Day 35: The Last Nap

Its been a wholesome 5 weeks already. Wow. Time does fly by fast and yet the beginning days in Tawas up through this morning in Menominee seem so long ago. Shit, I was 27 when this thing all started.

Today, continued like the past week - in full study mode with little interaction. I woke up for the sunrise, but fell back asleep until 9, when I pounded through about five hours of studying, doing MBE questions. That was only curbed by Jen, the girl at the front office, telling me that I was about two hours past checkout and her boss from the city was gonna fine me. "I guess I lost track of time," I apologized. "Tell your boss thanks for not charging me extra and that I'll refrain from encouraging any future lawsuits if I pass this test.

I needed the Internet so I decided to head to the city's library. I've been to some beautiful places for reading during the past few weeks. Located on the harbor, the Spies Public Library was no different. And just like the half a dozen other libraries I've visited, this one was also well-used by all factions of life. It kind of gave me some hope that we weren't all forgetting about the importance of a good-book and maybe that people will read the papers once-in-a-while.

I finally left the library at closing time, which was close to 6:30; I got into my lesser-packed car; and listened to property as I drove to Escanaba. I drove north of Cedar River and found Fox Park camp site. I wish I could say I stayed there for it looked like paradise on Lake Michigan and I later found out it was just $12. Instead I drove to U.P.'s third most populated city at just under 13,000 and the place actor Jeff Daniels brought fame to because of Escanaba in da Moonlight. I eventually made it down to the local Aerie to check my e-mail, charge up my electronics and meet some townies. It was here where I met Leo, who after buying me my second beer, told me that he was the city's mayor. Once again the Eagles Club has brought me a friend I'd never forget. He bragged about the town's timber past and their Lake Michigan frontage. I was content and back in good spirits after another long day of studying.

I walked next door to the city's famous restaurant and brewery, Hereford and Hops, to grab dinner, but the kitchen was closed. It was here, now nearly 11 p.m. at night and on my journey's 35 day, when I decided it was time to head home. I was coming out of the bathroom and saw a 2001 Travel Michigan article framed in the restaurant. It was titled: featured restaurants to visit in Michigan. Hereford and Hops was number 2; The Heritage House, a now closed restaurant in my hometown, was number 1. It was time to head back. (The ironic thing about that link - which I think has since been cut down - is its written about a restaurant of close hometown friends; it was written by a college friend who I first met while studying abroad 8 years ago in the British Isles. Art took a job in the neighboring town before moving to Traverse City for a similar post. We live in small world.)

I got into my car, stopped at a grocery store so I could buy my dad a pasty and headed toward the Bridge. I made one last stop in the U.P, here, of all places, a casino in Manistique to grab free coffee and upon the advice of Fred and Elaine, accept free $20 worth of credit during my birthday month, before driving to the Bridge. I pulled onto Boulevard Drive, put Bon Iver Michicant on my Ipad and took my last nap of this adventure.