Lake Charlevoix

Today was a relaxing day.  This morning we rode into a small town called Petoskey to drop Linda off so she could pick up her car.  Then we headed to an auto parts store to purchase a headlight bulb for my bike.  Upon returning back to the Lake House we headed out to Boyne City where Cherif and Linda have their boat at the docks.  What a boat - we certainly don't see any of these boats on the Muskrat Lake!  It has two bedrooms, a kitchen and an upper deck where the skipper navigates the boat.

The wind was a bit on the strong side so we stayed within Lake Charlevoix taking a cruise all along the shore which was very relaxing.  The beautiful homes that are on this Lake are truly amazing.

We went to a quaint little restaurant in Boyne City for a late lunch and then headed back to the Lake House for a very relaxing afternoon.  Take-out pizza was the order for supper and we relaxed and watched the movie "No Country for Old Men" - very interesting and a bit quirky!

Another great adventure with these two great American guys!  I can't believe that we are still riding each summer together - I hope it continues for many years to come as besides my Uncle Ron they are great to ride along with!

All of us said our good-byes tonight as both Miles and I are heading out in the morning as each of us wakes up.  I pretty sure he will be long gone before me!  He is heading back down to Port Huron and crossing at Sarnia and then again at the Falls back into the US and I am crossing up north at Sault Ste. Marie and heading down the dreaded Hwy 17.  I hope to get home tomorrow night to enjoy the rest of my week around home.  It will be approximately 10 to 12 hour bike ride but whose counting!!

Thank you again to my hosts Cherif and Linda for making this Canadian girl feel right at home!  And thanks again to Miles for being the in-house mechanic - you never have to ask if he needs help because it is usually done before you even think about it.  Thanks again guys for another wonderful adventure!

Ludington to Lake Charlevoix

This morning we had kickstands up at 9:00 am.  I seemed to be tired today even though I had a great sleep.  The weather wasn't the greatest - a little cool and rainy at times but we were dressed for it - at least after an hour of shivering we were dressed for it!!

The ride through this part of Michigan is beautiful and the roads were very good compared to the ride from Port Huron to Ludington where they were bumpy and not well maintained.  We arrived in Charlevoix for lunch at a very cute eatery.  As this part of Michigan is famous for its White Fish I decided to have fish and chips.  The fish was very good - light and tasty.  As we were getting on our bikes three or four couples were rounding the corner and were very excited to see our Harley's and wanted to take pictures!  It turns out they are from France.  Very nice people and of course we were more than happy to accommodate them.  I told them I was heading to France next year but was unsure of the exact places that I would be going but that I would be travelling through the mountains.  They indicated that I would absolutely love it.

The view from my window

The ride from Charlevoix around Lake Charlevoix to Horton Bay where Linda and Cherif live was a really nice ride.  There lake house is absolutely beautiful.  I feel like I have arrived in a magazine!  It was a relaxing afternoon watching a ball game as Cherif loves to watch the Detroit Tigers play and is a big fan.  For supper we were treated to steak, baked potatoes, salad, and ice cream with strawberries.  All cooked and done to perfection.

Cherif and Linda's lake house

After supper we watched a very funny movie Burn After Reading written, produced, edited and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen.

Tomorrow we are heading out on the boat or yacht - not sure what you would call a 40 foot boat for a  tour to have lunch and back.  I am very much looking forward to it and should be very scenic and the weather should cooperate.

One other small item we need to do is get my headlight fixed on my bike as the bulb blew so thankfully the handyman Miles is up for the task and deserves a big thank you again for helping me out.

Ferry from Milwaukee back to Ludington, Michigan

We came we saw and we are on our way home.  This morning we didn't get going until around 10:00 am as we did not need to catch the ferry until 2:00 pm.  It was relaxing morning then headed out to one last Harley Davidson Dealer on the road and there were some great deals on the 110th Anniversary clothes.

We stopped and had a quick bite to eat at a Hardy's which I had never been to before - great service for a fast food place and good food.  We arrived at the ferry in time to load and get our bikes tied down and ready for sailing.  The ferry ride seemed a little longer this time even though it was just on time.  Perhaps it was because it is nearing the end of the trip rather than the start of the trip.

As we departed the ferry it just started to sprinkle a bit and I was very glad we had booked rooms at the Holiday Inn Express in Ludington again tonight.  Had supper and then I went down to do my laundry as I am running out of clean clothes!  While I was waiting for the dryer to be available I figured the person that had put their blanket, socks and camisole in would be back shortly after it was finished - but of course they didn't - so I went ahead took them out and folded them so I could put mine in.  She was very rude when she finally arrived thinking I had actually taken her stuff out and put mine in on her dime!!  Wow - how long did she think she had the dryer for anyway!

Well up and on the road for 9:00 am and we will be heading up Hwy 31 to Cherif and Linda's cottage.  I am sure it is beautiful.  Then heading home Tuesday - now whether I go home through Canada or the US is still up for debate but I am leaning Canada and then I should be home on Tuesday night - so I can relax the rest of my vacation and perhaps get some things done around the house that I have been wanting to do - or not!!