On Monday we headed for Gladstone, clocking up over 90 miles. Once there, we stayed with Scot, a very hospitable Warmshowers host, for the night.
The next day we had a slow start due to some rain, but we got underway after lunch and headed about 60 miles further east into the UP to Manistique. That night we shacked up in the garage of the local police and fire station behind the fire trucks... ah got to love the smell of diesel when you're napping :)
Wednesday the 28th we headed east 97 miles to St Ignace, finishing our crossing of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We camped at the state park there where we could see the view of the Mackinaw bridge and the two lakes, Huron and Michigan, either side of it.
The next day we took a sight seeing day, crossing into the lower peninsula by way of Mackinac Island. We caught a ferry over to the island and spent the day soaking up the sun and sights of the island -- by bike of course, as the island allows no motor traffic, only bicycles and horse-drawn carts. We took a dip in chilly Lake Huron and cycled up to the highest point on the island to take in the stunning vista. That evening we hopped another ferry over to Mackinaw City and camped out for the night in a park with a stunning view of the bridge.
The following morning though we sought refuge in the Mackinaw City Bakery from the morning storms. We managed to get on the road after lunch, making it a further 30-odd miles down the trail to Indian River where we stayed with Warmshowers host Dorothy and John at their place on Burt Lake. They cooked us a fabulous meal and took great care of us.
On the 31st we rode on to Charlevoix along the Lakeshore Trail, taking in the beautiful sights of Lake Michigan along the way. We stopped in Petoskey for lunch and some much-needed supply shopping. We then camped for the night at Fisherman's Island campground and had dinner on the beach while we watched the sun set.
The following day was the first day of September and we arrived in Traverse City that afternoon. We took in the local beach and enjoyed cider at the local brewing company before heading over to meet our Couchsurfing hosts, Jen And Jordan. They cooked us a delicious meal made from fresh produce grown their garden, followed by homemade ice cream to die for.
Then this morning it was rainy and they are forecasting more rain for the afternoon, so I imposed a rest day before tomorrow when we will begin to head south to Grand Rapids.
Looks beautiful there. Thank you very much! :) to Jen Jordan in Traverse City for having Itchy and Mitts over to stay
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