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

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

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

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!

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. 

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

Mackinac Island

Never believe the weather forecast!  We were prepared for a cloudy, cold, and chance of rain.  The clouds burned off this morning and the sun came out and no rain.  It was a beautiful day.

We took the hydro jet ferry over to the Island with a detour under the Mackinaw Bridge.  I took a picture of it from the boat. 

We took a horse drawn carriage ride around the island.  There are no cars allowed on the island. There are lots of horses and bicycles.  The history on the island is very interesting as is the lifestyle of the people that live there. 

The average temperature last winter was 22 below!  When the lake freezes, the only way to get to the main land is to snowmobile across the ice.  The 500 people that live there year round stock up now for the winter buying groceries in bulk.

There are beautiful views from all over the island.  We only saw a few.  One of them is The Arch.  It is a natural formation from limestone.  We also enjoyed touring the fort.  It was amazing to see how they lived back in the 1800s.  The fort has a wonderful place to eat that overlooks the harbor.  It felt great to sit out in the sunshine and have lunch. 

We went by the Grand Hotel that boasts the longest porch in the world. (They charge $10 to see it.)  They also employ 700 people during the summer.  It is a beautiful place. 

We were glad we were there this time of year.  I can't even imagine the crowds in the summer time.