Loopin' The Lake: Day 1 with pics

Day One is in the books and let’s hope that I have nothing more to report tonight. I did get out on the road 15 minutes earlier than expected. It was a bit cool but with the sun coming up, it quickly warmed up.

I was pretty excited to get to use the new GPS since I just installed it yesterday. Not five minutes from home and the unit shuts itself during a “calculation”. Ugh?

I turned it back on and it appears to be working I entered another destination. Whamo!

“What the hell!”

I did not pack any maps or directions due to the fact I was relying on ol’ technology. It was OK through Chicago but let’s hope some of the ol brain kicks in here.

I took the TRI-State from 41 and proceeded south through Chicago. Thanks to a holiday weekend, traffic moved rather quickly. I made it to the Loop in an hour. As I passed by US Cellular, I gave a quick salute to the stadium. I then took 94 to 95th Street and headed east into the sun. “Blinded by the light….”

The plan was to stay off the interstate but I wanted to blast through Chicago. When I entered Calumet City and then Gary, I wish I took the skyway. Not because of the neighborhoods, which was better than expected but there was A LOT of stop lights.
Tip: Stick to the Skyway. You will thank me later.

After leaving Gary and being on route 12, it became a gorgeous ride with tall towering tree right up to the road side. Mind you that I have still not seen Lake Michigan, I pass a few State Dune Parks. I was going to stop but figured the ride was just right and no one was around me. It was time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the morning ride.

As I was nearing Michigan, I did decide to stop at Mount Baldy State Dune. I think I went because the name made me giggle. This is probably the same reason why people stop at Bong Recreation in Wisconsin. You just have to see what it is all about.

I pull into the parking lot. There is a man sleeping in his car and a truck parked with some visitors walking towards it. I look for a place to park where I can go see the lake but still can keep an eye on my bike. No such luck. There is a HUGE hill where you can’t even walk up it due to weathering. Every year, the sand moves one foot closer to the highway. The state is trying to slow down that process with a fence there. There was a walking trail to the lake but it was 15 minutes. OK, back on the bike.

I make into Michigan. No breakfast, no GPS and no water. As I cross into an intersection in New Buffalo, I see Lake Michigan to the north. I go up a block to finagle my way back to the Lake. Wait, do I see an all day breakfast place? The Lake can wait.


I had a most eggcelent breakfast eating one of my two favorite breakfasts, eggs benedict with red roasted potatoes. The other would be a ham n cheese omelet with hash browns.
After eating my breakfast on the patio and checking in at home, I head to get my first picture.

My first look at Lake Michigan

Following route 12 east for some time, I felt like I had to be heading north. I stopped at a gas station to check the connection for the GPS. Sure enough, my wires came loose at the battery connector. You mean they have to connect to work?

Filling up and figuring where I was at, I was an exit away from where I had to go north. Driving for about 10 minutes and the damn GPS goes out again. I think I had Curly in my head saying “ohhhh, wise guy! Ruff Ruff”

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Yosemite Sam

I made another stop. Sure enough, the wire came loose. Good thing for me that I brought my MacGyver Black Electrical Tape and a piece of thread. I threw out the thread and placed the tape over the wires. As of right now, the unit still works.

On the road again, I made my way over to “old 31” and the Blue Star Memorial Highway. To me, this has been the best road of the day. Long winding roads next to tall pines and native trees. Seeing glimpse of Lake Michigan as I drive by houses. Open roads with no to little traffic. That is what this trip is all about. I am lovin’ it.

Pulled Pork from Hog Wild... yummy

I then stopped in Holland Michigan, a nice little thriving town. I was looking for a place to pull over to stretch my legs and get a drink but then I smelled barbecue. I quickly jump lanes and head in for lunch. The pulled pork was awesome and highly recommended.

My bike is getting jealous that I am checking out a HOG.

Getting ready to leave, I notice my bike slumping over more than usual. I saddle up and notice that the kickstand sank into the newly tarred parking lot. I left a three inch hole! Time to go! (no picture taken)

Above two pictures were taken in St. Joesph, Michigan

OK, GPS working, I head for a town called Lundington. The unit takes me out of the way that I wanted to go but figured it was OK because I am no hurry. The road, highway 11, I believe, is actually a cool little open road. Again, little traffic. Next thing I know, I look down at my GPS and I am heading east towards Grand Rapids where I should be going North and back near the lake front. When I see the sign for Flynt, I realized I am really going the wrong way. I give the middle finger to the Flynt sign for raising such a bastard son as in Michael Moore and quickly turn around.

To make up for my loss miles, I head to the interstate and race back to the lake. Damn my ass is sore. Another hour to the final destination? OK, I keep going on. Now the fun part in which I debated for two weeks; find a reasonable hotel.

Once in Ludington, I stop at a few no name hotels on the main strip. The first one wanted $74.99 plus tax. I keep going. As I get closer to the lake, the price goes up. The next Ma and Pa place was $100. I hear my buddy Matt in my head telling my I should have booked ahead of time. Blah…..

I decided to leave town and keep going north. Typing in the GPS for local lodging, I find myself and some retirement trailer park. Blah…

I think this unit was used in the Grapes of Wrath

Then I find this little gem. On the main route that I am taking, I come across individual cottages or prisons, pending on how much of the silver spoon are in your mouth. The front office is in the bar where they also have a fish fry tonight. The presumed young owner tells me its $45 for the night and they have room. Hot Dog! Take that Matt!

I get my key and park the bike next to my palace. You can see the details from the pictures. I walk in and holy moly Batman, it is musky in here. I look under the bed for any dead redneck hookers and the coast is clear.

To sum this up, there is no AC, no cable, no phone and I have to sit sideways on the potty to do the number 2. Rob Zombie called. He wants to shoot his next film here.

As I said, let’s hope things are quite tonight. I think I am going to bed early. I have two channels to choose from. I am now going to smoke a cigar and clear out the room.