Harley Davidson Tunnel Of Trees Ride
As our fall weather starts setting in we decide it is time to take a trip up north to visit my aunt and uncle who live near Petoskey. Our intention was to Arrive Friday night so we can spend the day Saturday going down M-119. From Harbor Springs to Cross Village this route is affectionately know as Northern Michigan's Tunnel of Trees. It doesn't matter what time of year you choose to view this 20 mile wonder. In the spring time there are Trilliums all over the ground to Summer when the trees are in full bloom to winter when the blanket of snow is hanging in the trees but fall is amazing. The sun bouncing off the trees amplifying the brilliant colors of fall, is a sight anyone can appreciate.
Friday when I got home from work my amazing husband had everything ready to go. I simply had to grab a change of clothes. We were on the road in no time at all. About half way up I-75 we stopped for gas and dinner. I decided I was ready for my chaps because it was getting cooler out. We arrived at my aunt and uncles house about 9 pm. We played euchre for a few hours as our usual custom, before calling it a night.
Morning came quickly and I was excited for our day. My aunt and uncle had plans for the day but would be home later. We made plans to go to dinner with them later that evening. Our first stop was a little cafe to get some breakfast. Then we headed out to the pier to look for some Petoskey stones. After finding the perfect stone for my display shelf we headed out towards our route.
The morning air was crisp but the sun was out and warming the day. Traffic was moving at a slower pace so we were able to view the landscape easily. The trees were in full turn and the colors an amazing display of yellow, red, orange with a hint of green. There were so many little shops and cafes to choose we had to be selective on where to visit. Our saddlebags were only so big that I couldn't purchase everything I liked.
As we continued on our way we saw some really spectacular old buildings including an amazing church that has stood the test of time. In some areas we could see the shoreline and Lake Michigan. The white caps on the lake reminding me of the cooler weather headed our way but not today. I was so glad we decided to take the Harley for this trip. I don't think it would have been as intense in a car. The aroma of the water mixing with the trees and as you passed by the restaurants the overwhelming scent of food.
I guess it must be time for lunch because the last restaurant made my stomach growl. I leaned forward and asked my hubby if we were going to stop at Pond Hill's Garden Cafe for lunch. When he confirmed I looked up and saw it in view. This place was amazing. There were so many things to do we could have spent the afternoon here. As it was we did stay for a couple hours. The cider and donuts were better than the orchard we visited a few weeks ago and the animals were so cute. My favorite part was the wine tasting. I liked it so much I had to buy a bottle of my favorite one. They had hayrides, pumpkin smashing, face painting for the little ones and something they called squash rocket (you have to see this one for yourself).
We finished our trek out of the tunnel of trees and decided to turn around and go back down it. There was so much to take in I knew there were things we didn't catch the first time. On our return trip I noticed a sign at a really sharp curve. We decided to stop and check it out. The sign basically said that it was called Devils Elbow and the spring in the ravine there was believed, by the native tribes who made this place their home, to be haunted after dark. Of course this meant I would Google the area to see what I could learn about the area (if I remembered when I got home).
Our Electra Glide made it so we didn't have to worry about oncoming traffic with this being a more narrow road. The lack of a shoulder could prove troublesome if two large vehicles were to meet on this road. It was getting cooler as late afternoon set in and we were almost back to Petoskey. As we pulled into my aunt and uncle's place I noted that they had both made it home before we arrived. We went in and got ready for dinner.
After dinner we returned to their house and played euchre late into the night. In the morning we had breakfast with them before packing up to head home. The morning was cool and I was glad to have my chaps and leather jacket for the trip home. We stopped for lunch in Bay City where I stripped off my leathers and stowed them in our tour-pack.
We arrived home and I unpacked our finds and clothes before parking the bike in the garage next to the 4 wheeler where it would stay until our next trip.