Loopin' The Lake: Day 2 Life Is Good

As I write this from home after the trip, I have to say the first half of the day was the best part of trap. I slept good in the stabin' cabin until 2:00 am. Then I was in and out for the next few hours. As soon as I saw day break, I packed up and headed out. I was on the road by 6 am and heading north. It was a bit cooler and damp but the sun helped out the chill about 30 minutes into the trip.

The one thing I noticed about this trip was the little traffic each morning. It was rare that I came across any cars for the first few hours in the morning. That was a nice break. I drove for an hour on 31 until I saw a sign for Arcadia. I remember seeing a video by David at one of bike sites that I read. I turned down the road and headed to Lake Michigan.


After having some time alone at the lake, I headed north along the shore. I came across this site. To me, this was the highlight of the trip. Such a beautiful look out. I never thought Lake Michigan could look like this on the other side.



I then continued to ride out the morning with some scenic roads along with nice welcoming twisy curves. Just the perfect weather and spectaclar scenery which everyone should see at least once.


Going by recommendation on a bike site, I stopped in Petoskey, Michigan for lunch. A nice little town that reminded me a little of Lake Geneva and Madison Wisconsin.

Peppered Turkey on Sourdough. Yummy! (stop at Flat Iron Grill when in town)

After lunch, went to another recommendation, the Legs Inn in Cross Town. The fun part was getting there. I had the GPS take me through me some back roads. It was fun for the fact there was no around me. The bad part was that the roads were covered with pot holes and rutted sections due to overweight trucks.

I was thinking that if I crashed or hit a deer, I might not be found for some time. It was that isolated and did not see many cars. As I think that, I am coming around a corner and the back of the bike slides out from me on loose scattered gravel. Now I have had my share of some slides but this was the longest that I was out of control. It happened so quickly, I did not have time to react. Luckily, the rear tire gripped and I kept going. That is the worse feeling when you are on a bike. I remember my heart pounding and not breathing for a second. Luckily, I was not too far away from my destination.

I was full from lunch so I did not try the authentic polish food. Instead, I walked around and took a few pics.(above) I might rank this place as one I would go see again like in Story, Indiana.


Getting antsy to get to the upper peninsula, I drove over the Mackinaw bride. It is seven miles long and stretches over Lake Michigan. Another gorgeous view. Sorry, no images of this one as there was no place to stop and I did not want to attempt any pictures while driving.

Going west on route 2 was a blast. There is a long section where you ride along the dunes looking at the lake. I made some good time here and made up the miles fast. Then looking down at gauges, I notice I am on my last gallon of gas. Just then, my engine started to sputter and I switched to my reserve. It is not right all the time but usually I have 2o miles left with the reserve. With no gas stations in site, I turn to the GPS unit.

The GPS tells me I have to go 17 miles back to get gas or go drive for another 32. My first thought was that I am not back tracking so I decided to try recheck the GPS for anything new. At this point, I am right at the 20 mile marker if I am going back. No way. I am stubborn like that. I am going to hope for a new gas station going west.

About ten miles go by and nothing. I have 196 miles on my tank. On a good day, I think I can squeeze out 200 miles or so. I have to admit that I was driving a bit faster before hand so I am sure my gas mileage is going to be less than it should. At this point, I am thinking do I stand by my bike and hope someone stops? Do I grab what is valuable off my bike and start hoofing it to the next gas station? I started to sweat this one.

As I went around a long bend, I see this old service station to the side of the road. At first, I thought it was a propane gas place. Then I realize it is a gas station but is it open? Yahooooo! It is open!

I roll in and an older gentleman comes out. He yells,"let me go turn on the pump" with a southern draw.

I don't care what you do, just let me have some gas. Then he explains that he has to double the price on what is on the pump due this being an old rotation pump. What ever. I am filled up again. Whew!

It is getting to be the afternoon. My legs are getting sore and I am ready to call it a day. I wanted to stop in Escanaba which was another hour away. Being bored and not seeing the Lake in a while, I check out the entertainment feature on the GPS. Wouldn't you know it? There is a casino heading. Lets see what is near by and has lodging. Bingo! I am heading to Island Chip In' Casino. It is just west of Escanaba.

I pull in and notice there is at least ten floors at the hotel. I go in to get a room but they are booked! Blah! (I didn't care what the price was, I am making up for the night before).

I drive back a mile to a new place that had the Vacancy sign. Yes! They have a room and I am staying.

I can sit normal on the potty? What a concept!

I found out that Bruce Willis is performing with his blues band at the casino. I was going to go see him but opted for the poker room instead. I should have went to see Bruce Willis.