naubinway, michigan

 I'd like to build one of these just for the fun of it.

At the Big Boy next to the Comfort Inn where we stayed, there are several wooden vehicles that someone, I'm sure, had much fun and lots of wood and time. The 4x4 was my favorite, probably because it was the largest and most rigged looking of them all. The other vehicles included a train, a school bus, and an airplane. Maybe I'll have to build one for my great-grandson, since my other grandkids are too old for such yard toys. Guess it goes on the To Do List when I get home.

OK, here's the scoop on the ride today. Another good day on Route 2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula or U.P. The shoulders were mostly good, the wind was with us most of the time, the Lake Michigan scenery was terrific, (like riding near the ocean) and traffic, though a bit heavy, was kind and respectful of two bike riders on the shoulders. The weather was not hot and was mostly sunny, as well. We departed Manistique around 8:45 and were in Naubinway, Michigan by lunch time. A good tailwind helped us move along and get our day's riding out of the way. 44.18 miles and we were done for the day. We had the rest of the day off to do whatever. We went to lunch, first.

At a store next to our motel, Adoba Hotel Naubinway, we found our rooms and checked at a gift and junk store next door about where the locals eat. The first recommendation I received was Moose&Fries, or so I thought. After asking again, I was told the name of the restaurant was Moofinfries, not Moose&Fries. Moofinfries is called Moofinfries because they sell burgers (Moo), fish (fin), and fries. Made sense to me. So off to Moofinfries we went. At Moofinfries, we looked at the menu and sure enough, the only thing on the menu was burgers, fish, fries and ice cream. We had some of everything including ice cream. Margaret bought some ice cream for Phil because he's seventy-five years young today. Everything was great and more than we could eat.

At Moofinfries, we also met and talked with the owner. Well, there are two owners, Wayne & Laura Flatt. Wayne is a very pleasant and encouraging man. He not only takes the orders but also meanders from table to table talking with the customers who are
eating and enjoying his food. Wayne told us the story about how Moofinfries came to be and it is one of those encouraging and inspiring stories that make a day special. Wayne was a welder and was certified in welding anything from ships to aircraft. I used the word was, because Wayne no longer welds. He lost his right arm helping someone at an accident scene when another vehicle somehow was involved resulting in Wayne almost losing his life. He didn't lose his life but he did lose his arm. Welders need both arms and hands so Wayne was finished with something he had a passion to do, welding. That's where Moofinfries was born. Together with Laura, Moofinfries was started two years ago. It is now a favorite eating place for lots of folks and we know why. If you are ever in Naubinway, Michigan, stop by and find out for yourself.

Since Moofinfries is relatively new, Margaret asked Wayne how they made it through the last year. He told us that it was great! The parking lot was packed and people waited for an hour to an hour and a half for their food. And, Wayne said, "We only serve carry out," meaning all of their food, whether you eat-in or carry-out is served as to go orders. That's when we realized that our orders came out ready to carry-out. Smart idea! Our food was so good, and though we were full and had no room for ice cream, we ordered some anyway. It, also, was super good. Wayne said the ice cream came from Ludington, Michigan, the beef comes from his brother's herd, and the fish comes from local fishermen he used to weld for. He's the kind of guy who, by his attitude, encourages others. A sign in his shop says, "Today is a great day to have a great day." He also has an American flag with the words, God bless America. My prayer is that God would bless America. And he does. He blesses it with guys like Wayne. Wayne could have just thrown in the towel. He could have had a big pity-party, and continue to stay on the couch as he did for a year and a half . . . but he didn't. Wayne is an American hero. Thank you, Wayne, for your encouragement. May America be blessed with many folks just like you and Laura. (Thanks for about thirty pounds of fries, too.)

After looking at the weather-guessers prognostication for tomorrow, Phil and I decided we would rather ride forty more miles in the sunshine this afternoon than forty more miles tomorrow in the rain. So we did. On the way to the Mackinac Bridge we passed The Mystery Spot. We didn't stop there but we did get pictures of the sign. According to other signs The Mystery Spot is one of the most visited spots in the world. We still did not stop. It's a mystery to us!

As soon as the Mackinac Bridge came into view, we knew we were close to St. Ignace, our stopping point for tomorrow night. We pedaled two days in one today so tomorrow we take a day off. Margaret and Gale met us in a parking lot, we loaded the bikes, and are now back in Naubinway at the Adoba Hotel. Tomorrow we will be lazy. We'll go back to St. Ignace, drive across the Mackinac Bridge, and settle for the night in Mackinaw City.

This ride is filled with incredible scenery but I will tell you once again . . . the people make the trip real. I feel like we are pedaling through Real America and talking with folks, like Wayne, who really love America. They work hard, play hard, are patriotic, love their families, go to church on Sundays, support their communities, and simply enjoy life.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." -Galatians 6:9

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Be a blessing today.