On Saturday we slept in a little, tired from our fun-filled Friday, which hadn't ended until close to midnight since we decided to head out to find some dark skies for star gazing while the sky was still clear of clouds (and it was amazing!!). The morning sky was overcast and there was rain in the forecast but we figured we had time to get to the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie before it started and then make our way into the lower peninsula while it rained.
The museum at the locks was close for covid but they did have nice signs on the fence giving all the history that was really interesting. We were lucky enough that the rain held off just as this huge freighter pulled in and we watched as it raised up to move from Lake Huron to Lake Superior (or maybe it was the other way...).
Our next planned stop was Petoskey but as we were driving, a friend of Garry's called and suggested we stop at Leg's, a famous German restaurant in Cross Village on Lake Michigan which then leads to the "Tunnel of Trees" on M-119. We were game! The rain that we had traveling south had moved out and the sun was peaking out as we arrived! This place is known for its marvelous gardens overlooking the lake and they didn't disappoint although I didn't actually take many pics of them.
Garry and I aren't big drinkers but we decided "day drinking' was in order for us to kick back in the Adirondack chairs and enjoy the view while we waited for our table. It was early afternoon - about 2 pm - but this place was packed on a Saturday! Covid be damned!
I think we look a little ridiculously happy! We hadn't even really had more than a sip of our drinks!
Legs is named after the white table legs that are part of the architecture of this old stone building.
YOu can see them a little better in this pic.
Next stop - Petoskey! After a visit to The Inn at Bay Harbor, one of my favorite resort hotels EVER, we hit the Skyline Trail to walk through the old-growth pine forest. I had done part of this trail last year and LOVED it. I couldn't wait to take Garry there and it didn't disappoint. Walking in this section is just so ethereal. The ground is so softly covered in pine needles - you almost spring into your next step. It was still a bit damp in the forest from the earlier rains and on the cool side but still so beautiful!
About a mile out on the trail you come to this lookout. It wasn't sunset yet but with the clouds moving back in, it was starting to turn the sky.
We went much further than I had gone last year and loved this section of deciduous trees that were blowing in the wind making those most wonderful sounds!
We left the hike and bee-lined it back to Bay Harbor to catch the sunset. Unfortunately, the clouds were just a little too dark and heavy for there to be many colors. But it was still a nice way to wrap up the evening sitting on the rocks with Garry trying to split the shale with a sharp stone.
Sunday morning was a bit of a whirlwind as we had to head home. We stopped in Charlevoix for breakfast and walk out to the lighthouse and around the docks. Then on to Boyne City where we walked along Lake Charlevoix and through the town where I had spent so much time as a kid. The pic below is at the Boyne City Park.
From there we went to Boyne Mountain for a quick drive by since Garry had never been there and then on to Gaylord where we hoped to buy some cherries but...didn't happen. Next stop, Zehnders in Frankenmuth for their famous chicken dinner!!
We were pretty much worn out and ready for home after stuffing ourselves with what ended up being our last big "meat" dinner! I don't think either of us has had more than a couple ounces of meat since then in our quest for better health.
It was an amazing UP NORTH trip and we had a blast!!
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