Toby and I will go along with whatever is planned. We are looking forward to the trip. We start in Atlanta on the 8th thru the 11th then Memphis till the 14th. then up to Mi.

 

OK, I am just catching up on these possibilities. Just printed my application for parking at the Royal Oak Car Show in the Park for the Woodward Dream Cruise, and this trip to Northern Michigan (seems like the UP?) seems good to me, too.

Since I live just about 2 miles off Woodward Avenue, and used to work at Chrysler in Auburn Hills (and some at Karmann in Germany), I can be a bit more flexible about this thing.

Clint

 

Since I have not heard any more from Wolverine or seen anything else on this subject, I’m going to post up my plans (which are quite flexible at this point……..and up for discussion):

• Depart Hotel at approx. 9:00 am Sunday and make the 6+ hour trip to Munising, MI and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hotels for this area range from $100 to $200 per night using AAA and Travelocity. I have not chosen a hotel yet and all recommendations are welcome.
• Take a Pictured Rocks Cruise ($36) at either 5:00 pm or 7:00 pm (advantages for each)
• Depart Hotel Monday and head back East toward Au Sable Lighthouse (I understand that it is a 1.5 mile hike to the lighthouse via hard packed road or along the beach. The walk along the beach takes you by 3 shipwrecks so bring your flipflops).
• There are numerous waterfalls along the way that are possibilities but the destination from Au Sable is Tahquamenon Falls.
• From the falls, the next destination is Soo Locks and all that it has to offer.
• And from there, finish up in St. Ignace at Castle Rock.

I debated running it in the reverse order but figured that it may be better to make the long run first and sightsee our way back, since we have been sitting around Auburn Hills for a couple of days, rather than add the long run to the trip back home. Again, that is up for discussion.

There will be another night or two in hotels, which we will figure out along the way and depends on where we are and what we are doing.

Again, I’m not trying to take over but these are just some of the highlights that I am personally interested in. I have never been to the UP and I’m not familiar with that area at all and have no idea what timeframes are required for each location or how the roads are in between. In lieu of Wolverine posting his plans……I thought I would toss this out to see if anyone is interested or has other suggestions for adding to or deleting from my list and if anyone wants to join in. I have a GPS and a “Sense of Adventure.”

Let’s discuss!!!

 

Hi Dan your route sounds good to me. I have been told by many of my friends here to see all of the places that you picked.

 

Dan, Sounds like a good plan. We did that similar trip the first year.

I would suggest you take the boat tour through the Soo Locks. Go to the tour building first so you can reserve a time to come back.

Pictured Rock Boat Trip is an awesome ride. But be warned, it gets quite boring between leaving the dock and actually getting to the "Rocks". Some catch a nap on the ride back.

Check here for some pics: http://www.cincinnaticomm.com/james1.../mich2010.html

James

 

I like the plan Dan. All very nice places to visit, and going to Munising from Auburn hills is fine with me. I get the impression from web searches that hotels could be booked near capacity and one I looked at in Munising is already full for the date we need Aug. 18th. I would be more comfortable if we can agree on a hotel for that first night, otherwise we may be forced to break up just to get a nights lodging. It all works for me; AAA discount was only $5.00 at one of the hotels, so I don't think that is an issue, but prices will be higher if we just drive up looking for a nights stay, and with the Pictured Rocks cruise @ 5:00 or 7:00 I think it would be best if we are not searching on the road for a place to stay. There is a Super8 in Wetmore for $89 per night with the senior (age 60) discount; others near the beach are nicer. If we want to stay as a group lets choose a hotel for that first night.

 

Good input!! James, thanks for the heads up on the cruise.....think I better take my Kindle along.

I think hotel reservations (and possibly cruise tickets) are a must for the 18th and I'm good with Super 8, Comfort Inn or Econo Lodge which all seem to be close in cost and proximity. Any preferences from those that are going? If we can get a consensus from a few then I'm game.

I guess the other item is to decide which cruise. The 5:00 pm is longer and goes up to the falls.....which I understand may or may not be worth the ride......depending on water flow. The 7:00 pm cruise is the sunset cruise and supposedly provides the best colors on the pictured rocks. Do we all go on the same one or does it matter?

 

We are on vacation so hopefully nothing really matters except enjoying the ride: but i'm for the Super8 and the sunset cruise!

 

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't been able to post lately... I have been trying to finish up Engineering school while working full time, its been a rough few weeks to say the least!

The trip I was going to put together was very similar to Dans route. I was going to add the Ship Wreck Museum at White Fish Point between the falls and the locks. I haven't been able to look into it at all but I believe groups are able to rent out the old coast guard headquarters/barracks (next to the ship wreck museum) for a place to stay for the night. Not sure all that goes into it but might be cool.

Right now it looks like I won't be able to get the time off work to go on the trip. I will still be making it to the Dream Cruise so I will see you all there!

Troy

 

OK Troy, thanks for posting and getting this ball rolling. I will see you at the Park.

 

Troy, thanks for your post and message. I sure wish you could make the trip with us after the fun we had a couple of years ago. Again, I wasn't trying to take over but it looks like things will work out just the same. I will check out the stop you mentioned and try to make it work. It looks like there may only be 3 of us going, but all are welcome to join in for a few extra days of doing whatever.