I have submitted Chapter 8 for posting.
A couple of readers have commented on some of the actions Mark and Emily have taken in the course of this imaginary walk across Michigan. Item One, the actions presented seem reasonable to me, given the circumstances posited in the story. Item Two, this chapter may address some of the concerns. Item Three, Thank you for reading, and thank you for getting so engaged in the story as to question actions of the characters.
Thanks to everybody who read this story, and everybody who commented.