GETTING LOST AND SAYING GOODBYE

Yesterday was a day of confusion and calamity. Every trip has one and we didn't miss out this time. It all started when somehow we lost Cherif as we left Duluth. There is a bridge just beyond our hotel and a really confusing series of turns to get to it.Well, Kim and I got across and no Cherif. After waiting a bit we decided to push on and look for him along the road. About 50 miles later we stopped to get gas, waited a few minutes and along came Cherif! Once was not enough though as later in the day, my GPS had us turning left, Cherif thought it was wrong so went straight. Now, because he is from Michigan, we turned around and followed him, only to see him coming the opposite way. He didn't see us and so it was that about 50 miles later we found him getting gas. Keystone Cops?
The ride yesterday was outstanding though all things considered. For a good part of it we had Lake Superior on our left, then Lake Michigan on our right. My problem was that I knew the day would end with a trip across the Mackinaw Bridge. Now, I have avoided this bridge for years but not this time. Now the worst part of crossing a bridge on a motorcycle for me is grating, I HATE IT! This time I thought I was going to be OK because one lane is grating and one is paved BUT, the paved part was closed about 1/3 of the way across............damn...........anyway, I made it, no problems, yesterday was not the day the bridge was going to collapse and yes, I am a big baby when it comes to heights and bridges. We landed in Mackinaw City for the night

This morning started out with the sadness of having to say goodbye to Cherif. He headed for home while Kim and I headed south towards home. Cherif and I have done a trip for the past 8 years now. We have become good friends and he is a really good riding partner. Always hard to say so long.

This morning we were able to explore a light house on the northern shore of Lake Michigan and followed that up with a nice day riding along the coast of Lake Huron. It was another spectacular weather day and the riding was really good

We stopped at another Harley dealer today and I spoke to a woman that was there having her bike serviced. She had also been to Montana and lives in New Hampshire. It also turns out she is the partner of the brother of one of my high school classmates! Small world!

Tonight we are staying just across the Canadian border in Port Huron. We hope to get home later tomorrow so that Kim can get to New Jersey for the services for her Grandmother