Chris and Nancy escorting me to the Mackinaw Bridge.
Jim's home | Motorcycle home | 10k Home
This morning Chris and Nancy rode with me to the Mackinaw Bridge, which is the gateway to Michigan's upper peninsula (UP). We found friend Rob's boat that he was stationed on in the Coast Guard, then said our goodbyes. Sure hope to see them again some time.
Chris and Nancy escorting me to the Mackinaw Bridge.
The Mackinaw Bridge leading to the UP.
The ice breaker friend Rob served on in the Coast Guard.
After crossing the 5 mile long Mackinaw Bridge I headed west on Rte 2 along the shores of Lake Michigan. Lots of unobstructed views. Then happened upon The Top-Of-The-Lake Snowmobile Museum in Naubinway, MI. Best snowmobile museum in the world. The number of old machines they had there was overwhelming. I could easily have spent a whole day.
Lake Michigan viewed from the southern shores of the UP.
I don't know what these bugs were, but there were large clouds of them along Rte 2 that were unavoidable. Yuck.
Made my way up to Pictured Rocks on the north side of the UP, where you see Lake Superior. I have now seen all 5 Great Lakes on this trip; Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior. I had to taste the water in Lake Huron to see if it tasted like salt. No, it doesn't. They say you need to see Pictured Rocks from the water. I can see how you'd want to, but there were nice overlooks at the park. See turquoise blue water in attached pic. Met 2 guys on Moto Guzzis there, one on an 08 Norge like mine. Tom, the MG guy in Wisconsin emailed me warning about a rainstorm between me and him. Indeed, I got caught in the deluge, sigh. Now drying out in a motel room. Will try contacting MG dealers on the way to Toms tomorrow morning. My engine noise is getting louder. Should have it repaired. Friend Joel says the valves are simple enough to adjust with a plastic fork and a rock on the side of the road. Me thinks he's exagerating.
Crowds at the main overlook at Pictured Rocks.
Pictured Rocks.
Pathway leading down to a lower overlook.
Pictured Rocks from a distance.
Erosion.
I talked to the guys riding these Guzzis. Nice folks. Nice bikes.
Michigan is not all beautiful. There was plenty of dead tree, swamp like areas that look like this.