Yeah, I picked the beach front hotel with a view of the water. Nobody said I had to slum it. It was a nice hotel, and it was in the group I planned on using during my trip. So, I was able to get a jump start on earning a free night. I will say the noisy kids were annoying but other than that it was safe. I asked the guy at front desk if I can leave my bike in the front so the overnight staff can keep an eye on it. He chuckled and said, "We don't have crime like you guys in Chicago.". But he agreed and unpacked the bike and got ready to walk around and see the sites.

The photo above is not from this trip. I just wanted you to see the cases and basic setup. The plan was that every night when I got to where I was staying, I would immediately take in my side cases and dry bag. I was very worried of someone stealing my items, also the GPS would be removed and put in my jacket pocket. I would then come back out from my room, clean the and adjust the chain, lock up the back wheel and then put the bike cover on. The setup worked perfectly, and I slept great knowing the bike was secure.

I had a great time walking around the little town. I plan to go back and take the ferry to the island maybe next summer. That bridge though that crosses The Straits of Mackinac looks scary big, lol. I plan on taking a trip around Lake Michigan and I'm saving the bridge crossing for that. I didn't want to ruin that trip by crossing the bridge now for no reason. I'm really looking forward to it, hopefully the wind won't be too horrible.