Our day started with the sound of raindrops on the roof but when you’re on a motorcycle and on vacation you can’t let that stop you. So we donned our rain gear and headed north in light rain. We reached Mighty Mac which is not a new menu item at Mickey D’s but the local name for the 5-mile long Mackinac Bridge. We had heard it was all open steel grate but the outer lanes were actually paved so we stayed on that side.
We checked in early at the Boardwalk Inn which is a historic hotel turned into a B and B in St Ignace just across the bridge. Our hosts checked the weather radar for us and soon we were back on the road heading north again.
We stopped in Paradise for gas and decided to try a local spot for lunch since we were in a very remote area. The local favorite was the pasty so that’s what we got. This Finnish delight is pie pastry filled with a mixture of ground round, potato, rutabaga, celery and onion. Burl got his with a side of gravy – I had it plain. Must say it was a hit with us both!
Next stop was the Shipwreck Museum where the top draw was the recovered ship bell from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald – the tragedy that was immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot’s song.
Last stop of our tour was Tahquemon Falls where we enjoyed short hikes to both the upper and lower falls. All day long we continually marveled at the vibrant fall colors – absolutely breathtaking! Beats anything we saw in New England when we were there 2 years ago!
We’re back at the B and B now – tired and happy from another fun day of exploring new territory. The weather looks favorable for Mackinac Island!
