Day 3: Escanaba to Traverse City

Another very cool morning start.  I'm not complaining...I prefer this to the heat, any day of the week!  It occurred to us that we had ridden all the way up the west coast of Lake Michigan, and we hadn't yet really seen the Great Lake!  But, today we did.  Just east of Escanaba, we finally rode along the coast, and the the views were great.  It's like looking at the ocean.

Looking east right into the rising sun.  The lake looked massive.

Pat decided to hydrate, and I caught this pic.  Looks like some kind of a Native American sacrificial sunrise ceremony!  :)

After the photo op, it's time to get back on the bikes and ride...

As we continued over the northern part of Lake Michigan, we got our first look at the Mackinaw Bridge.

This bridge is huge.  A real challenge on a motorcycle, because it has grates for the surface, which can mess with your mind.  It often feels like your bike has a mind of its own, veering side to side.  Trust the physics.  Look ahead, and know that the bike's mass will move forward.

Kevin, Devon, and me, with the bridge in the background.

Pat, ready for the bridge.  Only minutes away!

Devon, pointing at the Mackinaw Bridge.

After crossing back into Michigan from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we rode some very, very nice country roads.  These are not the kind of roads that the AAA maps will put you on.  We saw a bunch of wild turkeys hanging out on the side of the road.  They seemed fearless.  Well, until I gunned my engine as I got next to them.  We found our way to a road called "The Tunnel of Trees," named for obvious reasons.

The Tunnel of Trees, which runs right along the coast of Lake Michigan.

Not the kind of road you want to speed on.  It's basically a one-lane road.  Oncoming traffic???  Just slow it down and hope they do, too.  20 miles of this great ride!

Devon and Kevin enjoying the rest stop and the scenery.

Heading south toward Traverse City, we rode through some very nice little communities:  Harbor Springs, Petosky, Bay Harbor, Charlevoix.  We stopped for a break in Charlevoix, before the almost final run to Traverse City.  It just so happened that we pulled over in front of a fudge and ice cream shop.  :)

Across the street was the marina.  Lots of benches where we could rest our weary bodies.

...and, of course, enjoy a bowl of ice cream (with whipped cream on top!!!!!).  I have a soft spot for whipped cream, just in case you didn't know.

Tomorrow:  cruise along the coast south toward Benton Harbor, with our goal to land in St. Joseph...the home of my long time friend from college, Steve Machacek.  I'll let you know if he gave me good recommendations for where to stay there!!  :)