Heading North
Hauling our home on wheels around on these bumpy roads can be hard on it at times. One of the tires on the trailer was not wearing well. We made a stop in Traverse City at Discount Tires and they replaced it in no time. We headed towards Mackinaw City.
Before leaving Maine, our awning's motor quit working in the out position. Mike climbed the ladder and used the drill to manually bring it in. We found an RV service place in the next town that replaced the motor and were lucky enough to have it still under warranty. Six weeks later in Michigan, it quit working again. We will now wait until we get back to Colorado or Arizona to see what the problem is.
The rain was falling pretty hard as we left Lake Leelanau heading north.
Mackinaw City
We had considered taking a ferry to MacKinnac Island for a bike ride. Once we saw the number of people boarding the ferries every 15-30 minutes, we changed our minds and decided to enjoy the area where we were. That island has to be too congested for us. The campground is located on the shore of Lake Huron overlooking the Mackinaw Bridge. One afternoon, we spent sitting along
the shore of Lake Huron reading, listening to the waves and seagulls and watching the ferries, kayakers and barges hauling iron ore, grains and limestone.
the shore of Lake Huron reading, listening to the waves and seagulls and watching the ferries, kayakers and barges hauling iron ore, grains and limestone.
The UP
The winds were calming down quite a bit as we made our exodus to the UP (Upper Peninsula) by way of the "bridge".
There are many lighthouses along not only the Great Lakes but also the rivers and waterways.
Michigan has so many rails to trails paths, most straight but go for many miles through treed canopies. We didn't stop for long with all of those mosquitos and bugs for encouragement to keep moving.
We had a great sunset one evening.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan
Two years ago, when we were planning our trip to Michigan's UP, our friend, Matt, from the Colorado Springs Cycle Club told us to visit Tahquamenon Falls. We didn't make it quite that far then. This time, we were only 60 miles from the state park and had plenty of time to make the stop. It is in the northeast section of the UP without internet, TV and basically in the middle of a forest.
The Lower Falls are a half mile from our camp site. In the quiet morning, we could hear their rumble through the woods. The water was an interesting rust color caused by the tannins leached from the cedars. They are also called "root beer falls" because of the color.
There are boat rentals at the base of the falls that can be taken across the river to the island.
I tried a pastie (a UP specialty) again and still think they are awful even with gravy. I don't think I will do that again.
