Southwest of Houghton, M-26 changes from “the other road” to “the road”. It is literally the only way to get to points southwest without going ridiculously the long way ’round. Fortunately traffic was very light. But to my disadvantage I was riding more-or-less into a headwind most of the time, which slows me down, and is just tiresome.

I’d checked online to make sure that I’d be able to get gas between Houghton and Ontonagon, but when I got to the BP station near Twin Lakes State Park… it was out of business. But there were a couple of motorcyclists using the station as a place for him to hide and take a leak, so I asked them where the nearest gas was. Not that I was on empty, but I wasn’t confident that I’d get to Ontonagon before running out. They directed me to a nearby tiny general store/pasty restaurant that also had a single pump: one handle regular, the other handle premium. I filled up. As it was, I probably would’ve made it (I’ve been getting great gas mileage), but this was more comfortable.

I continued on to the overlook for Lake of the Clouds, the most picturesque photo op in the Porcupine Mountains. I didn’t see it at its best (which would be Autumn with the sun shining), but it was still pretty impressive.

There was a 200cc Vespa cruiser parked at the lookout. As I was preparing to leave I met the owners: a couple who bring it along on the back of their RV. They asked about where I’d come from, and I explained that I was about to finish a tour of all 83 Michigan counties. They were suitably impressed. 🙂

I had a little light rain as I was leaving Lake of the Clouds, but it didn’t last. First rain I’ve had to deal with (i.e. Not safely on a ferry.)

I went the state park and transferred my reservation to the more distant campground. They gave me directions to the nearest gas station… again, not near empty, but I’ll be going a long distance before I see another station. Or anything. Thats part of the reason I didn’t choose this campground originally: it’s about 25 miles from civilization of any kind, on either direction. So I’ve bought granola bars for tomorrow’s breakfast, and stopped at the last restaurant for an early (4pm) dinner before riding into the wilderness. When you next hear from me, I’ll be on the long ride to Manitowoc.

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.