DRIVING USA: NORTH...TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Hi everyone.

Jut a quick note first to say thank you to everyone for reading and your comments we've received on the blog and personally. Nice to know we're being read!

What an interesting day we've had. We awoke to a really thick fog settled over the township of South Haven. Even down by the lake you couldn’t see anything which was a shame. We had decided to go via some side roads northwards and they took us through lovely leafy suburbs that reminded me a bit of Vancouver, Canada. A quick stop when we saw some big stores, Neil gobsmacked at the cheap prices of building materials and even ride on mowers – are we being ripped off in New Zealand? Driving into northern Michigan we found ourselves in Manitsee. We were driving through and I glimpsed down a side street, which in fact was the main business/shopping area. Oh, my – what a gem of a town. Built I believe around 1905 there was a huge steel mill factory from 1907 – not sure if still operating, and the buildings were really quaint. The townspeople had down the town proud, the curbs all lined with potted flowers, hanging baskets. Just glorious. Really worth a stop.

Streets of South Haven - not the best pic, but they were cute cottages

On from there we headed through Traverse City (kiwis think of a large Taupo township). It buzzed, lots of old buildings and a circus being erected.

Having gone off the interstate and taking the small side roads, though longer, as far as scenery is concerned it has been really worthwhile. Some of the small towns are so cute and worth a visit. We are now thinking how we can find a route back to south of Joliet, without going NEAR Chicago.

After Traverse City we headed north again – we’re getting close to the Canadian border – and we have stopped for the night at Petoskey. It’s a bit of a resort town, casinos etc but nothing like Vegas. We’re staying at a Days Inn. Great deal – we get free food from their cafeteria – whenever we like from 6 a.m. to 10pm! Yes. True. So dinner, breakfast and a sleep and shower for $59.00! Can’t complain about that. I even managed to get my veggies!