Weather is as big a challenge as the terrain. If you have followed our postings you know that we have faced strong winds, cold temperatures, rain, sleet, and snow in the early going. Now we are in the Munising area and facing another bout of weather based decisions. Thursday there was a tornado warning and two small twisters hit in the area. This is highly unusual for the northern part of the U.P. of Michigan. We had to shut down for the afternoon because of the threat, the lightning and the hail.

Today, June 11, we have once again shifted our plans with a strong rain system letting go all afternoon. We were drenched on our short hike and took a few hours to dry out. Next, we have to face a week with lots of potential clouds, rain, and worse, lightning. The trails become slippery and the hiking poles we have are extremely important for stopping us from sliding and slipping both going up and down, but we also have wood and rocks that become slippery making us think more about our steps.

The temperature today was mid fifties which is nice for walking, but not for being soaked and our rain gear just does not keep us dry. We have now committed to carrying an umbrella to reduce the wetness that conducts heat from our bodies and takes both our strength and our energy. More food will be needed on these days and we have to figure out ways to get rest when all the places to sit down are wet.

Maintaining good health involves both internal and external factors and every element becomes something to think about and adjust to.