July 13, 2023

After a raining day and night – we awoke to a sunny and breezy summer day here on Lake Antigo.

Benefits of a rest day seem quite obvious for Rob on his bicycle; however, I appreciate the rest day too.

Benefits of rest come not just in a physical – let’s give the legs a rest kind of way – even cyclists need a much needed emotional rest day too.

Some things we all may take for granted each day – eating your meals – going to the bathroom – having a clean and tasty water supply – and of course – where will Verne get his next charge…

Rest Days mean a true mental break – just stop and sit for a while – like maybe two hours at a time – not kidding. We definitely enjoy our surroundings on a day to day basis – but to really slow down and spend some quality time in one place is quite the luxury these days.

Rob told me the other day that he really looks forward to seeing me and our camp set up at the end of a long day on the bike – I do too – but I relish these rest days where we really can reconnect and stroll around and roll our our backs – no joke!

Feeling so grateful to the foresight some of these towns and small cities put into designing open space for all to enjoy.

I thought Medford, WI was an anomaly- and was so grateful finding a spot there on Tuesday- but Antigo really has it going on – They are truly equipped here with 24/7 bathrooms with showers, full hookups, free firewood, a bike repair center and even some lawn games!

We even saw several youngsters fishing in the lake! Indoor time is also a luxury these days – which is something I really do not miss as much as I thought I would. It is disappointing to reconnect and see the devastation of the floods in Vermont – and to hear about other smaller town troubles – like the first grade teacher, Melissa Tempel going up against Waukesha School Board. We keep track of most of the goings on as we try to read Letters from an American by Heather Cox Richardson each day.

But a rest day means just that – a rest from it all – social media – news – navigation – planning – and even weather watching.

Here’s to hoping you all take a much needed rest day and try not to think or do anything – just sit and take in your surroundings – meditate on your blessings –

Happy REST DAY! Julie and Rob