September 29, 2025 (Mon.) - M-22/Sleeping Bear Dunes Ride, Aurora!
It was definitely a different kind of day without Otis. The RV feels so quiet now—this is the beginning of a new normal, and it’s going to take some getting used to.
With just a few days left in South Boardman, MI, we decided to make the most of the sunshine and take a ride. We headed out just before 10 AM, starting with breakfast at Yankee Boy, a local spot we’d passed a few times. It turned out to be a solid choice—good food and a cozy vibe.
Next, we set off on the iconic M-22, a 116-mile scenic drive hugging the shores of Lake Michigan. We began at the southern end in Manistee, about an hour and a half away, and planned to finish in Traverse City which is closer to the campground. It was a full day of winding roads, lake views, dunes and autumn colors. Along the way, we stopped at Sleeping Bear Dunes and drove the stunning Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.2-mile loop through the dunes with sweeping vistas with many points of interest stops. There is an entrance fee – $20 for motorcycles!!! It was a beautiful ride but not as good as the M-119 Tunnel of Trees.
We stopped for lunch in Glen Arbor at Art’s Tavern (cash only), a cozy spot with local charm, then wandered through a few shops for souvenirs before making our way back. The cover photo has Kirk sporting his new long sleeve ‘M-22’ shirt as it started to get a little chilly. The weather was great all day except for the chilly morning and evening ride home.
By 7 PM, we were back at the RV—tired, reflective, and thankful for the day. We cracked open a beer and raised a quiet toast to Otis, missing our adventurer and best-est good boy. The silence without him is loud, but his spirit is always with us.
The evening stayed mellow until 11 PM, when Lynn got an alert that the aurora borealis might be visible again. No way she was missing that! We bundled up and stepped outside. It wasn’t as vivid as the display in Mackinaw City, but still magical. Seeing it twice in just a few weeks? That’s something we’ll never forget.
All the photos of the M-22 ride were taken with the new Canon until lunch, when the battery died. After lunch, all photos were taken with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Still learning the new Canon, thus many photos look like they’re at warp speed since they’re taken while riding on the back of the motorcycle. Aurora photos are all with the iPhone.
Weather – High 78*, Low 45*. Wind 4-9 mph. No rain or humidity.
Traffic – None.
Food – Nothing to report.
Notable – M-22, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Auroras!
