That’s it! I’m done.

Last night I finished my final weeks bartending in downtown Traverse City.

It’s crazy and unnerving to leave a great place to work. I was working 30 hours a week, mostly evenings, and making anywhere from $100-200 a night. It wasn’t amazing money, but the work was fun and I met a lot of great people.

Speaking of great people, some of my friends that I met at Ginger came in last night. They didn’t know it was my last night, but it was great to see them. Fred and his family, Mark and his wife, Travis and Mrs. Kershner, it was a fun night.

I was out by 1am and shot across the street with Max to grab a beer. A few of the staff came, including Brian of the notable NorthernSpin.com

Nice small farewell, then I was off. Long day today (Sunday) before next week. Kristen and I have mapped out a small (160 mile) tour around the Thumb of Michigan. Our route is here:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Center+St%2FMI-138%2FMI-25&daddr=43.988862,-83.240662+to:Grindstone%2FMI-25+to:harbor+beach,+mi+to:MI-46%2FE+Sanilac+Rd+to:MI-138%2FN+Unionville+Rd+to:W+Bay+City+Forestville+Rd%2FMI-25&hl=en&geocode=FaQomgIdYGcG-w%3B%3BFTAFoAIdUPwN-w%3B%3BFRqilgIdfFMS-w%3BFUo4mQIdOGwG-w%3BFVQZmgId9l0G-w&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=9&via=1,4&sll=43.815207,-83.092346&sspn=0.917597,2.469177&ie=UTF8&ll=43.761176,-83.312759&spn=0.229608,0.617294&z=11

We are going from Monday to Friday, to test everything out. We are packing everything in, including some very cool new additions.

I recently purchased a water filter for our trip. After some very simple math, I decided we’d be paying A TON for clean water on the trip. 1Liter = $2.12. We are going to be drinking 3-5 L/day/each. That’s expensive! The filter cost $85, and lasts for a few thousand gallons.

http://www.gearforadventure.com/MSR_MiniWorks_EX_Water_Filter_p/msrminiworks.htm

Also, Kristen and I picked up a great pair of sunglasses over at www.SteepAndCheap.com It’s an interesting site, and has some great deals. Essentially “One deal at a time, until its gone.” There is also the sister-site BonkTown.com that offers similar things but centered on roadbikers. ChainLove.com is for MTBikers.

We will update from the road during the thumb …

Until then!