In Between

Showery weather kept us off the bikes but not indoors today.  Brock drove us on a further tour of Grand Traverse Bay north of Traverse City, MI.  

On the left is the peninsula we explored yesterday ending in Leelanau State Park.  On the right is the Old Mission Peninsula, our exploration for today with arms of the Bay on both sides.  To the right, not pictured is the eastern edge of the Bay with the road we took south on Monday after we exited the UP.

This peninsula has a few cherry orchards, but is known for its wineries.

We passed thousands of vines in various stages of growth.

The peninsula is very narrow with views of the Bay on both sides, 

sometimes at the same time.

The one main road is mostly straight and flat, passing, besides the vineyards, one village--Mapleton--which consists of a general store, a small church and a few houses.  

The road ends in a turnaround at the end of the peninsula where we decided to park and explore.

We found several points of interest.  First was the location of the 45th parallel.

Next was the little Mission Point Lighthouse where we perused the information in the little museum and signed the guest book in the gift shop.

The light looks out on the Bay where we could see the two arms of land that form the Bay--Lake Leenanau State Park on the left and the mainland on the right with Lake Michigan access between.

The water babies also decided test the water temperature which turned out to be perfect for wading.

To complete our afternoon outing we stopped at a fruit stand for fresh tomatoes, blueberries, and of course cherries,

and we couldn't leave wine country without stopping at a winery.  We drove until we found one not on the main road--Brys Estate Winery and Tasting Room.  I tasted their pinot noire riesling, and liked it enough to buy a bottle. 

From there we meandered our way back south enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Tomorrow--back on the bikes.

Louise and Duane