Season III - Chapter 3

The U.P. and Heading Down

“Michigan, I have to hand it to you. ✋

Finding our way through “The Mitten!” 🧤

Cadillac and Kalamazoo

Mustering up the courage to pull the Grand Shamrock across and over the Straights of Mackinaw was more difficult than the task itself. A strict 45 mph speed limit and a metering of vehicles combined with perfect weather and we were on our way to Michigan... I know, we have been in Michigan, but no other state has the unique quality of this one, both in geography and personality.

The “Mitten” as it is affectionately referred to, is that other Michigan, the one below the bridge. Do us a favor: Hold up your right hand... fingers closed... thumb extended... now look at your palm... welcome to the Mitten! (Lower Michigan)

We enter through the middle and fourth finger at Mackinaw City with Cheboygan to the left and Petoskey to right. The towns down to Cadillac boast of it’s numerous ski areas known as “Nobs.” Those nobs feed the areas lakes, and wow, there are a lot of lakes! Michigan has more boat owners per capita than any other state. Grandpa doesn’t drive anymore, but he still has a 20’ pontoon with a 50 Horse Johnson. 😂

We arrive at Camp Cadillac after a storm, not a drop of rain did we see, however, Cadillac received 2-4” the day prior and our site showed signs of that event. Our 18,000 pound RV prefers solid ground rather than a sandy bog!

If I was to put a finger on the most beautiful section of this state it would be the pinky... oh, I mean, Charlevoix to Traverse City and around to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The limestone rich water here turns everything Caribbean Blue. Contrast that with the green canopy on Highway M119 through the Tunnel of Trees and the senses come alive!

Each of these towns merit a paragraph or two: Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Traverse City, Glen Haven, Manistee. All reward their visitors, but we will stick to the landmarks of Torch Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes. Both of these rate high on everyones list. Speaking of high, Sleeping Bear Dunes gave us our best views of Lake Michigan. The quartz crystalline sand was deposited by glaciers four million years ago and remains stalwart against the force of nature that challenge it every season. The hike along the steep ridge can be a challenge as it is narrow and sandy, but check out the views.

Torch Lake is well... NUTS! It’s shallow sand bar on the southwest corner is like nothing we have ever seen. Hundreds of boats tie off to each other to create an “Island of Fiberglass and Flesh.” Fueled by petrol and alcohol, there’s a lot going on... just not for us. We choose to eat lunch at the harbor near Alder and become the focus of the boaters interest: you know, two wheels and all. We even have a couple from Indiana pray over the bikes as we ride out. Now that is cool!

And finally, Cadillac! We chose here based on proximity to the pinky. What we learned is that it had one of Rock & Rolls biggest bands in the Palm of it’s hand... at least for one weekend in the fall of ’75. The visit by KISS and the performance at the homecoming dance on October 9th, 1975 is well... Kisstory! Our Facebook, YouTube, and ESPN all chronicle the story. Go Vikings! 😂

Michigan, we are not done with you yet... Kalamazoo offers fewer hiking opportunities, but the bike trails link up directly out our back patio at the Markin Glenn RV Park. We ride the BMW’s to South Haven for our last look at Lake Michigan, and windmill past Holland to Grand Rapids before heading home to “The Zoo.”

“Michigan, I have to hand it to you. ✋

Finding our way through “The Mitten!” 🧤

Thanks for traveling along with us. See you out on the road.

John and Caroline 🍀

Points of Interest:

1. Bike around Cadillac Lake and visit the canal connecting Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. The canal was built as a lifeline during the logging era in the late 1800’s. The River Valley Trail. A nice bike path that will take you all the way in to Kalamazoo or south to Big Rapids.

3. Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum - an aviation museum and indoor amusement park that is a popular location for kids and adults.

Scenic Motorcycle Routes:

1. Follow the Tunnel of Trees along the north coast all the way to Charlevoix. A stop in Harbor Springs is worth the views.

2. Our travels invited us to ride the shores of Lake Michigan with stops at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Grab a map of Michigan and follow the water. You will not regret it.