Tune Tour Day 2

The hotel provided breakfast and I enjoyed making two waffles.  I prepared the bags the night before and I took a bagel with peanut butter and jelly for lunch. The trail left right from the parking lot of the motel.  It looked like it might rain so I brought my poncho.

This bridge was built in 1882. I was so happy to see that we can still use it.

I experienced great shade through the ride. The beginning temperatures were in the upper 60s and the threat of rain raised the humidity to 91%.  I appreciate the shade that grows along the old train lines in Michigan.  On the other side of the tree and brush lines would be flat farm fields.

A wagon being loaded with potatoes. The Sag 80 indicates the mileage to Saginaw.

The description of the trail mentioned going through potato country.  Michigan is #8 in the country in the production of potatoes gathering 1.9 billion pounds.  Do you like chips and fries?  Americans eat about 124 pounds of potatoes per year.

A potato field.

The Museum in the background was closed today, but it provided me a nice place for lunch.

Part of the fun of visiting these towns is discovering interesting facts: 1.) This is where the first Meijer grocery opened in 1934 2.) In 1892 a refrigerator company opened and this town was known for many years as the "Refrigerator Capitol of the World." 3.) During World War II the refrigerator company made the gliders for carrying infantrymen that were used in the Normandy Invasion. 4.) The town attracted many Danish and each August there is a festival.  I ran out of time and could not find a replicate statue of "The Little Mermaid." which resembles the one in Copenhagen. 

This trail looped around the city and I could easily reconnect to the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail to head back to Edmore.

Now I better understand how these trails carry the Fred Meijer name.  I am so happy that they were created.  You should check them out. You will enjoy the ride.

I enjoyed the lake loop.