Sunday, September 28, 2014

Home safe and sound!

We had a great breakfast at the B&B we stayed at.  I'm going to miss that!   We had such a nice time there and really enjoyed the owners Rick and Lorrie.  We hope to go back again some day.

The ride home was beautiful - sunny and warm!  We took all back roads for the most part.  (We wanted to miss the Big E traffic.)  We stopped at a little cafe in Massachusetts for a sandwich which was great.

But now it's back to reality!  We've already been to the grocery store, cleaned, and have the laundry going. 

It's been an unbelievable two weeks.  From the people we've met and the places we've seen, it's been incredible.  We're not sure where to next but that's part of the fun too.  So many places to see....

Today's Mileage:  151

Total trip mileage:  2,470

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Rest and Relax!

We had a quiet day here.  The sunrise was beautiful.  After an early morning walk, we came back to the Inn for a terrific breakfast.  It was definitely better then the hotel lobby breakfasts we've had the last couple of weeks! 

After breakfast, we took a hike where we went last night in the dark to see the beaver dam in daylight.  It was incredible to see it all in the daylight.  We continued on past the dam and over a snow mobile bridge and up a couple of big hills to reach an empty field at the top with beautiful views.

We had lunch outside in the shade because by that time it was getting pretty warm.  We put in the canoe that they have for the guests to use and paddled around the entire lake.  It was beautiful.  There were some huge fish jumping and lots of ducks around. 

One last dinner on the deck by the lake and a fire in the pit ended our day.  It was just what we were looking for before we go back to reality!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Mariaville Lake Bed and Breakfast

We left Niagara Falls this morning and headed for our destination for the weekend - Mariaville Lake, NY.  The ride was all highway except the last 10 miles.  We really missed the quiet highways of the UP today!

We arrived at 4 and were immediately welcomed by Lorrie, one of the inn keepers.  It is a beautiful old house and every room is different.  Our room is beautiful and faces the lake.

Last night we had a fantastic dinner in a revolving dining room overlooking Niagara Falls.  Tonight we had wraps and potato salad on the little deck on the lake.  What a switch but we are happy doing either!

After a cup of coffee on the deck, we went on a "night walk" with the inn owners, Rick and Lorrie.  It was awesome (and a little bit scary).  We learned a lot about night vision (no flashlights allowed) and checked out some constellations and satellites.  We also trekked through some woods to a beaver dam.  At first, we could hear the beavers   slapping the water.  Rick brought a night scope and we could see the beavers swimming around.  It was really cool. 

When we got back from our walk, some of the other guests had started a fire so we joined them for awhile and had a fun time.

Tomorrow, Rich and I are going to repeat the hike and see the beaver dam in the daylight.

Mileage:  295 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Niagara Falls Canada

We are having difficulty getting used to being in traffic and having so many people around.  After being in the UP and having roads all to ourselves, it was a bit of a shock sharing the road with so many people!  We decided we really liked it being quiet. 

We arrived in Niagara Falls around 12:30.  We had a great pizza at Zappi's and then headed to the Falls.  I can see why it's much prettier on the Canadian side.  It is really an amazing site (and sound).  We took lots of pictures but you really need to see it and hear it personally. 

We walked all afternoon.  We were really surprised at some sections near the waterfall.  It reminded us of Time Square in NY.  I can't even imagine being here in season.  It has to be crazy! 

After having Rich take pictures all afternoon of the Skylon Tower, we called and we're able to get dinner reservations.  It was phenomenal (all except the elevator ride up and down the outside of the building!).  As we ate dinner, the tower slowly turned.  The views were awesome and the food was great.  On a clear day, you can see 80 miles away. 

After dinner we walked some more and yes we did end up at the casino and left them $25.  We were waiting for the lights on the Falls to light up.  It is cool but I don't think the different colors really add much to the natural beauty of the Falls. 

Tomorrow back to the states!  We are heading to Mariaville Lake Bed and Breakfast in NY for the weekend. 

Mileage:  167

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Chi-cheeman Ferry Ride

We had breakfast this morning at Carol`s and Earl`s Restaurant. It was a short walk from where we were staying.  It certainly was the small town diner!  (We later saw them getting the mail off the ferry.)

This was an awesome way to travel.  The ferry was huge!   (It can hold up to 240 cars.)  They had campers and trucks towing boats and commercial trucks.  They have car lifts to put another level of cars.  We had to tie down our bikes so they didn't tip over. 

A lot of people use this ferry to save time traveling and gas $$.  To drive around is about an 8 or 9 hour drive.

While we were waiting to load the ferry, we talked to a couple of guys that had been fishing.  They gave us lots of info on the area and were interesting to talk to.  They went over the weekend before when the weather was so bad up here.  They said you couldn't believe the swells. 

It was a beautiful day today and the water was very calm.  They have chairs and benches out on the decks so that people could enjoy the ride outside.  Inside they have a dining room and tables and even a gift shop.  The trip takes a couple of hours and it went by quickly.

We got off the boat, put on our gear and headed for Owen Sound.  It's not that far but it will cut down on our ride to Niagara Falls for tomorrow. 

Mileage:  70

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

South Baymouth, Canada

What a day!  It was picture perfect.  It started at Sault Ste. Marie, MI where Rich got to see another boat go through the Locks before we left. 

We went over the the International Bridge into Canada.  Let me tell you that the bridge is high and long but thankfully it wasn't windy.  Oh and guess what happens when you get into Canada?  Things to start to be in kilometers!!  :(  Once I changed my GPS over to kilometers, it was much easier!

We went on 17 to 6 to get here and we were pleasantly surprised that it was a beautiful ride. We were expecting boring highway riding. The scenery was terrific. The leaves are changing and we had beautiful views of the water popping up.  The towns are so small. Population:  400, 600, 3600 etc.  When you saw a gas station, you stopped! 

We are at a little family owned motel right on the water across from the ferry.  We are getting on it tomorrow morning to cross the Georgian Bay and land in Tobermory and then we are taking a short drive to Owen Sound for the night.

It is unbelievably quiet here.  We had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches tonight sitting outside looking out on the water. I think we saw 2 cars go by.  They even have old fashion telephone booths.  We don't have service here and we're really surprised that they have Wi-Fi.

We're looking forward to the ferry ride tomorrow.

Today's Mileage:  240

Monday, September 22, 2014

Pictured Rocks Cruise

We are so glad we stayed in Munising this morning to do this boat tour.  It was so worth it.  The pictures just don't do it justice!  The colors and arches and steep walls with holes in them are beautiful and we're told that the colors vary at different times of the day. 

We had a quick lunch at our favorite cafe,  Falling Rock and then hit the road to ride across the middle of the UP on M28.  Finally, we had perfect riding weather!  The leaves are just starting to turn so it was a beautiful ride.

We found a cute little motel right across the street from the Sault Ste. Marie Locks.  As soon as we parked the bikes, we were off to see the Locks and explore the town.  We had to wait an hour before a boat came through the Locks but it was worth it.  It's quite the sight and truly amazing to watch it from the viewing platform.

We went to have our last dinner in Michigan so it only seemed fitting to have the local cuisine of a pastey.  We decided we're going to have to try making them at home. 

Tomorrow we are headed over the International Bridge into Canada. 

Mileage: 

(Joe Vernali this one is for you!)

128!

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Munising-Rain, Cold, and Windy!

The reason we put Munising on our itinerary was too see the Picture Rocks on a boat tour.  Today was the day to do it but Mother Nature had other plans. The boat was cancelled due to high winds and a small craft advisory. It was 48 but the "real feel" was 37. 

So we spent bits and pieces of our day at the Falling Rock Cafe.  A delightful place within walking distance of our motel.  We had breakfast there, went back for a mid-afternoon coffee and game of checkers, and then a light dinner.  It was a bit like being in the Cheers bar by dinner time.

The upside was the rain stopped so then it was just cold and windy.  We also did the glamorous job of doing some laundry.   

We were going to leave in the morning for Sault Ste. Marie but decided we really want to see the Picture Rocks so we're going on the morning tour and leaving in the afternoon instead. 

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Big Spring (Kitch-iti-kipi)

Last night there were unbelievable thunder storms.  I'm so glad we weren't in a tent!  The rain continued all morning so our early start didn't happen.  We had a nice dry ride though so it was worth waiting out the rain.

We were on a highway that had very little traffic and not much civilization.  So when we saw signs for the Hog Island Store, we stopped.  We had a pasties (pass-teas is how it is pronounced).  We talked with the owner of the shop and the campground while we had our lunch.  It was really good.  I haven't tried the smoked fish yet. :-)

We headed to Manistique to see the springs.  It was such a surprise to see how green and clear the water was there.  We took a raft that was on a cable that was operated by a big wheel that people turned to move the raft.  It had a glass bottom so you could see the springs and the fish.  It is stocked by local hatcheries that "retire" their fish there.  Lots of old Indian folklore in the area.

We left there and had a nice ride to Munising.  The trees are really starting to turn here and it was definitely warmer.  The wind was really gusty so we had to fight that but at least it was warm!

We took a walk down to the water to see Lake Superior and had dinner had the Dogpatch.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and we can do the Picture Rock Boat Cruise tomorrow.

Miles:  165