In the Badlands and Colorado I found the air more arid. I did not sweat as much but I still needed to hydrate. I did notice more frequent bathroom stops during exercise.
WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE?
Experts advise that you look carefully into your water plan when the temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit and  75-85% humidity.  
DO YOU HAVE HEALTH ISSUES ?
 Seek the advice of your physician about how to proceed with exercise. I know for me my body does better in the heat than some my age, but I still need to be cautious. The general rule of thumb is that heat becomes more serious for older persons (I am in that category.) Understand how your body will respond. 
UNDERSTAND THE PHYSIOLOGY
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Red blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to your muscles. The blood is 90 % water.  Your sweat takes the water out of the blood and this causes the blood to become thicker.  This sluggish action will slow the transport of the oxygen. Do you see why we need to keep replenishing your water?
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This is my newest hydration pack.   This is a waist pack with a 2 L (67.6 oz) bladder and space in another pouch for a tube, pump and tools.  I have attached a jacket using the straps on the bottom.  The loops along the pack under the sign will handle clip-on items.  I like this because it is not as cumbersome as the backpack.  
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From Washington to Ellison Bay to Egg Harbor

7/6/2021

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Ellison Bay in the 19th century industries were lumber and fishing. Fruit growing was the prime commerce in the 20th century. Now  tourism keeps the area going.
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The roads are quiet, but I still appreciate an sizable shoulder.
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I stop when I see a pull off to enjoy the view of the bay.
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The water is so inviting and refreshing. I also love the sounds of the waves against the rocks.
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Fish Creek has century old general store. This area was originally a village site of the Menominee and Ojibwa.
The area was known for the great trout fishing and later the surrounding timbers were part of the logging industry. 
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Scenes like this encourage home development. I like it just as it is.
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Eagle Bluff Lighthouse was completed in 1868. It is 43' high and has been restored . Tours are available. In 1926 the light was automated.
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Steps are hard for me, but I always enjoy the view from the top, This is in Peninsula State Park.
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I made it to Egg Harbor. I wonder how it got its name? https://www.eggharbordoorcounty.org/about/history/ will give you the story.
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Cupola House in Egg Harbor.
This house was built in 1871 by Levi Thorp. He used gold from the California Gold Rush to finance the construction and furnishings.  It is in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.  Today it houses an art gallery, cafe and gift shop.
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Coming back down Door County

7/5/2021

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Some of the lighthouses along the Door County shores.
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Cana Island Lighthouse is near Bailey Harbor. It is 89 feet tall and it will take you 97 step to the top.
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You can understand why this is called the Bird Cage and it is near Bailey Harbor.
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Do you see the light tower? In 1933 this light started on the northwestern corner of Washington Island. The light is still active.
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Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in the Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek.
What a great place to visit and tour the building seeing actual furnishings through the time of the keepers 1868-1926. The light is 43' above the ground and 76' above the water.  
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Sherwood Point Lighthouse near Idlewild on the west side of the northern interest of Sturgeon Bay.
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In Door County: From Rowley's Bay up to the tip.

7/3/2021

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My previous post for this trip was dated April 27th, entitled Moving into Door County.  I had continuing to add miles, but I got out of the routine of posting about the trip.  I think that I just got outside more and restrictions from Covid-19 were lifting.  I bet you understand because the same thing happened to you about that time.
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At the tip of Door County are a cluster of small islands. Ferries can get you to the largest, Washington Island.
Deaths Door is in this water between the peninsula and the islands. The waters can be managed much better now.  These islands are named: Plum, Detroit, Hog, Rock, Pilot and Fish.  Washington Island has about  600 residents.  The economy is primarily vacation based.
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What beautiful shores.
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Getting on the water allows a view that you cannot get from a bike.
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Some spots are best seen by taking a walk. Your effort will be worth it.
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Pilot Island Lighthouse.
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In the Newport State Park.
This park is open year-round and offers many opportunities to experience the outdoors.
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Newport State Park has 11 miles of beach.
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  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Gallery
    • Michigan Lighthouses
    • Historic Sites
    • Day Rides >
      • Michigan
      • Indiana
      • City Signs
    • Tours >
      • Trace the Mitten 2011
      • Trace the Mitten 2012
      • Great Lakes Relaxed
      • Great Lake to Lake Inaugural
      • Michigander 2017
      • Michigander 2018
      • Michigander 2019
    • Equipment
  • Links
  • Blog