We're "Yupers" (rhymes with Super Duper)

On Wednesday we crossed the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge into Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the U.P. Locals are known as Yupers and tourists are known as fudgies (because there are a gazillion fudge shops which lure tourists with the promise of free samples).

Lots to report:

We enjoyed Grand Rapids, a town once known for furniture manufacturing but now known as the home of the Gerald Ford Museum, a fascinating and engaging series of displays. Jeez, Ford inherited the presidency at a tough time in our nation's history.

Next we looped around the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan, cherry-growing territory. The peninsula is full of orchards, small beaches, charming little towns, and a National Park with amazingly steep sand dunes (450 feet high), shaped by the formidable winds that whip across Lake Michigan.

Another first: Bob washed Mia on Wednesday at a coin-operated self-serve car wash. Yikes, she is big. Used lots of quarters! Plus it was a raw, cold day and therefore not an easy task, but Mia was filthy and really needed a bath.

Today (Thurs Oct 8) we took a ferry to Mackinac Island, which is in between the lower and upper parts of Michigan. Very cool place, no cars allowed, just bikes and horse-drawn carriages. We rented bikes and circled the island, which took about an hour, 8 miles. Town is full of charming shops, houses, and a grand/immense hotel built in the 1880's.

A common question we're getting is about gas mileage. The answer is - a whopping 7 miles per gallon. But we didn't expect to be cutting-edge green.

An observation: Family Dollar and Subway are catching up with McDonald's in the UBIQUITOUS department.

We miss our family and pals but we're having a good time! Love, Patty