Back in Columbus - All Good Things...

9:20 A.M. - departure (getting better eh?)  After a spectacular sunrise and some winding back roads through Ohio's Scenic By-Ways - we pulled into the driveway at 11:47 A.M.  A little sad to be home and wishing we we had another week or two, but all good things must come to an end.  Until our next adventure, which can't be far around the corner.

Total clocked mileage - 1,625

Left, Right, Left, Left...

Departure 9:40 A.M. - fog on the horizon, a crisp 67 degrees and we left most of the work to the Garmin today.  Southeastern routes through the lower half of the state - and over the border in Ohio where we encountered quite a few wind turbines in Paulding County.  Decided to stay the evening at the West Bank Inn in Celina Ohio - with a spectacular view of Lake St. Mary's.  After a great meal of Chicken Parm from Bella's next door, and a few Gin and Vodkas, the week is winding down and a perfect ending to one great week of riding.  297 miles today - cumulative TBD tomorrow when we pull into the driveway.

The weather cooperated every step of the way, the roads weren't as twisty as we had hoped, but its all in the adventure - and there are more to come.

Another Great Lake

Traverse City to Muskegon - North to go South - Route 22 and through the Manistee National Forest.  A very scenic ride along Lake Michigan.  Finally a few more twisties.  Cherries, Asparagus - apparently we must get some before we leave the State.  The weather once again ranged between 59 and 72 - depending upon the proximity to the lake.  Overnight at the Marriott for our free night - no Walmart in sight - maybe we should change hotels?  Oh.... and we were on the bikes at 8:40 - getting better.  236 miles today.

Big Mac

9:20 departure - 218 miles south.  A quick stop at the Soo (sioux) Locks - to view a ship carrying Iron Ore drop 21 feet between St. Marys River and Lake Huron (?).  Donning our rain gear in downtown Saulte Ste. Marie - heading south back across the Macinac Bridge and a quick stop for a Pastie (local favorite).

Finally finding some roads that actually had a few turns - Route 119 - along the coast of Lake Michigan through the Tunnel of Trees (see pix below) - and a quick stop for a little RE work in Harbor Springs - heading south again via Petosky and Charlevoix.  We landed for the night at the Motel 6 in Traverse City - where we ended up with a fabulous meal from the Hills Market Wanna-be two doors down.  The beer is cold, the vodka is yummie and the bed is calling my name tonight.

9 Miles and Take a Left at the Cemetery EUP

210 Miles - a short day???  Okay - so we hit the road at 9:20 A.M.  Really I did.  23 North along the Lake Huron - to the Mackinaw Bridge.  Stopped in Cheboygan for a bite to eat at the drive-in and wait out the green luminous radar that was passing by - all in anticipation of crossing the Mackinac Bridge.  Exhilarating - and dry - all good and worth every mile up to this point.

We were told that we HAD to stop at the Cozy Inn for the White Fish - a local and fresh delicacy - of which it was each and every scrumptious bite of both.  9 miles and a left at the Cemetery  - Hello Sault Ste. Marie where the Super 8 so graciously discounted our room for the night.

The smell of the pine trees and the air were as we had been told.  Remote - snow mobiles trails - very few homes - Lake Superior to the West!

If You Were a Bendy Straw...

Much to Mark's dismay - we had another 10:00 AM departure time.  The weather was quite crisp as we headed north.  We traveled along 25 - following Lake Huron for a bit - and cut across 46 West to get to our destination, Linwood, where Kevin directed us last night.  We had one of the best sammies at the Village Inn.  The fries weren't all that bad either.  Took a small detour down River Road - were the forests were filled with pine trees with ferns carpeting their roots.  The small towns lined the water and many of the homes had amusing names.  We checked in at the Days Inn, had a great dinner at Court Yard and back for a hot tub and cocktails.  Another 285 clocked on the odometer and we're off to the Upper Peninsula tomorrow.  I'll be sure to dress a little more warm - since the temperature varied from 64 - 75 today.

Michigan - Here We Come!

Saturday, 6/21/14 10:00 AM departure time - traveled through Toledo via. 23 and into Michigan.  Lunch at the Big Boy somewhere in Michigan and slogging through Detroit on 75 of which we hope to never have to do again.  The roads were horrendous and there were several arrests taking place on the shoulder of the highway.  We landed in Port Huron where we found our bed at the Comfort Inn quite comforting.  The drinks at Office were cold and plentiful.  Kevin was very entertaining and helpful in many ways.  275 miles and our first night is over - now to get to the good stuff tomorrow.

Tar Snakes, Bridges & Marietta

Weather in the 70's and the humidity was non-existent.  The roads were clear except for a few snakes.  Marietta has been on our list and we couldn't have picked a better weekend for it.  Just shy of 400 miles another absolutely perfect weekend is behind us.

It seems the BBQ shacks are calling our name.   Probably the most beautiful roads I've ridden in a very long time.  I can't wait to go back.