Alone but not lonely

Maybe if I keep telling myself this, chanting it like a mantra, it will become true.

Alone, but not lonely
Alone, but not lonely
Alone, but not lonely

I'm preparing for another bike trip, this time up to Manistee, MI to one of my favorite state parks (Orchard Beach State Park) for a couple of days and then I want to continue north to Tahquamenon Falls in the UP. Since I've already made the campground reservation, I'm hoping the weather will cooperate. My bike is in the shop getting a new front tire and the fork oil changed. I already did the oil change a couple of weeks ago and put in a new air filter. I also ordered a Grilliput, a fireplace grill that fits into a titanium cylinder only 12" long. I was planning on riding up the lakeshore, but since I've already been through South Haven, Saugatuck, Ludington, and Holland many times; I think I'll just hammer on up there so I can enjoy more time at the campground. I'm excited about the possibility of seeing black bear but am also a little worried about keeping any food in my tent overnight. On past trips I've spent sleepless nights camping with food in my tent because of raccoons trying to break in through the zipper. I think opening the zipper and seeing a black bear would be a lot more stressful. I still need to get a roll-up sleeping pad or air mattress. I think I'll have room for it since I'm going to work really hard at paring down the luggage. I always take more clothes than I need. Here's the list of necessities to date:

tent
hatchet

sleeping bag w inflatable pillow

headlamp

collapsible lantern

extra batteries

camera and battery charger
swimming suit

umbrella beach chair
novel and wildflower guide

aluminum foil

paper plates

tongs
knife

collapsible insulated cooler

toolbox

clothesline

tennis shoes and flip flops

towel and wash cloth
2 pair jeans
2 pair shorts
4 t-shirts
sweatshirt
leather coat and chaps
lots of clean socks and undies
insect repellent
sunscreen and toiletries
cell phone and charger
rain suit