Plan .. what plan ?

So we left Ottawa and headed along the 17 towards North Bay, we passed through early evening and found a good, clean roadside motel in Sturgeon Bay. All the time we thought about the great advice we had been given by those we had met in Canada regarding the route to take. After much discusion we both agreed to head into the USA and pick up the 2 and run along the south side of the border.

Just gotta love those truck stops

We set off from Sturgeon on Tuesday the 11th of June with the intention of staying the night in Sault Ste. Marie and crossing the border into the USA on Thursday between Lakes Superior and Huron. We made such good time that during our brew stop we agreed to head straight to the border and try and cross, we reached it mid-afternoon wet from heavy showers. The border guards were great, no hassle, really happy to help and we were through exchanging dollars for dollars within the hour. We decided to stay locally that night so booked into a motel next to the Soo Locks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soo_Locks).

Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, USA 

As luck would have it the largest ship on the lakes was about to pass through the locks so we joined our fellow 'ship spotters' and watched it through. As in Canada, everyone was friendly and helpful, still interested in what we are doing. A dose of 'gut rot' kept us both entertained through the evening/night before we set off to skirt Lake Superior, we would just like to thank that cafe/restaurant/truck stop for allowing me, in particular, the chance to test all those public toilets and 'long drops' along the ride, they all work.

Soo Locks

At one brew and 'long drop' stop we met a couple of Harley bikers in full regalia, they were happy to talk and advised us of a route which used to be for snow mobiles/ATVs but was now paved and came with corners. Excited we detoured to Grand Marais on the lake and found amazing views across Superior, MPS led, found the road of corners and took off. I noticed the speed limit and cruised along, slowing for a deer as it crossed the road. The Harley guys were right, curve after curve through forest. I found MPS outside a deserted bar called the Bear Trap, he ate and I supped water. Again we got a great welcome although you had to feel sorry for the 50 stuffed animals perched around.

Lake Superior at Grand Marais

We decided to take a day off riding so stayed at the Econolodge in Marquette, arriving Wednesday evening. On Thursday we asked at reception for a taxi into town but was offered a lift by Trista the owner/manager who also drove us around pointing out the sights. Asking for the 'best coffee in town' Trista took us to the Dead River cafe owned by Theo. So followed, without doubt, the best coffee since we arrived on these shores, Theo roasts as well as makes 'pie', great atmostphere, really friendly people. We returned to the cafe after a walk around town and spent another couple of hours talking with Karl and Diana who had ridden up from Georgia on BMWs.

Theo 'coffee maestro', Trista and MPS

So, for us a change to a fluid plan, amazing sights, really interesting people who were happy to share and take time to help. Best advice I could give ?  stop reading those Murdoch papers, listening to Fox News, put aside the Daily Mail, it really is OK out there. That said, the Harley guys did warn us about the contras in Argentina.

On now to join the 2 through Minnesota then North or South Dakota, Montana ... or ummm