The 2009 Michigan Trip 6-6-09

The trip to Michigan this year has come and gone. I left Texas and drove 20 hrs 31 mins, NON-STOP, on my motorcycle, to Bob's condo in Canton Michigan, on May 20, 09. I left Michigan, on June 6, 09, from my Mom & Dad's in Southgate and drove back to Texas, non-stop, taking 22 hrs 6 mins. My butt, lower back & kidney's hurt but nothing that a handful of pain killers & muscle relaxants can't cure. (just kidding about the pills mom). Scroll on down and check out a little of everything and alot of everybody on this ride home and REMEMBER: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE PICTURE BIGGER, JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE.



Me in my garage on May 20, 09 at 3:00 a.m. fixing to head North to Michigan

On May 23, 09, Bobby, Rick Elliott & I start out from Bob's on our motorcycle trip across/around Michigan. Here is Bob. Portions of the ride will be on this blog. The entire ride will be on my motorcycle blog at: North Texas Bikers http://www.jjskewlstuffii.blogspot.com/

Bob as we roll East on I-696 toward Selfridge AFB in Mt. Pleasant. We will turn North there and head up the coast.

Bob trying to do some bug collecting while driving down the road.

The lighthouse at The Colony

This is the St. Clair River and Canada is there on the other side.

Bob, as we continue North along the St. Clair River

We stopped up in Port Austin, at the tip of the thumb and ate. My burger looked like Michigan, so I outlined our trip on it in ketchup..

Our bikes in Port Austin as we get ready to leave. Rick is up at his bike and Bob is fixing his collar as he prepares to put on his helmet.

Rick leads and Bob is #2 man as we head up the coast to wear we turn West to go to Bob's trailer in Gladwin.

Bob is larger than life to Rick....

The Bailey Lake Club is just around the corner from Bob's trailer.

Once inside the trailer, Bob stretches out for a quick snooze..

When Bob got up, we rode in to Harrison Michigan and ate at Buccilli's Pizza

After eating our Pizza, we stopped at Glen's Grocery Store, got some cokes and headed back to the trailer. Here's Bob prior to leaving Glen's.

It was dark heading back. Rick is in front of me and Bob is the red tail light up front.

The next day, Sunday, 5-24-09, is pleasant out and Bob cuts the grass as Rick looks on.

Bob & Rick put the flag pole together. That is the Tobacco River behind them

Attaching Old Glory....

Bob & Rick's version of the raising of the flag over Mount Saribachi

Flag up & fluttering

Either a boa or a python. Nice pet one of the kids were carrying around the rv park

Bob takes a break & sits down by the soon to be pit fire

Cindy, Bob's neighbor, and Bob relax by the fire. The state bird of Michigan was out in full force that night and I killed many of them. For those who don't know, the state bird of Michigan is the Mosquito.

We got up on Monday, 5-25-09, ( Memorial Day) and prepare to head out. Here is Bob getting ready.

As we headed to Standish Michigan, Bob wasn't sure we were heading in the right direction, so, he pulls into a parking lot to check his map. Click on the pic to see just where he pulled in.. He thought it was a school parking lot..

I then turn back around and go to the entrance and take a picture of the sign there. Great move huh? Bob is carrying his .45 , I am carrying my .380 and I just took a picture of this sign while on the property.

We continue North on US 23 to E. Tawas and lo & behold, the little resort my mom & dad took us to in the 60's is still there. Wooden Acres.

The cabins at the Wooden Acres Resort are the same color scheme as they were in the 60's. Great place to visit if you are in East Tawas Michigan during the summer. You can swim right in Lake Huron

We went onto Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda where I was stationed from 1970-1973. It is closed now and is Wurtsmith Airport. The housing behind me is where I used to live when I lived on base housing.

The control tower has been torn down. It use to sit just to the right of the tire tracks.

Connie Kalitta, the racing legend, now has his fleet of planes at Wurtsmith Field

The memorial to the Veteran's just inside where the main gate used to be

We leave Oscoda and head North up US 23 to Alpena. Here is Bob riding with Lake Huron to his right

Bob as we continue North up US 23

Bob out front & Rick in front of me as we continue North to Alpena Michigan

We stop at KFC in Alpena for lunch. Bob points to the KFC sign as Rick puts up his gear

As we head out of Alpena, Bob & Rick pass the water tower

Me as we ride along the coast of Lake Huron

Bob & Rick as we go along the coast of Lake Huron

Bob at Hammond Bay, Michigan

Bob & I at Hammond Bay

Bob, me & Rick at Hammond Bay

\

A draw bridge by Mackinac City? We just missed getting a pic of the ferry going thru

We start across the Mackinac Bridge from the lower peninsula to the upper peninsula, a total of 5 miles. Bob leads us across

We continue upward. Bob said it was 270 ft from the road to the water and 550 ft from the top of the tower to the water

Up and over and it was a great view

Starting down on the other side and to the upper peninsula

A view from the Bridge View Park on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This is the Fog Bell from the South Tower, the Iron Worker's Memorial and a view of the Mackinac Bridge. That's the lower peninsula on the far side now.

Bob & Rick at Bridge View Park on the Upper peninsula

The Mackinac Bridge as seen from the U.P.

The Bailey Brothers Done Did It!!!! What a great ride its been so far... Great company, great weather & a great state. It doesn't get any better than this, unless of course, our dad could've made the ride with us.

Time to head back South to the lower Peninsula. Bob & Rick at the bridge toll gate.

The view straight down as we went back across the bridge. Since I don't like heights, I was not happy... Good thing I pee'd on the U.P., cause I crapped on this part of the bridge....(grin) That's 270 ft to the water...

We approach the South Tower and the lower peninsula

We get back to Mackinaw City and our hotel. Bob is ready to snooze again methinks. He is also getting that biker raccoon face tan. I do believe he is about to get a new nickname....

Our hotel in Mackinaw City. It's located right at the South entrance to the Mackinac Bridge.

Rick had to get a pic of me like this. Bloody nose (toilet paper in nose), right suspender cinched up in my groin as I attempt to pull up the left suspender... I was in full control of my facilities all right...

Here is Bob packin' some fudge.... (Mackinaw City)

Bob (left) & Rick (Right) as we head to Traverse City

We stop at the Legs Inn in Cross Village Michigan. Here are Bob & me

me at the Cross Village sign

The Legs Inn legend sign

the other side of the Legs Inn legend sign....

We stop and look out at Lake Michigan. Rick & Bob

I was pondering these trees as they reminded me of the "Big W" in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

Bob and the aforementioned trees..

We stopped in Petosky Michigan and met one of Bob's friends & co-workers, Ron. Here are Bob & Ron.

We make a gas stop outside of Petosky on our way to Traverse City. Here are Bob & Rick

We are approaching rain. Bob gets his rain gear on..

Rick gets his rainsuit on. Can you believe that he can still wear the same one he had when he graduated from school all those years ago?

I, on the other hand, got wet because I could not get my rain suit bottoms over my fat butt. But never fear. I still looked like the Great Pumpkin rolling down the road because the bright orange top fit

Here is Bob in front of me. I will say this more than once: Riding in the rain sucks especially when your pants get soaked thru to your underwear.. And riding with wet underwear on REALLY sucks..

Do we get blessed with just a little sprinkle? Oh no...We get the whole down pour

But this wasn't half as bad as the rain we had to ride in for 2 1/2 hours the next day. It rained so much that for the first time since getting Ms. Clone, I had to put the camera in the saddlebag to keep it dry. Here is rick behind me as we enter Traverse City

The rain picks up as I follow Bob around East Grand Traverse Bay as we head to our Hotel

We get to our hotel and get checked into our room. Here is the view from our balcony as we watch it rain on East Grand Traverse Bay.. We stayed at the Grand Beach Resort..

Bob on our balcony at The Grand Beach Resort Hotel..

East Grand Traverse Bay as seen from our balcony in the rain...

The rain eased up a bit and we walked down to G's Pizzeria. Bob points to where we are on the back of a menu.

Bob poses with one of G's menu's

Rick & Bob inside G's

The staff at our Hotel let us park the bikes under the overhang because it was to become a huge down pour, more affectionately called in Texas, "a turd floater", before morning. Here is a night time shot of the sign and bikes under the over hang

The next morning it is still raining. This is a view from the walk way between the buildings looking back at the bay.

Bob & Rick read papers in the walk way as we wait for the rain to let up...Yeah right!!

Rick checks the weather on the computer as Bob drinks some coffee.. Due to the rain, we decide to head back to the trailer instead of continuing down the West coast of Michigan. The trailer is 2 1/2 hrs Southeast of our present location

We get up and get on the bikes right after this picture was taken. I put the camera in the saddlebags and we pull out. We hadn't gone 50 ft when the sky opened up and drenched us. It was a miserable ride back to the trailer but we made it and Bob now has the nickname of "HARDCORE" due to making this major ride in good weather & bad and doing so like a hardcore biker.. Salute, my bro!! I will have Sheila make up some name tags for Bob when I get back to Texas...

We stop short of the trailer, in Harrison Michigan, at Buccilli's Pizza for dinner. Here Bob wrings out his gloves as Rick gets his helmet off. My gloves are also soaked, my pants and underwear are soaked and rain got under my rain suit jacket and my t-shirt and part of my sweatshirt was soaked...

The folks at Buccilli's had mercy on us and let us come in and eat, even though we looked miserable and were all wet. Here is Bob and some rain got under his rainsuit and got his shirt wet too.

Here I am in my wet sweatshirt. I made little squishy sounds when I walked and sat down..

The next morning was overcast and we decided to make a run for Bob's condo and home. Thanks to Rick taking the wet stuff to the laundry room at the RV Park, and drying them, we were basically dry now with the exception of our gloves & boots. Here we get ready to head out for home.

Since we'd been thru hell on the road with the rain, we decided to go to Hell Michigan and get some souvieners.. Here is Bob as we head south.

Bob as we roll South towards Hell Michigan

Bob, same direction, same destination but different traffic lane.

Bob from behind as we continue South

We make it to Hell Michigan and here are Rick & Bob in front of the Hell Country Store

Bob & the bikes in Hell Michigan

Bob & I in Hell Michigan

Guess who?

Bob & his bike

me & Ms. Clone

Bob's condo...

Upon returning home, Bob checks two things: the mail & his truck

While we were doing clothes, Bob's cat, Meeko, decided to camp out in my suitcase.

Bob & Melanie at Leo's Coney Island where she works

Melanie's tattoo

Bob poses with a Leo's menu

me & Melanie at Leo's Coney Island

Bob driving as we head to Garden City to see Rick's mom

me, Mrs. Elliott & Bob at Rick's mom's house in Garden City Michigan. We hadn't see here since 1971

Meeko just hanging out at Bob's. He is a great cat...

Meeko checking out his Uncle John

I had my 40th Class reunion on Saturday May 30, 09 and Bob went with me. Here are Bob, Cindy & her daughter, Ashley

Louie & I. We were bestfriends back in the 60's and still are now in 2009

Ray & I were also best friends back in tyhe 60's. I was certainly glad to finally locate him after all these years. He now lives in Brighton Michoigan.

me & Cindy. She was my first ever girlfriend way back when we were 16 or so...

Ray... He was Frank James, I was Jessie James , we were Frank and Jessie James

Louie, his wife, Diane & me in Capitol Park, Redford Michigan 40th Class reunion

Cindy & Ashley (in chairs), Bob, Laura & Rick

We all grw up together. The kids from Cardwell Street: Alicia (in chair), Rick, Me, Bob & Rochelle

Rochelle & I

Louie's daughters and me: Kris, me & Kim

After the Reunion, Bob & I went home, got the bikes and headed to mom & dad's. We stopped for gas and guess what they had? Bun Bars!!! I hold up the bounty for Bob to see

Bob as we head to mom & dad's

We arrive and here is mom & me right after I dismounted

Mom & Bob

Mom feeds a few squirrels. They actually come to the screen door when they hear her there..

Dad at the table on his laptop. His PC has crashed and he is trying to figure out what happened..

Biker Mom

Mom looks the part, doesn't she? I think Dad needs to buy a Harley Trike. Wait to you see him...

Vicki driving us to the truck stop down on I-75 & Gilbralter.

me enjoying the ride with Vic & mom

Mom having a blast in the back seat. Thanks Dad for letting us use your car....

me & Dad...First picture EVER of him & I together alone...This and the m/c ride made the trip perfect!!! Thanks Dad!

And what trip wouldn't be complete without a pic of me & mom?

Mom & Dad June 2009

Big Daddy Biker Ken.. Does he not look the part? Dad you have GOT to buy yourself a Harley Trike!!!

Don't even think about jackin' with the Big Daddy!

Mom & Vicki at the truck stop on I-75 & Gilbralter

Me & Vicki get ready to go for a ride...

Vicki gives Mom an adious smooch prior to our departure

Vicki is all grins and ready to go..

Ted had just gotten his monthly shots to his left eye and was not feeling well

Vicki & I headed to Hell Michigan to pick up a few things. We passed this structure built on I-94,

to honor the Detroit Lions when they went to the Super Bowl several years ago..

This is Goldie, Vic & Ted's dog.. We get along well..

Vicki points the way to Hell (Michigan)

Me at the crossroads to Hell (Michigan)

Vicki in Hell Michigan.. She used to work in Hell..

Vicki & I at Mom & Dad's

Mom & Vicki

The following were taken by mom when we first arrived at the house. Bob and I just pulled into the drive way

Me & Bob taking off the gloves & helmets

Bob at Mom & Dad's

me at Mom & Dad's May 31,09

kme & Bob at Mom & Dad's May 31, 09

Mom & me May 31, 09

Mom & Bob 5-31-09

Vicki, me & Ted at Mom & Dad's

me & Dad

Mom & me

Mom & Dad

Big Daddy Biker Ken!!! Gotta love it...

My Dad.. He still is the greatest man alive..

Given Dad a hug for being there and for everything he has always done for me. Thanks again Dad and I love you. I also thank God for having mercy on our family and answering prayers to help you with the cancer. He has extended your life and I will be eternally faithful for that. I hope that in the future we both, as well as the rest of the family, when we all pass over to the other side, can, as a family, thank God together in person. What a day that will be!!!\

This will conclude this post. I apologize for taking so long to post it but I worked on it for two days. I had a great time in Michigan and look forward to next year..

Scroll WAY down for more posts and don't forget to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of EACH page for more family stuff. Until next post, ya'll be careful out there.............................JOHN