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.