Chevy Suburban vs. Chevy Sonic

All things seldom go as planned.  It was to be a happy haircut day.  Stopping at the ATM for some US currency for the trip, fuel, haircut then an oil change.  As I left the gas station at the light a young lady in a very small Chevy Sonic ran the light and encountered the  Suburban.  No injuries.  Every air bag in her car went off. The Suburban while proving its stoutness, will not make the trip.  Police, tow, insurance company, body shop, and rental replacement set up, quickly done.

That was Thursday. Friday was last minute calls with contractors, installers, laundry etc. A month is a long time to be on the road.

Saturday
To Enterprise to pick up the car. Last minute stuff. You know. “What do you mean you don’t have the car you promised would be here?” It worked out eventually. Last minute stuff. Packing the car, shutting down the house and getting out of town.

Google maps rerouted us immediately because of northbound construction. Through Lansing. Football at Michigan State and an accident added about 45 minutes. Once north of Lansing and past the Indian Casino, traffic dropped.
In about 4 hours after leaving home we were nearing our destination for the night and stopped for a quick break and leg stretch at Lake Michigan. I could feel the stress finally start to ease.

Then the last few miles to Mike and Catherine’s. On the big lake just off M-22, which is a coastal road in NW Michigan. An excellent evening with our hosts. Mike has an excellent selection of adult beverages, a 1958 Corvette and too much other stuff to even mention. Catherine had a great dinner set up for us (thank you again, it was soooo good!). Beautiful evening weather, great conversations watching the sun set over the lake.

Sunday
Next morning we took our time, breakfast, loaded the car, and on the road by noon. Headed north on M-22. One mile down the road our first stop. Arcadia Bluffs golf course. A guy in a golf cart meets you in the parking lot to take you up to the clubhouse. Its worth a stop just for the views. It was foggy and therefore limited views. Nevertheless, we tried. Right

Continued north along the shore. Big storm cell pushing up behind us. We stopped at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. Drove through. Good thing I had my ‘senior’ lifetime National Park pass. We didn’t have to pay the $25 scenic tour fee. Couldn’t see a thing with the fog. Exited and headed to Traverse City. An hour later or so we took a quick break, walked around downtown for a bit then got on the road. Storm getting closer. Nice driving. Most of the tourists have gone home. Many businesses already shut down for the winter.
Decided to head for the Upper Peninsula. Weather looming. Up through Charlevoix, Petosky, Harbor Spings, quick break at Carp Lake,

Mackinaw City and over the bridge. So foggy you couldn’t see the suspension towers or the water. St Ignace – founded 1671.. Stopped for some beverages. Found a great little motel with petunias. Next door was a fine little place called ‘Johnny’s on 2’. Dinner, a cocktail and back in the room by 8. Totally beat even though driving less than 200 miles.

Thats ok. We’ll get our groove. We have about 25-30 days left to work on it :-). Tomorrow north, then start heading west.
Life is good