A good night’s sleep in the petunia room. Showered. Coffee from the in room Kuerig machine. Packed quickly. Backed the bike up a bit so as not to annoy the other guests while the bike was warming up.
Out the door before 7a. I stopped at the Pierre Marquette monument (founder of St Ignace) to get some bridge shots. Sun was just coming up. A spectacular day. 
Left the park, got onto I-75 south and went through the toll booths. Traffic was very light. I got pushed over to the middle lanes because of construction in the outer. I don’t like the middle lanes. Steel grates. Wet from mist. Slippery. The tires seem to wander trying to find traction. Probable more in my mind than anything. Mackinac Island off to my left.
Got to the other side, made it passed the fudge shop and ferry exits and picked up speed. Set the bike to about a 70mph cruise to let the others pass. Heavy fog in some areas. But for the first 200 miles or so – an easy ride. This section of Michigan is beautiful. Rolling hills, forests, lakes and streams.
Fueled up a couple of times. Negotiated traffic that began building south of Bay City. The final 75-100 miles was typical instate travel. Up to speed but with traffic. All in all I was home by noon. Irena was waiting. Good hugs.
Stripped the bike down and got rid of the ‘Grapes of Wrath’ look. Needs a thorough cleaning. Have to get the remnants of those Oklahoma grasshoppers and whatever else is hiding on there. Maybe this weekend. Pushed it into the garage. Showered. Unpacked. And, finally able to get clothes laundered. Yes, I had a cigar.
Looked at my herb garden. Wow. Averaging all over 6′. One is over 8′. What an amazing world we live in.
Final thoughts. Very therapeutic. I would do it again. I just need to talk Irena into it. 4,400 miles +/-. Neat country. Back roads are the best. The bike, did not miss a lick. Did not push any oil. All the rain. It kept performing. Did everything that it was put to. If I had trouble, this story would be different. I am a Honda fan-boy.
Great to be home. Thanks for following!
Life is good.
Awesome trip Paul, thanks for taking us along.
Thanks for following along Mark. I hope all is well.
Paul, I always enjoy reading your posts. It’s like I can close my eyes and see what you’re describing. Glad you had a good and safe ride. I’m sure it feels good to sit on the porch enjoying some scotch and a cigar talking with Irene. Love to you both.
Thanks Kathi! Miss you guys..
Loved taking the journey with you. Glad for the fun, adventurous, safe ride. Hugs from northern Michigan.
thanks for following along Catherine. Finally getting back to normal. Sorry I couldn’t connect up this trip. Soon!
As another of your fans said, thank you for taking us along on your adventure! Glad you are safe at home with stories to tell!
Happily Ever After
Sleep Well
(Thanks for the ride)
When I first started as a supervisor at FIG, I had an employee who, on her 2 week vacation, would hop on a motorcycle and travel from CA to FL, then north to NY and back across country to CA. I didn’t understand it at the time and I still think your 4400 mile trip in just a couple of weeks is crazy, I’m glad you enjoyed it and took me along for the ride via your posts. Thanks and welcome home.
Enjoyed your blog Paul.
Thanks for following along Mel! I hope all is well..
Love following your adventures Paul. Always a great story to tell. Glad you are home safe and sound.