Lake Dubonnet is near the end of the rout across the state. The campsite at Garey Lake would be a next stop for us, about
20 miles from Lake Dubonnet, but we opted to save a day by riding all the way to Empire, after leaving here. Several other riders
planned to do the same thing, to finish and get back to work on Monday. Our friends Ed and Diane would join us on this long
ride, and then immediately turn around and ride back to Garey Lake, to spend the night and then return to Empire with the
veteran riders.
Since this was the last night for many of us, the regular meeting included an award ceremony. Riders presented handmade
prizes to their friends for special feats of skill or kindness. These were often paper plates with messages written on them.
I constructed a halo for Michelle out of antenna wire and toy glow strips. I bestowed the honor while describing her
incredible endurance on the trail and in tolerating me for ten days in close quarters.
I had set up my radio station for the last time. I hoped to operate from the truck in Empire but that never happened. Fortunately, 40
meters was still open with loud, clear signals. My QSOs were, once again, long rag-chew type conversations.
We joined our friends for dinner out in the evening. We went to Hofbrau Steakhouse in Interlochen, a traditional stop for the
trail riders. This place was fun and the food was great!