Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Mackinaw Bridge is a powerful and iconic sight. Connecting the U.P. to the lower peninsula of Michigan the bridge spans 5 miles across the Straights of Mackinaw (which joins lake Michigan to lake Huron).

Now, the northern lower peninsula of Michigan is much different than the southern area of the state and the U.P. The north is deep woods, big water everywhere, lighthouses, marinas, large inland lakes and waterways, buoys and foghorns, shorelines and wetlands, ducks, geese and swans, insect hatches and great cycling and kayaking.

There are local fisheries (Stone Bay in Mackinaw City is my favorite) for fresh perch, walleye, whitefish, trout and lake salmon. Stone Bay also smokes a variety of local lake fish, offers up pickled fish and smoked fish sausage. Great for dinner on the grill.

Then there is the polish food! You wont be disappointed with a visit to the infamous Leggs Inn in Cross Village, overlooking lake Michigan. Farm markets dot the countryside along with stone churches, fields of sunflowers and Christmas tree farms.

Only 10 miles from the Mackinaw Bridge I reach my destination for the summer, The Hyatt Family Lake House located on the Straights of Mackinaw. Ahhh…journey completed.