Day 328 Shawano to Wittenberg WI. – 28 Miles

8/3/2015

20150803_112757After a few spurts of hail the clouds parted and the sun reappeared. We had plenty of time to relax at the Shawano Super 8 and we took advantage of every minute.

I peeked out the window early in the morning and saw nothing but clear skies. I consumed a few danish pastries and a waffle for carbohydrates but kept my intake light. I threw a few pieces of fresh scented sportswear and prepared to hit the road when Crystal gave me news that I had an interview with a local paper. With that news, I propped my legs on the couch, laid back and closed my eyes. I drifted off until Crystal gently tapped my arm. She whispered, “It’s time to check out.” The reporter had not arrived and I still needed to complete thirty miles. We made the decision to cancel the interview and make tracks.

20150803_125714My teeth chattered as I ran through the town and towards the trail. It had hailed the previous day so it made sense that the air was somewhat chilly. Of course I didn’t expect to be cold while running in the summer but, then again, I had encountered plenty of the unexpected on this trip.

20150803_142419I grabbed a quick bite five miles away. Crystal had parked right where the road crossed the MountainBay trail. We made a few quick sandwiches to ensure I had energy for the next sixteen mile stretch. My tummy had grumbled the entire five miles so the meal was an efficient pacifier. I grabbed my light thermal shirt to give me a little protection from the elements.

20150803_151236The next stretch saw the farmland merge with the mountain landscape. The vegetation transformed into conifer trees and fern plants. The soft soil gave way to large rocks and suddenly I saw why the trail was called MountainBay. I had never even felt the transition under my feet, never even noticed the slow incline. I had to swat a few flies off my head but other than that the trail brought me much serenity.

20150803_151547The temperature decreased as the day wore on. I found myself dashing towards patches of sunlight to warm myself. The clouds offered little opportunity for warmth. After running into a few cute little wild animals I found myself running in a trance. I could taste the fresh air. A few drops of water fell into my mouth and charged my soul. When I spotted the white Ford in the distance I decided to finish strong. I sprinted to the end and called it the day. A warm meal and a hot bath awaited me at the Best Western Wittenberg. I could hardly believe our recent good fortune with accomodations. It was as if we were being rewarded for all the hardship we had endured.20150803_164346

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