Season III - Chapter 2

The U.P. and Heading Down...

“St. Ignace, The Island, The Soo, and The Mighty Mac too!”

St. Ignace, Michigan

Our final week in the Upper Peninsula begins with a Harvest Host stop at the most unusual of locations: The Gourd Barn in Moran. One would think anyone restoring a 100 year old barn into an artist studio was “out of their gourd,” but you would be wrong. Gourds, leafs, and all forms of plant life become the canvas here. Our night was highlighted by a bonfire gathering and great conversations with other travelers heading in all directions. The next morning we depart for St. Ignace with Michigan Maple Syrup in hand, purchased from our host as a trade for the one night stay.

The Lakeshore Park in St. Ignace was appropiately named, as a well thrown stone from our RV could hit the banks of Lake Michigan. Add to that a view of the Mighty Mac and we are set for the coming week.

St. Ignace is the second oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. behind only St. Augustine, Florida. It’s strategic location to Mackinac Island, as well as Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, have provided it with 351 years of stories. It is from the harbor here that we ferry over to Mackinac Island for the day, first traveling under the bridge, it is a sight to behold from any angle... more on that later.

The Island is a capsule frozen in time. With a population of 470 permanent residents, it explodes by 10,000 a day during the summer season. Although not our typical destination (a bit touristy for our taste) we did enjoy our hike around the island and a nice meal of brisket with brussels sprouts at the Great Turtle Brewery. The island fudge stores are eclipsed only by the Grand Hotel, a true monument to Michigans wealthy history.

Our motorcycle ride this week was to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. This amazing testament to mankind’s ingenuity was a first for us. Watching a 1000 foot Iron Ore Freighter be lifted 21 feet in a matter of minutes is boggling... to the mind that is. 🤯 We finished off our travels to yet another of Michigan’s numerous lighthouses, the Point Iroquois Light Station, the views of Lake Superior never get old.

Our hike this week was under a bridge... no, not that one... the Cut River Bridge, famous for it’s Trolls Doorway under the Northside. A great hike up ⬆️ under ↪️ down ⬇️ and across ➡️… now that’s a hike!

And finally, The Mighty Mac!!! It is the link between the Yoopers (upper) and the Trolls (below the bridge) in the Mitten. The image deserves it’s place, “Pure Michigan” on the states vehicle license. Truly Mighty, the bridge serves as the backdrop to firework shows, bicycle rides, and perhaps one of the best photos of the Milky Way Caroline ever took. Like the Mac itself, it will leave you breathless...

The Upper Peninsula delivered more than promised and we will be back... as soon as temperatures return. 🥶

“St. Ignace, The Island, The Soo, and The Mighty Mac too!”

Travel safe and we will see you “In the Mitten.”

John and Caroline 🍀

Points of Interest:

1. Mackinac Bridge: Be sure and stop at the Bridge View Park. We enjoyed the video and memorials to those that built this bridge. Five lives were lost during the building of the bridge that was completed in 1958.

2. Mackinac Island: This island does not allow motorized vehicles so it explored by foot, by bike, or by horse drawn carriage.

3. Bike to downtown St. Ignace: We made two stops: Connor’s Park (thinking of our oldest son) and the Thursday evening Farmers Market. What a treat to find local, fresh fruit and veggies to purchase.

4. Hike: Cut River Bridge trail that is just a short drive from the RV park.

5. Fireworks and Night Photography: St. Ignace and Mackinaw City have routine fireworks throughout the summer weeks.

Scenic Motorcycle Routes:

1. Soo Locks: Riding the straight road of I-75 to the Son Locks on the U.S. and Canada border was definitely worth the ride. We arrive in the town of Sault Ste Marie in order to pay our respects to the ships and boats that pass through these waters. The number of miles that these vessels travel through is remarkable.