Month: July 2018

East towards Lake Michigan. August, 2018.

We had a pretty normal departure from home. We headed east and south on I94 and then east towards Chippewa Falls and then to Wausau on WI 29 and further east to Shawano and a bit north to the Menominee Casino for an inexpensive overnight. There is a nice park on the lake by Shawano but it was full and has a two night minimum. The Casino was just a parking lot with electric hookups, quiet. Nice restaurant in the casino with a massive Friday night seafood buffet. Way too much food for us. An appropriately sized dinner for the two of us was $17.

Next morning we had about the same distance to go to get to St Ignace but it would take at least two hours longer. Lots of slower speed limits and almost all two lane roads. At Marinette we got to Lake Michigan across Green Bay from Door County. US 35/2 follows along the lake to Escanaba and further along to Manistique. Just past there we stopped for a break and some lunch along the North Shore of Lake Michigan. It is nothing like the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Beach! A sandy beach!

A very nice spot to stop.

And wonderful weather.

Straits State Park, St Ignace, MI.

We are going to be at Straits State Parks for three nights. It is right at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge.

We followed a trail through the woods to this point. And a bit further along to another vantage point.

We stopped for a break at a small beach on the lake. Kids were swimming but reported that the water was cold. They have never been to Lake Superior.

We’re off to explore St Ignace this afternoon. We probably will not go to Mackinac Island, we have been there three times before. But there are plenty of Fudge Shops in town. I might look for another kite.

More later,

Roger and Susan

Away again. July 2018.

So we are heading for Michigan for a while to see what the lower part is like. Many we know have raved about it so we are going for a sampler. We have been to the Upper Peninsula many times now and this trip will be no different. Through the UP on the way over and back.

That means once each way across the Mighty Mac, the Mackinac Bridge. More than 25,000 feet long and 155 feet above the water, it ranks as the 5th longest suspension bridge in the world. For Susan’s sake we will drive in the lane furthest from the edge.

We will spend some time in St Ignace near Mackinaw Island, a few days near East Jordan on Lake Charlevoix, then a week or so down near South Haven at Van Buren State Park on Lake Michigan during the Blueberry Festival and then up to Orchard Beach State Park. Over the bridge to Sault St Marie for a ship watching time, Munising for some beach time and Ontonagon near the Porcupine Mountains for some quiet time on the South Shore of Lake Superior.

All present and correct.

Traffic control gives the clear to launch and we are off.

More later,

Roger and Susan