Last leg

Followed the coast up from Traverse City and back down along Lake Michigan, setting our sites on finishing near Holland for the day. After lunch in Frankfort, my mind began to drift towards home and sleeping in my own bed. So we decided to stop at Four Winds to gamble and have dinner and then head home. Pulled into the driveway at about 8:45. Another fun adventure completed. The pictures of the scenery plastered across our minds will never be captured by the photos posted on FB. 

To the top of the mitten and beyond

Leaving Tawas City under blue skies. Temps still cool but we really didn't care. Lake Huron on our right, we scooted up the coast. Reaching Mackinaw city it was time for lunch. Nonna Lisa's provided generous portions. Very cute tourist friendly town. The bridge is quite impressive.

On to the tunnel of trees. VERY narrow road with many twists and turns. Very pretty. Would love to see it in the fall. Settled into Traverse City for the night.  

Around the thumb

Set out north along the coast. Lunched in Port Austin. Stopped in at the Bay City HD. Settled in for the day in Tawas Bay. Took a short walk thru town. Back to the hotel for dinner then out to the tiki bar for a couple of drinks. 

Fifth lake and back to the USA

Looking at the forecast we thought we would only have to deal with the rain near  the border at the end of our day in Michigan. Boy were we wrong. Out for about 20 minutes, we ran into a downpour. After a brief Lake Erie siting we headed for Fort Huron, MI. Wave after wave of light rain until we arrived at Sarnia. About 30 minutes waiting to reenter the USA. I would hate to see that bridge at rush hour. 

Time to fall for the Falls

Headed south of North Bay towards Barrie. Another HD stop and then lunch at East Side Marios. 

Traffic going thru Toronto was bumper to bumper. Thank goodness for the HOV lane. 

Arriving at our hotel, we realized that we had placed ourselves in tourist hell. 

After settling in, we walked down to the falls. Amazing views. Just the raw power of the water is awesome. 

After dinner we had some time to kill before seeing the falls at night. So we decided to hit the casino. Second hand at 3 card poker I hit a straight flush. Then about 20 minutes later my name was called for the poker room. Next thing I know it's midnight and I missed the night viewing. ( go figure). 

On to North Bay

Left this morning for Sudbury. On the way we had a doe and her fawn cross in front of us. Far enough ahead that I could slow down. Never close, but cautious.  ;-)

Wonderful views of Lake Huron and winding rivers that flowed along hwy 17. 

Figuring on stopping at the local HD, but forgot to check if they were open. Oooops. After a nice lunch at Buzzy Browns, we went on to North Bay. Started to rain about halfway. Not hard at first, but the rain started coming down bad for the last 20 minutes of highway riding. 

Crossing over

Left Sheboygan after breakfast and headed north. Taking a detour of sorts, we went to Marquette and drove along Lake Superior. Crossing over into Canada was uneventful. Checked into the hotel and walked to the Ontario lottery run casino. Had dinner and played some. 

Rainy start to the trip

After a full day of work, we loaded up the bike to try and beat the rain. We started to get drizzled on after about 30 minutes. Never got poured on, but a steady light rain almost until the Wisconsin border. Finally got sunshine near Sheboygan. Done for the day. 

Home

Left Nashville this morning. We wanted to take a more scenic route. Our intention was to take the Road between the Lakes. The weather dictated otherwise. We took 24w to 57n. Stopping for lunch in Salem, it was decided that continuing on 57 would put us squarely in the path of the storm. We changed over to 51n until it ran into 55 near Bloomington. 

Even with the change, the trip was made in under 10 hours. 

The next adventure begins June 26 after work. 

Nashville

After a light breakfast, we headed out towards Nashville. We knew the weather was waiting for us, so about 60 miles out we geared up in our rain suits. About 30 miles out of town we rode into it. Traffic was light so no big deal. Arrived at the hotel. Showered rested and then headed to Demos (my fav spot here) for lunch. Took a walk up to Legends to see Niki. 

Back to the hotel for a swim and a nap. 

Dinner and relaxing are the order of the evening. 

Robbie and Rita's

Every year for the past 10 years Robbie and Rita have invited family and friends to their home on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. I have made the trip several times and this is Laura's 2nd. 

The highlight, as usual, was Robbie's heartfelt toast to those who have passed defending our great land. 

Later in the evening, 3 flags were properly retired. As Al played taps, 3 of our veteran party guests stepped to the fire, unfurled their flags and placed them in the fire. Robbie narrated the ceremony and then called the current and former military in attendance to attention. 

As alway, the food was abundant and the drinks flowed. A great time was had by all. 

Saturday's ride

Rode down to the HD dealership near the Dragon. Taking 140 to 129. 129 is a great ride, very pretty very curvy. Headed out of the dealership and up the gorgeous Foothills Parkway. Went out to Pigeon Forge, then back to the hotel. 

Cotton-Eyed Joes

Dinner at carraba's. 

Picked up by Robbie and Rita. Headed out to Joe's for drinking and dancing. Met up with Paul, Les and Amy(locals). Joined later by Lisa and Jeff(from IL). 

I do like a country bar that plays country music. (At least until the kids start showing up)

Knoxville

Arrived at the fabulous Microtel in Knoxville around 2. Decided to rest up before dinner and dancing later. Looking forward to the weekends events. 

After work ride

After a smooth 5 hour ride, we found a hotel in Shelbyville, In. Dropped the bags in the room and ran off to the Waffle House for Dinner. 

Hi all!!
We are Gary and Laura.

This blog will feature highlights and lowlights of our road trips on my 2014 HD Limited.

Our first trip this year is a holiday celebration at our friends Robbie & Rita's in the Knoxville area for the Memorial day weekend.

Trip begins Thursday the 21st of May 2015 after work.

We are new to this, so bear with us.