Three, Livin' Large

The Old Mission Peninsula is one of those beautiful places on earth. It is populated by many vacationers and their fancy but tasteful get-away-from-it-all second homes, rolling hills offering views of the peaceful bay, endless cherry orchards, wineries and vineyards and a whole lotta history. Above is a photo of the biggest, baddest house we saw (still under construction) with probably one of the best views on the peninsula. This was not typical. It was an interesting, train-wreck of a house; as if the owners commissioned the builders to "Give us one of everything!"

I did not dislike it.

This little shack above, however, was more typical.

Two, The Old Mission Peninsula

Keep the chicks cheery with colorful coop cartoons!
A unique boat
This farm was as advertised; that is, on a dirt road.

It did not take me long to realize that the habitants of this peninsula, indeed the whole area, had a lighthearted sense of humor expressed through their yard and house decoration. They did this by way of (top to bottom) gaily painted henhouses, whimsical boats, barn roof signs, front yard hoe-down mannequin installation and state-shaped stepping stones. This was to be the theme for the entire trip. Marty got a kick out of this!

And what's a bike trip without a chocolate ice cream cone from the too-cute-for-words general store?

One, Light Hearted Leelanau

Marty and I decided to take on the burden of using up excess vacation time (his) with the brave and noble act of enduring a 9 day bicycle trip to one of Marty's favorite areas: the Traverse City Michigan coast area this past June.

Marty has always been fascinated with complicated coastlines and add to that that this one was situated on and near the 45th parallel (halfway between the north pole and the equator.) Marty told me that that meant the oft-present Canadian high pressure systems assured clear, dry, crisp air and skies.

It took us one whole day to drive there.

And it rained the whole way; one soaking storm after another greeted us as we sloshed our way north through Bay City, Flint, Kalkaska.

Our first day riding on The Old Mission Peninsula was overcast and dreary. Which made for some moody pictures on Traverse Bay.

Dreary days cycling are always easier to deal with at the beginning of a trip. At this point I found the mist and fog rather magical and I took lots of pictures of it. Later, I was to use my camera as a way of regaining my lightheartedness and objectivity.

swans on Traverse Bay

Lake and sky and land.