Onward and Upper Peninsula Michigan: July 9, Day 73

Heading north from Interlochen on our way to the Upper Peninsula, the biker friends I’d met at Kreuger’s Fish Market in Mackinaw City several days ago said we had to stop for lunch at the Thirsty Sturgeon in Wolverine, MI next to the Sturgeon River. Known for their fried Reuben Balls (and t-shirts that reference having balls) and their white fish pate, we had to try it. We would never have stopped there much less found it had it not been for their personal recommendation. Definitely a local spot, it turned out to be perfect for a Lily chuck it fest and great, local food.

We met a delightful, enthusiastic threesome who had stopped for lunch on their float trip down the Sturgeon River. They just pulled up their raft onto the shore and walked over for lunch. They were so enthusiastic about Michigan and gave us several recommendations for places to go in the Upper Peninsula. They epitomize so many of the people we’ve met in Michigan who are friendly, love their state and want to share it with us.

Getting back on the road, we traveled back to Mackinaw City and over the Mackinaw Bridge, where we’d been four days earlier for four days. The bridge is a suspension bridge like the Golden Gate and spans Lake Huron to the Upper Peninsula.

The long stretch on the Upper Peninsula was a direct western shot through a long column of pine trees on both sides of the two lane highway and on the left side behind the row of trees was the top of Lake Michigan. Having grown up on the southwest side of Lake Michigan (Highland Park, IL), it was a highpoint for me to drive over the northern top of the lake. An hour’s drive west, we arrived at Indian Lake State Park, just outside of Manistique. Unlike the last two campgrounds we’ve been in, we are in a wide open space, no trees, that backs into the lake. The lake has a steady action of waves and the sound is soothing and exciting at the same time. I love the sound of water.

Of course, Lily was relentless in her pursuit of ball throws into the water. Nonstop. We met a lovely couple camping next to us and feel very comfortable in this new place. Tomorrow, we’ll head up to the Lake Superior side of the Upper Peninsula which is supposed to be beautiful. It feels good to be back on the road again, heading west slowly but surely.