Day 8 Mission Peninsula 39 miles - 320 total

Today we explored the Mission Peninsula and it's wineries. We started off by trying to find breakfast at some place other than Bob Evans. We went to a place a couple of miles up the road but it was closed. We went back to the Bob Evans and had breakfast. We decided that this area needs a breakfast and lunch only restuarant. We noticed an empty chinese restaurant that had been a fast food restaurant in a previous life and think it may fit the bill. If only we had real ambition!

View of the Traverse City Harbor

We headed out for the Peninsula. The first few miles were a little hectic because of all the traffic, but then we left the main route and headed up the shore route. It was pretty easy riding as we had a nice tail wind. The first one of the trip, plus we were not carrying luggage so we flew along. Eventually we came to the first winery, Hawthorne Vineyards.

We enjoyed our first tastings of wine. This vineyard is only a few years old and they had parasols that they let you use in case it was too sunny on the deck.

I think that I look very stylish!
We went on up the peninsula enjoying the views. There were beautiful homes and boats along the beach all the way up.

This may be a picture of my next boat! Our next stop was for lunch at the Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant. It was very good. After lunch we went to Another winery called Bowers Harbor Vineyards. We enjoyed our stay and continued on our way. We stopped again at Brys Estate Vineyard And Winery. I stopped to take a  picture of the owner's house on the way up the drive. As I was parking my bike a group of folks who had been at the last winery came in. One of the guys asked where we were going next as he said he would tow us!

Winery owner's house

Keith and I had a glass of wine instead of a tasting. We sat on the deck overlooking the vineyards and the bay. It was very nice with a cool breeze. The wine was pretty good and we got to keep the glasses.

Beach at Travers City

We headed back to our motel along the East Shore. We passed a few houses being built and noticed that they were only digging up sand. The entire peninsula is a built up sand bar. It was a very nice ride. Very enjoyable day all around.