Let me just start out by saying -- I need to remember today in case I ever want to write a book.
The morning was nice we checked out a couple of HD dealers. One in Manotowoc (strange little town) and one in Sheboygan.
We made it to Milwaukee around noon. We toured the HD museum. It's awsome and we've decided we will definatly go back. We stayed until 4:30 ate at the Motor restaurant, checked out the museum store and closed down the place at 6pm.
Put on rain suits and headed south on 94 out of Milwaukee. We where on our way home.
Well, that is where the "adventure" begins. The sky was very dark. Hummmmm......continue on we did. We didn't too far before the rain came. And came it did!!!!
We made it as far as outside of Racine. We pulled off the high way to try and find a gas station, building with an awning, under pass to sit at -- NOTHING.
We pulled into a parking lot (Mayflower movers shipping terminal actually). Didn't find much there but they did have a shipping container that was open so we stopped and got inside it. Yep, the two of us sitting inside this thing for about an hour watching it POUR RAIN and BLOW HIGH WINDS. You see now why I need to remember this in case I ever write a book. I'm not making this up.
We get out the gps to see how far we are from any motel and pull out the cell phone to start making calls. First place, disconnected phone, second place way too expensive, third one is the charm. Now, just to get there. The girl gives us good directions so we don't have to get back on 94. We go through a little town called Sturtevant and there is a storm drain that is like a mini fountain in the middle of the road, we get through that ok., only hydro-plained once (scary) and then made it to the Super 8.
We must have looked like drowned rats walking in to the lobby but they have us in a nice room and we're out of the rain. I have to say that the one last night and the one tonight have been very nice.
Wouldn't you know as soon as Steve got the bike all locked up and covered it quit raining. Well at least it was warm. If it had been cold that would have been worse.
We're going to hang out here and leave towards home tomorrow. Let's hope that plan works.
Bye for now, drowned in Racine,
Julie
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Only a couple of days left
We left the UP this morning and finally made it to WI.
We ran into a bit of rain before lunch but not too hard and not too long.
Green Bay wasn't as large of a city as I had expected so that was good. Yes, we made it to Lambau Field. It was getting late in the day so we didn't go through the hall of fame but that was ok because they had a lot off good stuff around to read about this years inductees, Lambau and Vince Lombardi. Plus the history of the remodel from 2003.
I got some pictures there, of course.
We where able the go to two HD dealers today. I got a cool t-shirt from the one in Green Bay with the stadium on it. #4 is still as popular as ever. His jerseys are still full price not on the discount rack.
We are spending the night in Manitowoc. Not a real tourist destination as we had a little trouble finding the area in town where the hotels are but we did.
Tomorrow we are going to Milwaukee.
We are having a dilema about getting home. We wanted to take the car ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon but it's not on the summer schedule yet, so the times aren't working in our favor and the thought of going through Chicago isn't very appealing either. So, no decision tonight we will have to decide tomorrow. We may have to go west and then south to avoid it.
For those following from WPL I will see you all on Monday.
Riding friends I will catch you all up about the beautiful bikes I've been leaving behind at the different dealers. And which dealers are good and which ones to by-pass.
Julie
We ran into a bit of rain before lunch but not too hard and not too long.
Green Bay wasn't as large of a city as I had expected so that was good. Yes, we made it to Lambau Field. It was getting late in the day so we didn't go through the hall of fame but that was ok because they had a lot off good stuff around to read about this years inductees, Lambau and Vince Lombardi. Plus the history of the remodel from 2003.
I got some pictures there, of course.
We where able the go to two HD dealers today. I got a cool t-shirt from the one in Green Bay with the stadium on it. #4 is still as popular as ever. His jerseys are still full price not on the discount rack.
We are spending the night in Manitowoc. Not a real tourist destination as we had a little trouble finding the area in town where the hotels are but we did.
Tomorrow we are going to Milwaukee.
We are having a dilema about getting home. We wanted to take the car ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon but it's not on the summer schedule yet, so the times aren't working in our favor and the thought of going through Chicago isn't very appealing either. So, no decision tonight we will have to decide tomorrow. We may have to go west and then south to avoid it.
For those following from WPL I will see you all on Monday.
Riding friends I will catch you all up about the beautiful bikes I've been leaving behind at the different dealers. And which dealers are good and which ones to by-pass.
Julie
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
We are heading south
Greetings from Watersmeet, MI.
Mileage wise it doesn't look like we went far today but we saw alot.
We went to the HD dealer in Marquette (it's the only one in the UP).
Headed out on highway 41 and there was a museum in Negaunee. Sounds weird but it was actually pretty neat -- Michigan Iron Industry Museum. It's run by the state historical society. We were there about an hour. It gave alot of information about the area, indians, early settlers and iron mining.
Then took this north along the coast of Lake Superior. The scenery was beautiful (almost like small mountains) but cold along the shore. Made it up to the town of Houghton by the afternoon. We had a good lunch/dinner in a brew pub that use to be the old library in town. Steve had been up there in Feb. on a snowmobile trip and wanted to see it without snow. I could not imagine this town in the winter as the roads are straight up. You would just slide down. Getting around town on a motorcycle wasn't too easy either but we did it.
The roads from Houghton to Watersmeet are NOT heavily traveled. Which was kinda cool having the road pretty much to ourselves. We saw a few cars and motorcycles and a couple of logging trucks but that was it.
Did see one deer today, no moose and no bear (hahaha).
Most of this is going through the Ottawa National Forest.
We've been VERY LUCKY when it comes to weather. Sunny, comfortable temps. but from what we can tell the farther south we get the higher the chance of rain. I hope not but we have rain suits.
Tonight we are supporting the local tribal nation by staying in the hotel attached to
the Lac Vieux Desert Resort & Casino. It is indian owned. We had to turn around up the road as we passed the hotel and turned around (by accident) in the parking lot of the tribal police dept. I think they thought we were nuts. The little indian girls standing outside weren't sure what to make of us.
We are going to Green Bay tomorrow. My plan is to go to Lambau Field -- too bad Steve, you have to go too.
After we will keep heading south.
While I'm composing I've got some laundry going. Steve is watching a movie and when the wash is done we're going to check out the casino just to see what it's like. Since we don't gamble they won't get any profit from us.
Today, Ian turned 20! Can't hardly believe it. I tried to call him this morning but all I got was his voice mail, the little fart didn't even call me back. Like he's busy or something.
I'm taking pictures all along the way. Can't wait to scrap them.
I'll write again when I can. It's funny, most places anymore have free WIFI that's why I've been on more then I thought I would be.
Julie
Mileage wise it doesn't look like we went far today but we saw alot.
We went to the HD dealer in Marquette (it's the only one in the UP).
Headed out on highway 41 and there was a museum in Negaunee. Sounds weird but it was actually pretty neat -- Michigan Iron Industry Museum. It's run by the state historical society. We were there about an hour. It gave alot of information about the area, indians, early settlers and iron mining.
Then took this north along the coast of Lake Superior. The scenery was beautiful (almost like small mountains) but cold along the shore. Made it up to the town of Houghton by the afternoon. We had a good lunch/dinner in a brew pub that use to be the old library in town. Steve had been up there in Feb. on a snowmobile trip and wanted to see it without snow. I could not imagine this town in the winter as the roads are straight up. You would just slide down. Getting around town on a motorcycle wasn't too easy either but we did it.
The roads from Houghton to Watersmeet are NOT heavily traveled. Which was kinda cool having the road pretty much to ourselves. We saw a few cars and motorcycles and a couple of logging trucks but that was it.
Did see one deer today, no moose and no bear (hahaha).
Most of this is going through the Ottawa National Forest.
We've been VERY LUCKY when it comes to weather. Sunny, comfortable temps. but from what we can tell the farther south we get the higher the chance of rain. I hope not but we have rain suits.
Tonight we are supporting the local tribal nation by staying in the hotel attached to
the Lac Vieux Desert Resort & Casino. It is indian owned. We had to turn around up the road as we passed the hotel and turned around (by accident) in the parking lot of the tribal police dept. I think they thought we were nuts. The little indian girls standing outside weren't sure what to make of us.
We are going to Green Bay tomorrow. My plan is to go to Lambau Field -- too bad Steve, you have to go too.
After we will keep heading south.
While I'm composing I've got some laundry going. Steve is watching a movie and when the wash is done we're going to check out the casino just to see what it's like. Since we don't gamble they won't get any profit from us.
Today, Ian turned 20! Can't hardly believe it. I tried to call him this morning but all I got was his voice mail, the little fart didn't even call me back. Like he's busy or something.
I'm taking pictures all along the way. Can't wait to scrap them.
I'll write again when I can. It's funny, most places anymore have free WIFI that's why I've been on more then I thought I would be.
Julie
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Sometimes plans change
Hello followers!
Last night I posted that we where in Machinaw City and where going to Mackinac Island today and spend another night.
That changed today.
We got on the 8:30am ferry to go to Mackinac Island. Sat on top to see the view -- a little chilly but ok. On the island we walked up to the Grand Hotel, walked Market Street, watched the scouts at the fort do a color guard change, smelled the horses (the wind was strong, yuk), went to the fur trader historic area, had lunch on the island and got back on the ferry at 1pm. Then wondered why stay another night? So, we checked with the hotel about canceling the second night and it wasn't a problem. We packed up the bike and off to the bridge we went.
By 3pm we were on the other side.
Let me tell you it was an experience! First of all there are only two lanes each way, one is paved and one is the metal grate. The paved lane was closed!! Ok Steve, grab the handlebars and hang on! We were warned that this lane was tough. The wind off the Huron side was horrible. At one point I had to hang on to my helmet!
We got to the other side and was glad that was over but we stopped to take pictures.
The toll to cross cost $3.00 better than the skyway bridge in Chicago.
We decided not to go up to the Soo locks and just headed toward Marquette.
We have stopped at different locations along Lake Huron to walk the beach and take pictures, stretch our legs and just enjoy the views. The roads where straight and flat and in the little town of Seney we stopped to get water and sun screen. Maybe a little too late on the sun screen as our faces are a little red tonight. Weather was funny, cool by the water, hot in the middle of the UP. Lucky, no rain today and only a couple of spots of road construction, not too bad. Some guy on a BMW stopped to talk to us while we waited in construction. He wanted to know how far Duluth, MN was? Off we went like a nut, he's probably there alread :O
So, here we are in Marquette at a little mom and pop inn. Walked to dinner and while I type Steve's in the hot tub relaxing.
Tomorrow we will head to a little town called Watersmeet. There is a story behind this and I'll save that for another time.
Julie
Last night I posted that we where in Machinaw City and where going to Mackinac Island today and spend another night.
That changed today.
We got on the 8:30am ferry to go to Mackinac Island. Sat on top to see the view -- a little chilly but ok. On the island we walked up to the Grand Hotel, walked Market Street, watched the scouts at the fort do a color guard change, smelled the horses (the wind was strong, yuk), went to the fur trader historic area, had lunch on the island and got back on the ferry at 1pm. Then wondered why stay another night? So, we checked with the hotel about canceling the second night and it wasn't a problem. We packed up the bike and off to the bridge we went.
By 3pm we were on the other side.
Let me tell you it was an experience! First of all there are only two lanes each way, one is paved and one is the metal grate. The paved lane was closed!! Ok Steve, grab the handlebars and hang on! We were warned that this lane was tough. The wind off the Huron side was horrible. At one point I had to hang on to my helmet!
We got to the other side and was glad that was over but we stopped to take pictures.
The toll to cross cost $3.00 better than the skyway bridge in Chicago.
We decided not to go up to the Soo locks and just headed toward Marquette.
We have stopped at different locations along Lake Huron to walk the beach and take pictures, stretch our legs and just enjoy the views. The roads where straight and flat and in the little town of Seney we stopped to get water and sun screen. Maybe a little too late on the sun screen as our faces are a little red tonight. Weather was funny, cool by the water, hot in the middle of the UP. Lucky, no rain today and only a couple of spots of road construction, not too bad. Some guy on a BMW stopped to talk to us while we waited in construction. He wanted to know how far Duluth, MN was? Off we went like a nut, he's probably there alread :O
So, here we are in Marquette at a little mom and pop inn. Walked to dinner and while I type Steve's in the hot tub relaxing.
Tomorrow we will head to a little town called Watersmeet. There is a story behind this and I'll save that for another time.
Julie
Monday, June 15, 2009
Michigan Back Roads
Hello everyone, I see a bridge!
We finally made it to Mackinaw City today.
We've been riding the back roads of Michigan. We left Ludington took 31 north to Manistee from there we got a recommendation from a guy (we've been lucky with this) to take M22 north. It is beautiful. If you are in a hurry stay on the highway if not, take this road. It runs along the coast, you see LOTS of vineyards and orchards. Tiny towns and dunes and twists and turns.
Stopped in Leland and went to fishtown (thanks Alisa) we ate at the Bluebird -- I had smelt and Steve had walleye. That's a switch, I usually have the walleye.
We've seen more lighthouses. Outside of Sleeping Bear National Park there is a maritime museum that houses a lifesaving station from the 1870's - 1942, later called a coast guard station.
Then we road around past Northport and down to Traverse City where we stayed last night. Found an off beat motel 4 blocks from the water where we walked to last night. When we got back there were 6 other motorcycles. Three of the riders where from Germany and three from Peoria, IL.
We took a ride up to Suttons Bay to see the Old Mission Lighthouse round trip from the hotel it was 36 miles. One road up and back but when you get to the top -- AWSOME! You see the water on both sides, rolling hills and more vineyards.
This morning we got up and left Traverse City took more coastal and back country roads. Stopped for dried cherries and a walk around Charlevoix. Walked along the river walk = out to a lighthouse. Road through Petoskey and on to a tiny little town called Cross Village. After driving through the area called tunnel of trees we found this neat polish restaurant on the water called Leg Inn. At this point we needed to get off the bike just to walk. Great motorcycling road, more twists and turns.
After lunch we finally made it to Machinaw City. You can see the bridge from our hotel room. Tomorrow we are taking the ferry over to the island. So we will be here until Wed. morning then cross over to the UP.
For those of you that want to know about the HD dealers -- Traverse City sells, Harley, Buell, Triumph and John Deere (yes, the green tractor co). Pretty cool.
Zips in Mackinaw City is not a dealer it's a HD off shoot of their main dealership in Gaylord that we didn't go to but we still found things to buy. LOL
Well, off we go to take a walk towards the bridge.
We finally made it to Mackinaw City today.
We've been riding the back roads of Michigan. We left Ludington took 31 north to Manistee from there we got a recommendation from a guy (we've been lucky with this) to take M22 north. It is beautiful. If you are in a hurry stay on the highway if not, take this road. It runs along the coast, you see LOTS of vineyards and orchards. Tiny towns and dunes and twists and turns.
Stopped in Leland and went to fishtown (thanks Alisa) we ate at the Bluebird -- I had smelt and Steve had walleye. That's a switch, I usually have the walleye.
We've seen more lighthouses. Outside of Sleeping Bear National Park there is a maritime museum that houses a lifesaving station from the 1870's - 1942, later called a coast guard station.
Then we road around past Northport and down to Traverse City where we stayed last night. Found an off beat motel 4 blocks from the water where we walked to last night. When we got back there were 6 other motorcycles. Three of the riders where from Germany and three from Peoria, IL.
We took a ride up to Suttons Bay to see the Old Mission Lighthouse round trip from the hotel it was 36 miles. One road up and back but when you get to the top -- AWSOME! You see the water on both sides, rolling hills and more vineyards.
This morning we got up and left Traverse City took more coastal and back country roads. Stopped for dried cherries and a walk around Charlevoix. Walked along the river walk = out to a lighthouse. Road through Petoskey and on to a tiny little town called Cross Village. After driving through the area called tunnel of trees we found this neat polish restaurant on the water called Leg Inn. At this point we needed to get off the bike just to walk. Great motorcycling road, more twists and turns.
After lunch we finally made it to Machinaw City. You can see the bridge from our hotel room. Tomorrow we are taking the ferry over to the island. So we will be here until Wed. morning then cross over to the UP.
For those of you that want to know about the HD dealers -- Traverse City sells, Harley, Buell, Triumph and John Deere (yes, the green tractor co). Pretty cool.
Zips in Mackinaw City is not a dealer it's a HD off shoot of their main dealership in Gaylord that we didn't go to but we still found things to buy. LOL
Well, off we go to take a walk towards the bridge.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
The Adventure Begins
So, I worked Friday morning until 12:30 then came home to see that Steve was repacking again! After much discussion the camping items where left at home.
We got on the road about 3pm and got as far as Holland, MI. We found a motel that I would not recommend to my enemies but it was cheep!
We covered the bike and kept the drapes open just to make sure it was safe. Good thing it was covered because during the night it rained.
Sat. am.....we wake to dark skies so we put on our rain pants and after a good breakfast at the wooden shoe restaurant we hit the road. We stopped at Grand Rapids HD. Everyone there was really nice. We even got a tour of the whole place. Bought 2 t-shirts and off we where.
We road into Grand Rapids and toured the President Ford Museum and burial site.
It was very nice. The grounds are beautiful so much so that we saw two bridal parties getting pictures taken there. After our time in the museum we came out to sunny skies and no more rain -- yahoo!
After gassing up the bike and ourselves we got a road recommendation from some guy in a parking lot and decided to try it. Boy was it nice. Off the highway with very nice views all the way to Muskegon. We tried to get to the HD dealer there but it was closed by the time we got there. Oh well. Fromt there we took scenic drive along the coast. Found a lighthouse from the 1800's -- I got pictures! Walked out to the lake on the pier.
From there we took the highway up to Ludington, where we are going to spend the night. Road out to the end of the road, stopped at the shore and there was a lighthouse, go figure (hahaha). Best Western looks pretty good. Used the hot tub and are just hanging out.
I'm typing and Steve is watching tv.
Heading towards Traverse City and possibly beyond tomorrow.
Will write more when I can. Pictures will go up when I get home.
We got on the road about 3pm and got as far as Holland, MI. We found a motel that I would not recommend to my enemies but it was cheep!
We covered the bike and kept the drapes open just to make sure it was safe. Good thing it was covered because during the night it rained.
Sat. am.....we wake to dark skies so we put on our rain pants and after a good breakfast at the wooden shoe restaurant we hit the road. We stopped at Grand Rapids HD. Everyone there was really nice. We even got a tour of the whole place. Bought 2 t-shirts and off we where.
We road into Grand Rapids and toured the President Ford Museum and burial site.
It was very nice. The grounds are beautiful so much so that we saw two bridal parties getting pictures taken there. After our time in the museum we came out to sunny skies and no more rain -- yahoo!
After gassing up the bike and ourselves we got a road recommendation from some guy in a parking lot and decided to try it. Boy was it nice. Off the highway with very nice views all the way to Muskegon. We tried to get to the HD dealer there but it was closed by the time we got there. Oh well. Fromt there we took scenic drive along the coast. Found a lighthouse from the 1800's -- I got pictures! Walked out to the lake on the pier.
From there we took the highway up to Ludington, where we are going to spend the night. Road out to the end of the road, stopped at the shore and there was a lighthouse, go figure (hahaha). Best Western looks pretty good. Used the hot tub and are just hanging out.
I'm typing and Steve is watching tv.
Heading towards Traverse City and possibly beyond tomorrow.
Will write more when I can. Pictures will go up when I get home.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Preparations for trip around Lake Michigan
So, today we got the bike packed. After much packing and unpacking I think we've got it.
Looks like we're going to leave Friday afternoon, if the weather clears up.
The plan is to ride to Holland and then Sat. go to Grand Rapids and tour President Ford's museum.
Who knows after that.
I'm planning to take LOTS of pictures!!!
We're taking a laptop (not my good one) so sometime during the week I'll try to check my email. Maybe even update the blog :o)
Behave while I'm gone, if you can.
Looks like we're going to leave Friday afternoon, if the weather clears up.
The plan is to ride to Holland and then Sat. go to Grand Rapids and tour President Ford's museum.
Who knows after that.
I'm planning to take LOTS of pictures!!!
We're taking a laptop (not my good one) so sometime during the week I'll try to check my email. Maybe even update the blog :o)
Behave while I'm gone, if you can.
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