Today was everything I want in a great road-trip. The journey itself was the entertainment as I drove from Cheboygan to Marquette. Not only were there great views of Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior along the drive but it also took me over the Mackinac Bridge and through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Although the weather was cloudy and windy there was no threat of rain as I set off along the western coast of Lake Huron to cross the Mackinac Bridge over the straight that connects Lakes Huron and Michigan. It is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere and 5th longest in the world. This was followed by a scenic drive along the north shore of Lake Michigan.
I then turned north to drive up to the southern shore of Lake Superior. This part of the drive was pleasant but not scenic. However, the scenery was on full display as I traveled west through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore which runs along the lake. Like most National Parks this has parking areas at trail heads that lead to some treat at the end. I walked four such trails, two to waterfalls and the others to multiple scenic views over Lake Superior and the multi-color cliffs that give the park its name.
Finally, I continued west along another shoreline scenic byway to Marquette.
To see the journey please go here for the map and video.
The Mackinac Bridge as seen from the northern end.
Miner’s Falls in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
One of the overlooks on Lake Superior
Two views of the pictured rocks (colored cliffs).
Miner’s Falls is beautiful. Thought about you driving around Michigan…it’s cold up here and windy! We leave today. Back to warmer Cleveland. Am really enjoying your blog. Trish
Steve, you are taking some really nice photos and your narrative is fun to read. I am wondering what your route is once past Lake Superior. You know what I am getting at. I want to see a pic of you straddling the Mississippi in Lake Itasca State Park where the great river begins its journey to the Gulf. My understanding is it is about 4 inches deep and a few feet wide as it begins to wind its way through the park.
Don’t know why that interests me so much, but it does. Safe travels, the journal is great.
Hi Tom, thanks for keeping up with me. I just checked out Itasca State Park and it is off the route since it is more than 100 miles from the border. Maybe some other trip. Steve.
Bummer!!
Hello Steve,
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful trip with us. I am discovering places I have never visited and enjoy it very much!
Stay safe,
Amitiés,
Dominique
Day 20! I finally got caught up after some intense driving/video-watching. I should catch up to where you are now by early next week.
Have you made any allowances for car trouble on the trip? That seems like a lot of wear and tear in a short amount of time.
I had the car serviced a few days before leaving and will need to get another service done in Washington or California. Otherwise I just check around the car and look at the tires each morning. If anything goes wrong I can deal with it as I am only booking hotels one day ahead of time so I’m flexible.