Here is the initial announcement for the Upper Peninsula, two-day, "National" Roadmeet. I'm announcing the dates early because it will be held on Labor Day Weekend 2015. For those coming from out of state, they may want to make plans for Labor Day to attend the Mackinac Bridge Walk. I suggest looking at rooms in the Straits Area early to secure one because the bridge walk is a popular event.
More details will be forthcoming, but Marquette will be the host city for the two days of the meet. My plan is to depart Marquette on Saturday morning (9/5) to visit stops in western Marquette County before heading up to Houghton for lunch and an afternoon in the Copper Country, culminating at US 41's northern terminus east of Copper Harbor. On Sunday, we'll reconvene for lunch in Marquette and an afternoon tour of historic road-related sites in Marquette County. The tour on Sunday will end around dinner to allow time to drive to the Straits Area for those wishing to do the bridge walk the next morning.
I will set up events on Facebook in the future as more concrete plans are set. My original host restaurant here in Marquette closed this year on two days' notice, so I hesitate to specify too many details this far out, but with the holiday I want to get as much lead time for people to find their hotel accommodations as possible.
Sweet!
This is my top priority for meet attendance next year, outside of my own Denver meet of course. Not too far from Montana, and I really want to check out that area of the country when there's no snow on the ground.
Definitely keeping an eye on this. I will attend on my way west if I am making my second cross country trip next September (although I may attend Saturday only), however said trip might be happening in May instead, depending on how things shake out.
I'm there like Joan Rivers in a coffin.
I will definitley keep this one in mind but I don't want to fully commit, lots of things happening next year for me from toy conventions and hopes of making my 4th trip to Albuqurque in July to possible career changes but still within the realm of the Barrel :-) The UP is about 12 to 14 hours due north of middle TN and the only other time I was up that way was May of 1998 and Steph was never in the UP so I know she would LOVE it up there. I am definityly a 50/50 maybe for now.
Marked on my calendar. I don't think I want to miss this one, and I might just be able to help with some of the Keweenaw planning.
Points of interest I can think of already include, but are not at all limited to,
M-26 Eagle River bridges
Overlook near the Quincy Mine of the Houghton-Hancock area
Old M-111/Old M-6 and Old M-206
Brockway Mountain Drive
Gay and the Gay Bar
Portage Lake Lift Bridge
Downtown Calumet
This is a definite no-go for me, even if my financial situation is better next year. Sept. 7 is Melissa's birthday, and I'd be on the road most of the day trying to get home.
Definitely on my radar, though I don't want to guarantee anything yet until next year. I would probably do just Saturday with the drive up being through Ohio, Indiana, and central Michigan and the drive back along ON 17.
Wouldn't miss it for the world! Will be my first Bridge Walk, too.
I do think it would make more sense to simply meet in Houghton for lunch on Saturday, and get the western Marquette County stuff on the way back east. Marquette to Copper Harbor is a nearly 3 hour drive with no stops, and starting in Marquette adds over an hour of driving to those coming from Wisconsin/Illinois (since US 141 is a more direct route to Houghton than US 41). Those who want to stay in Marquette on Friday night can do that, and those who want to stay in Houghton on Friday night (like me :)) can do that.
Quote from: Brandon on September 05, 2014, 09:25:08 AM
Marked on my calendar. I don't think I want to miss this one, and I might just be able to help with some of the Keweenaw planning.
Points of interest I can think of already include, but are not at all limited to,
M-26 Eagle River bridges
Overlook near the Quincy Mine of the Houghton-Hancock area
Old M-111/Old M-6 and Old M-206
Brockway Mountain Drive
Gay and the Gay Bar
Portage Lake Lift Bridge
Downtown Calumet
I've already been working on the Keweenaw day and have a tentative itinerary and route. Everything you've listed is on it, except for Gay - didn't seem like it'd be worth the detour. But I'm willing to consider it or any other suggestions.
I'd also like to cover a few old alignments of US 41, including the section that went straight down the middle of Michigan Tech's campus, some ancient signs, and the section of M-26 in South Range that was bypassed in 2006 (drivable abandoned highway!).
Quote from: getemngo on September 05, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
I'd also like to cover a few old alignments of US 41, including the section that went straight down the middle of Michigan Tech's campus, some ancient signs, and the section of M-26 in South Range that was bypassed in 2006 (drivable abandoned highway!).
That stretch (US-41) had the old street lights as recently as 2006. There's little left of US-41 outside of that through campus, but one can see where US-41 did go.
Quote from: Brandon on September 05, 2014, 09:25:08 AM
Marked on my calendar. I don't think I want to miss this one, and I might just be able to help with some of the Keweenaw planning.
Points of interest I can think of already include, but are not at all limited to,
M-26 Eagle River bridges
Overlook near the Quincy Mine of the Houghton-Hancock area
Old M-111/Old M-6 and Old M-206
Brockway Mountain Drive
Gay and the Gay Bar
Portage Lake Lift Bridge
Downtown Calumet
And Blind 35!
Quote from: Brandon on September 05, 2014, 04:59:45 PM
Quote from: getemngo on September 05, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
I'd also like to cover a few old alignments of US 41, including the section that went straight down the middle of Michigan Tech's campus, some ancient signs, and the section of M-26 in South Range that was bypassed in 2006 (drivable abandoned highway!).
That stretch (US-41) had the old street lights as recently as 2006. There's little left of US-41 outside of that through campus, but one can see where US-41 did go.
map, please
Quote from: texaskdog on September 05, 2014, 05:15:04 PM
Quote from: Brandon on September 05, 2014, 04:59:45 PM
Quote from: getemngo on September 05, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
I'd also like to cover a few old alignments of US 41, including the section that went straight down the middle of Michigan Tech's campus, some ancient signs, and the section of M-26 in South Range that was bypassed in 2006 (drivable abandoned highway!).
That stretch (US-41) had the old street lights as recently as 2006. There's little left of US-41 outside of that through campus, but one can see where US-41 did go.
map, please
Old US-41 through campus (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=47.120162,-88.552809&spn=0.004161,0.010568&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=47.120221,-88.552925&panoid=l3ASa9u-3oo1ROnO1CgERg&cbp=12,109.58,,0,-3.38)
Looking west along former US-41 (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=47.119035,-88.547901&spn=0.004191,0.010568&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=47.119035,-88.547901&panoid=wC9fWCTzRcEAAAGu4iTMnQ&cbp=12,302.46,,0,-4.75)
Old US-41 (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=47.117242,-88.543491&spn=0.004191,0.010568&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=47.117242,-88.543491&panoid=kZ7UZux4KkGrBbVw6jkO3g&cbp=12,323.9,,0,2.28), the sidewalk is original to the alignment
An Overview (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=47.118628,-88.547884&spn=0.004191,0.010568&t=h&z=17)
Quote from: getemngo on September 05, 2014, 03:25:07 PM
I do think it would make more sense to simply meet in Houghton for lunch on Saturday, and get the western Marquette County stuff on the way back east. Marquette to Copper Harbor is a nearly 3 hour drive with no stops, and starting in Marquette adds over an hour of driving to those coming from Wisconsin/Illinois (since US 141 is a more direct route to Houghton than US 41). Those who want to stay in Marquette on Friday night can do that, and those who want to stay in Houghton on Friday night (like me :)) can do that.
That would have the same issues for those of us coming from the east coast as Marquette does for you. Plus it would require everyone not staying in Houghton (which would probably include most, since National meets include additional non-roads activities) to drive their own car. I believe the idea was that part of the tour would be in the morning and part in the afternoon.
I dunno. It's a stretch but it's doable. From where I live I'd have my eye on making it to Mackinaw City the night prior. Pressing further would be possible but would mean driving the Mackinack Bridge after dark and therefore being unable to properly photograph it or really see it to appreciate it. After making this mistake with New River Gorge last spring I won't be making it again.
So, that puts me 3 hours from Marquette. Easy to drive there in the morning.
But nearly five hours from Houghton. Which means I need to make sure I get up early and get moving but can make it there for lunch even if I don't arrive on time.
Alas, Houghton is still in Eastern time, so I won't have an extra free hour to get there.
This and the Denver meet are two big HELL YEAHs for me next year!
I'm definitely planning to come up to this one.
Quote from: corco on September 04, 2014, 11:24:58 PM
Sweet!
This is my top priority for meet attendance next year, outside of my own Denver meet of course. Not too far from Montana, and I really want to check out that area of the country when there's no snow on the ground.
This would also be my top priority meet, with Denver in second. However, i don't think we'd be able to stay through to the walk on Monday.
iPhone
It's been quite awhile since I've been to the UP...this is a great excuse to get back up there. :sombrero:
As is the case with Sam, this would be my first Bridge Walk, too. Looking forward to this!
YAY!!! I'm so glad that this has been officially announced. I will definitely be attending.
Keeping it in mind :)
I would love to join in this and will make a strong effort to.
My plans for the meet are roughly as follows.
Saturday, we'll start in Marquette, meeting up with whoever is staying there. There's one stop on the way to Houghton, where we'll meet any additional people for lunch. From there the tour will run up into the Keweenaw Peninsula with a handful of stops on the way to US 41's northern terminus near Fort Wilkins State Park. Depending on time, there are some additional stops to make in the Houghton area on the way back to Marquette. Dinner will be a game-day decision, either in Houghton or Marquette. I'm sure we'll have some social activities that evening back at the hotel .(Cards Against Humanity seems to be a roadmeet tradition.)
On Sunday, we'll reconvene in Marquette for lunch and the tour around Marquette County. The goal is to end the tour in time for dinner at a decent hour, especially for those who'll need to drive the 3-3.5 hours to the Straits Area for the Mackinac Bridge Walk the next morning. I also want to allow those who'll need part of Sunday evening to travel home to have that time. I'll likely be staying with family in Negaunee both of the nights before the meet, and then with family in Cheboygan Sunday night.
If anyone attending has a FRS two-way radio, please pack it and let me know. Cellular reception in Keweenaw County is typically non-existant, and the same is definitely true for the part of the tour on Sunday that will head into northern Marquette County near the Huron Mountains.
A maybe now. I plan on spending considerable time in Ann Arbor during the summer months next year, but haven't decided just when.
I'm in. The chatroom people better constantly annoy me about this. Yes, this is a promise.
Quote from: Molandfreak on December 10, 2014, 05:34:22 PM
I'm in. The chatroom people better constantly annoy me about this. Yes, this is a promise.
You said you're in, so you're in. Can't wait to meet you. (Actually, come to Madison in April.)
Now that 2015 is here and hotels around the Mackinaw area quickly start becoming expensive due to the Bridge Walk, we should probably think about where folks might want to make hotel reservations. (Yes... the meet is an entire 8 months away, but no joke... now is not too early to start making more definitive plans if possible.)
Cody Goodman, Sam Scholtens, and I are tentatively planning to spend Friday night in Houghton, Saturday night in Marquette, and Sunday night in Sault Ste. Marie. SSM is only about 45 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge, so the drive down the morning of the Bridge Walk (Labor Day) will be rather quick and easy. I would think hotels in Sault Ste. Marie will be cheaper than in the Mackinaw area.
What are everyone else's plans?
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 08, 2015, 06:49:39 PM
Now that 2015 is here and hotels around the Mackinaw area quickly start becoming expensive due to the Bridge Walk, we should probably think about where folks might want to make hotel reservations. (Yes... the meet is an entire 8 months away, but no joke... now is not too early to start making more definitive plans if possible.)
Cody Goodman, Sam Scholtens, and I are tentatively planning to spend Friday night in Houghton, Saturday night in Marquette, and Sunday night in Sault Ste. Marie. Sault Ste. Marie is only about 45 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge, so the drive down the morning of the Bridge Walk (Labor Day) will be rather quick and easy. I would think hotels in Sault Ste. Marie will be cheaper than in the Mackinaw area.
What are everyone else's plans?
I'll go where the party's at, and I know I'll be there all three nights. I still have no idea what the surrounding logistics look like (at the moment I'm planning on flying to NJ and doing a big loop via Quebec and Washington DC, but this changes weekly. The other option is just to drive out from Montana if I don't have as much time. Either way it's arriving in either Houghton late afternoon or Marquette early evening, then hustling south pretty quick after the bridge walk is over.).
I'd been planning after talking with Sam and Alps in chat on the same Houghton/Marquette/Sault itinerary, but I'm locked into nothing.
With my attendance at Denver in May all but confirmed I suppose I should mention that I am now not going to be present at this. I will, however, be passing through the area on that other trip.
I'll go along Friday/Saturday with whatever. I'm not committing to Sunday yet.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 08, 2015, 06:49:39 PM
Now that 2015 is here and hotels around the Mackinaw area quickly start becoming expensive due to the Bridge Walk, we should probably think about where folks might want to make hotel reservations. (Yes... the meet is an entire 8 months away, but no joke... now is not too early to start making more definitive plans if possible.)
Cody Goodman, Sam Scholtens, and I are tentatively planning to spend Friday night in Houghton, Saturday night in Marquette, and Sunday night in Sault Ste. Marie. SSM is only about 45 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge, so the drive down the morning of the Bridge Walk (Labor Day) will be rather quick and easy. I would think hotels in Sault Ste. Marie will be cheaper than in the Mackinaw area.
What are everyone else's plans?
I'm also doing Houghton/Marquette/Soo. I am doing the walk on Labor Day and then my plans are grey from there (but I'm looking possibly to cross over to Canada and loop either Lake Superior or Lake Huron, though that depends more on work demand than it does finances. I don't believe either country's customs officials are going to question doing a circle route around a great lake :bigass:
I can confirm that motel rates in the Soo are generally much less than Mackinaw City or St. Ignace on Labor Day Sunday.
Labor Day night itself has the potential for normal rates again in Mackinaw - most of the tourists have to move out because the kids need to be in school the next day.
I just booked the hotel rooms where Sam Scholtens, Cody Goodman, and I will stay. We'll be at the Super 8 in Houghton on Friday night, the America's Best Value Inn in Marquette (technically Harvey) on Saturday night, and the Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie MI on Sunday night.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 11, 2015, 05:16:15 PM
I just booked the hotel rooms where Sam Scholtens, Cody Goodman, and I will stay. We'll be at the Super 8 in Houghton on Friday night, the America's Best Value Inn in Marquette (technically Harvey) on Saturday night, and the Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie MI on Sunday night.
I should add that since this is the U.P. and all the towns are small, having all the roadgeeks in different motels would not be a huge problem.
All the lodging in Houghton/Hancock and Sault Ste. Marie is within 4-5 miles of
everything in their towns. A.J. happened to pick the most remote chain motel in Marquette, and even that is only 5 miles from downtown and 8 miles from the furthest end of all the restaurants and strip malls (where the speed limit is mostly 45+ and part of the journey is expressway).
Quote from: getemngo on January 11, 2015, 05:23:49 PM
All the lodging in Houghton/Hancock and Sault Ste. Marie is within 4-5 miles of everything in their towns. A.J. happened to pick the most remote chain motel in Marquette, and even that is only 5 miles from downtown and 8 miles from the furthest end of all the restaurants and strip malls (where the speed limit is mostly 45+ and part of the journey is expressway).
According to Hotels.com, there weren't too many reasonably-priced hotel options in Marquette for that particular Saturday night. The hotel in Harvey is a pretty good deal and it's not a bad place either (average at worst). My partner and I actually stayed there in the summer of 2010 and we didn't have any issues with it. And yes... the drive from there to Marquette was quick and easy.
Quote from: getemngo on January 11, 2015, 05:23:49 PM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 11, 2015, 05:16:15 PM
I just booked the hotel rooms where Sam Scholtens, Cody Goodman, and I will stay. We'll be at the Super 8 in Houghton on Friday night, the America's Best Value Inn in Marquette (technically Harvey) on Saturday night, and the Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie MI on Sunday night.
I should add that since this is the U.P. and all the towns are small, having all the roadgeeks in different motels would not be a huge problem.
All the lodging in Houghton/Hancock and Sault Ste. Marie is within 4-5 miles of everything in their towns. A.J. happened to pick the most remote chain motel in Marquette, and even that is only 5 miles from downtown and 8 miles from the furthest end of all the restaurants and strip malls (where the speed limit is mostly 45+ and part of the journey is expressway).
How much trouble is the Soo border crossing? The Super 8 in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario looks quite a bit cheaper at least for me (CAD$89)- I don't plan on getting intoxicated on Sunday night since I'd have a long drive on Monday, so that part is not an issue (and having to deal with border guards would be incentive to keep me at my word). Maybe crossing the border in Monday morning will be bad idea though with Canadians going to the bridge walk. If that's more trouble than it's worth I'll gladly stay in Michigan.
I've stayed at the Super 8 in Houghton- it was fine, I'll book it again. Probably go the same route as you guys in Marquette too.
Ok, I created the Facebook events, and some invites have gone out already. Please RSVP there, if you can. The links are:
- Day 1, Houghton (https://www.facebook.com/events/1545469012403935/)
- Day 2, Marquette (https://www.facebook.com/events/1394935754140968/)
- Day 3, Mackinac Bridge Walk (https://www.facebook.com/events/274775269312934/)
If you know of other interested people, please see that they get invited. (The events are also visible to the public for those who aren't Facebook users.)
I haven't figured out which restaurant to pick for Marquette yet, partly because my original first choice when I was planning this has closed. The numbers of attendees will influence my choice, but I'd like to pick something with a local flavor as best as possible.
Quote from: corco on January 11, 2015, 06:09:01 PM
How much trouble is the Soo border crossing? The Super 8 in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario looks quite a bit cheaper at least for me (CAD$89)- I don't plan on getting intoxicated on Sunday night since I'd have a long drive on Monday, so that part is not an issue (and having to deal with border guards would be incentive to keep me at my word). Maybe crossing the border in Monday morning will be bad idea though with Canadians going to the bridge walk. If that's more trouble than it's worth though I'll gladly stay in Michigan.
As far as dealing with customs, Canada has always been a breeze for me here. The U.S. guys give you more of a hassle than your average crossing, but I've never been sent to the secondary inspection area. One time they spent 5-10 seconds looking in my trunk but I didn't have to move my car or get out.
Your biggest issue is traffic, because it's a slow crossing. A former local tells me you'll be fine if you cross before 8:30, though.
Quote from: bulldog1979 on January 11, 2015, 06:52:35 PM
I haven't figured out which restaurant to pick for Marquette yet, partly because my original first choice when I was planning this has closed. The numbers of attendees will influence my choice, but I'd like to pick something with a local flavor as best as possible.
Border Grill! :sombrero:
(Since it's not a traditional sit-down restaurant, I'm half-kidding.)
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 11, 2015, 05:16:15 PM
I just booked the hotel rooms where Sam Scholtens, Cody Goodman, and I will stay. We'll be at the Super 8 in Houghton on Friday night, the America's Best Value Inn in Marquette (technically Harvey) on Saturday night, and the Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie MI on Sunday night.
I hope you got Portage-side rooms in Houghton. We've always liked staying there.
We stayed at Holiday Inn Express at the Soo once, and it was great. Especially good if you get an upper floor room overlooking the Locks (about a mile away).
For the other question about border crossing, you do need a passport or enhanced license to get back into the US now.
Quote from: corco on January 11, 2015, 06:09:01 PM
How much trouble is the Soo border crossing? The Super 8 in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario looks quite a bit cheaper at least for me (CAD$89)- I don't plan on getting intoxicated on Sunday night since I'd have a long drive on Monday, so that part is not an issue (and having to deal with border guards would be incentive to keep me at my word). Maybe crossing the border in Monday morning will be bad idea though with Canadians going to the bridge walk. If that's more trouble than it's worth I'll gladly stay in Michigan.
I've done the crossing once into Canada, and twice into the U.S. (the second time after entering Canada south of Thunder Bay). The crossing into Canada was hassle-free. The first crossing into the U.S., the jerk with CBP gave me a hard time about why I wasn't married, but no secondary search. The second crossing went more smoothly, perhaps CBP was too tired that late in the evening to play games with returning U.S. citizens.
When doing your lodging comparisons, make sure you include taxes, which run higher in Canada. Expect Super 8s in Canada to be more dodgy than their U.S. counterparts (basically, Super 8s and Motel 6s usually switch places in the hierarchy of cheap Canadian lodgings, though there are a few nice Super 8s in Quebec). I was also unimpressed with the Howard Johnson (another Wyndham property) on the Ontario side. For the second southbound border crossing mentioned above, I did a quick check beforehand and decided the lodging options were better on the U.S. side, so I pressed ahead with crossing the border at night. I wound up staying at the Holiday Inn Express on the U.S. side, and agree with GaryV.
EDIT: Don't forget to factor in the round-trip bridge toll. And if you're popping into and out of Canada just for overnight lodging, with little time to do other sight-seeing in SSM on the Canada side, that escalates the odds of border hassles, since that looks suspicious.
I'm on the fence right now about going to the meet.
^ I've stayed at the Super 8 in SSM. It's very new, and is a pretty nice hotel as far as Super 8's go.
I've only crossed at SSM once (Canada to US). I didn't have any hassle whatsoever, but it was a weekday in April, which is probably not indicative of Labour Day traffic. I'd bet the border is fairly busy on a summer holiday so there will probably be some queuing.
Why would customs hassle you for not being married - that's wrong on so many levels...
QuoteEDIT: Don't forget to factor in the round-trip bridge toll. And if you're popping into and out of Canada just for overnight lodging, with little time to do other sight-seeing in SSM on the Canada side, that escalates the odds of border hassles, since that looks suspicious.
I wouldn't see it as too suspicious at Mackinac Bridge Walk time, just because area hotels fill up and the ones in Canada probably do last because that's a hassle. My excuse would be "bridge walk, this was the closest hotel I could find" which hopefully isn't suspicious.
That being said, it's a hassle and I did forget about the bridge tolls. Especially since this trip will likely be combined with a visit to Quebec, there's no point in crossing in again, so I'll stick with America and make reservations this week.
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on January 11, 2015, 05:16:15 PM
I just booked the hotel rooms where Sam Scholtens, Cody Goodman, and I will stay. We'll be at the Super 8 in Houghton on Friday night, the America's Best Value Inn in Marquette (technically Harvey) on Saturday night, and the Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste. Marie MI on Sunday night.
I may end up in Marquette for both nights, because it's that much closer to Milwaukee where I'll be flying in Friday.
Talked it over with the wife and looks like we are out on this one, since I am doing the Denver meet and we are both takeing a BIG road trip out west this summer, if anything changes we will see.
Quote from: getemngo on January 11, 2015, 07:03:19 PM
Quote from: corco on January 11, 2015, 06:09:01 PM
How much trouble is the Soo border crossing?
As far as dealing with customs, Canada has always been a breeze for me here. The U.S. guys give you more of a hassle than your average crossing, but I've never been sent to the secondary inspection area. One time they spent 5-10 seconds looking in my trunk but I didn't have to move my car or get out.
Your biggest issue is traffic, because it's a slow crossing. A former local tells me you'll be fine if you cross before 8:30, though.
I thought I'd chime in on this as well. The last time I did the Soo border crossing was in December 2012. I agree 100 percent with Sam. Getting into Canada at the Soo is a breeze. When my partner and I crossed into Canada, the Canadian customs agent was really friendly. Getting back into the U.S. was okay, but in general, the U.S. customs agents are not as nice. I think getting back into the U.S. in the Soo is easier than it is, say, in Port Huron MI.
And yes... the crossing getting into the U.S. is slow. Part of is has to do with the fact that the International Bridge is only one lane in each direction. I don't recall there being a ton of lanes available at the customs gate.
They're in the middle of expanding the Customs booths on the US side. They should be finished up (or close) by Labor Day.
I'm probably not going to attend the meet - I'm in the U.P. a lot. But I will wholeheartedly recommend others go - it's a very beautiful part of the country with a lot of history. Bring a good camera and lots of SD cards.
If you haven't booked in Houghton by now and plan to - do it NOW! The rooms are filling up. The Houghton Super 8 is booked solid, but there are others nearby.
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 18, 2015, 09:54:20 PM
If you haven't booked in Houghton by now and plan to - do it NOW! The rooms are filling up. The Houghton Super 8 is booked solid, but there are others nearby.
Damn, good call Sconsin. I'm booked at the Travelodge for now.
Quote from: corco on January 18, 2015, 10:28:02 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 18, 2015, 09:54:20 PM
If you haven't booked in Houghton by now and plan to - do it NOW! The rooms are filling up. The Houghton Super 8 is booked solid, but there are others nearby.
Damn, good call Sconsin. I'm booked at the Travelodge for now.
PARTY
Quote from: Alps on January 18, 2015, 11:03:10 PM
Quote from: corco on January 18, 2015, 10:28:02 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on January 18, 2015, 09:54:20 PM
If you haven't booked in Houghton by now and plan to - do it NOW! The rooms are filling up. The Houghton Super 8 is booked solid, but there are others nearby.
Damn, good call Sconsin. I'm booked at the Travelodge for now.
PARTY
Party x3!
Travelodge Houghton on Friday, ABVI in Marquette Saturday. :)
My family and I stayed at the Houghton Travelodge in 2005 when it was an Americas Best Value Inn, and it was pretty atrocious. I've heard that Travelodge has somewhat improved the building, so I hope it's been improved to everyone's satisfaction. What's nice is that it's within walking distance of all the good bars. :sombrero:
I've taken Sconsin's advice and booked a (cancellable until 9/3) two queens waterside room at the Magnuson, but if another room has space by the time we do this thing, I'd be willing to room with another (or have someone room with me, however it plays out in the next 7.5 months).
I know it's poor netiquette to bump when I last replied, but I wanted to be sure folks spotted the latest update. As of now, a couple is sharing the room with me in Houghton. For Marquette on Saturday, I have a two doubles room booked at the Americas Best Value (same property as A.J. and his entourage), and for Sault Ste. Marie Sunday night, I have a two doubles room booked at Soo Locks in case rooms start to fill up, as I think they will for the Sault within the next few weeks.
Bah. As a one-time Yooper, I resent that I can't go to this.
For everyone who can, it's a wonderful area of the planet.
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2015, 12:28:10 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on June 29, 2015, 12:22:45 AM
Quote from: rawmustard on June 26, 2015, 12:02:19 PM
A.J. and his entourage
I have an "entourage"?
What?, You didn't know? :P
Maybe he thought of it as his "posse." :-D
Or does anyone use that term anymore? I'm so divorced from pop culture, I don't even know.
Quote from: hbelkins on June 29, 2015, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2015, 12:28:10 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on June 29, 2015, 12:22:45 AM
Quote from: rawmustard on June 26, 2015, 12:02:19 PM
A.J. and his entourage
I have an "entourage"?
What?, You didn't know? :P
Maybe he thought of it as his "posse." :-D
Or does anyone use that term anymore? I'm so divorced from pop culture, I don't even know.
I feel like posse would be an acceptable term. :spin:
Insane Clown Posse!!!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.kinja-img.com%2Fgawker-media%2Fimage%2Fupload%2Fs--5AFmkjWg--%2Fc_fit%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_80%2Cw_636%2F1808pzk0yk8ejjpg.jpg&hash=2cc09f79371070c31f9989ac109a40c06913e916)
:bigass:
Quote from: codyg1985 on June 29, 2015, 01:57:23 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on June 29, 2015, 01:43:53 PM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 29, 2015, 12:28:10 AM
Quote from: A.J. Bertin on June 29, 2015, 12:22:45 AM
Quote from: rawmustard on June 26, 2015, 12:02:19 PM
A.J. and his entourage
I have an "entourage"?
What?, You didn't know? :P
Maybe he thought of it as his "posse." :-D
Or does anyone use that term anymore? I'm so divorced from pop culture, I don't even know.
I feel like posse would be an acceptable term. :spin:
Haha... I never thought of myself as having a "posse" either, but that sounds a little better than having an "entourage" I guess. The term "entourage" has an implication I don't like at all. In this case, maybe the best term is "road trip companions"?
As I mentioned on Facebook on the Day 1 event, I am not able to make this meet (any day) due to priorities changes, work obligations and personal issues.
I have canceled my hotel reservations; this won't affect anyone as those planning to bunk with me have already decided not to go.
Quote from: SSOWorld on July 18, 2015, 08:10:42 AM
As I mentioned on Facebook on the Day 1 event, I am not able to make this meet (any day) due to priorities changes, work obligations and personal issues.
I have canceled my hotel reservations; this won't affect anyone as those planning to bunk with me have already decided not to go.
I bunk whenever I feel like.
Well, you can add one more to the posse of those going and even walking the bridge. I'll be there. :bigass:
Quote from: Brandon on July 27, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Well, you can add one more to the posse of those going and even walking the bridge. I'll be there. :bigass:
That's awesome, Brandon!!!
Quote from: Brandon on July 27, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Well, you can add one more to the posse of those going and even walking the bridge. I'll be there. :bigass:
Yay! Now we can annoy everyone else by talking about what's changed on Michigan Tech's campus. :sombrero:
Here's an idea for those of us following the Houghton -> Marquette -> Sault Ste. Marie hotel itinerary: we should have a drink at a local brewery every night. First Keweenaw Brewing Company, then I dunno, Blackrocks?, then Soo Brewing. It'll be our own beer tour! :cheers:
Quote from: getemngo on July 28, 2015, 05:33:06 PM
Here's an idea for those of us following the Houghton -> Marquette -> Sault Ste. Marie hotel itinerary: we should have a drink at a local brewery every night. First Keweenaw Brewing Company, then I dunno, Blackrocks?, then Soo Brewing. It'll be our own beer tour! :cheers:
That's a great idea, Sam. What do others think? Michael?
I am in love with this idea.
Quote from: getemngo on July 28, 2015, 05:33:06 PM
Here's an idea for those of us following the Houghton -> Marquette -> Sault Ste. Marie hotel itinerary: we should have a drink at a local brewery every night. First Keweenaw Brewing Company, then I dunno, Blackrocks?, then Soo Brewing. It'll be our own beer tour! :cheers:
I sort of thought this was a given.
If I wasn't excited enough about this meet, I'm even more excited now at the talk of a brewery Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday night. However, we haven't heard anything from our host lately about how the itinerary is coming along. I assume everything's okay with that, but I'm still wondering... what time do folks want to start the Bridge Walk on Monday morning? We can start the walk as early as 7 a.m.
Just got back from what turned into a 7000 mile trip from out west to PA (the PA trip however was not planned) so I am definitly out for this meet, will be there in spirit and hope you guys have fun :-)
Ok, just to bump this. If you haven't marked yourself as attending on the FB events, can you confirm (or reconfirm) here that you're attending? There's a bit of uncertainty on my end, as noted on the FB event page for day 1, but I'm cautiously proceeding as though I'll be attending.
Also, if anyone is bringing a guest with them, I'll need to know soon so that I can get head counts for the reservations.
I will definitely be there for all days.
Quote from: getemngo on July 28, 2015, 05:33:06 PM
Quote from: Brandon on July 27, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Well, you can add one more to the posse of those going and even walking the bridge. I'll be there. :bigass:
Yay! Now we can annoy everyone else by talking about what's changed on Michigan Tech's campus. :sombrero:
Here's an idea for those of us following the Houghton -> Marquette -> Sault Ste. Marie hotel itinerary: we should have a drink at a local brewery every night. First Keweenaw Brewing Company, then I dunno, Blackrocks?, then Soo Brewing. It'll be our own beer tour! :cheers:
If I were going to the meet, I'd be in favor of this. I'll be on vacation the 2nd half of August, so I wanted to spend Labor Day Weekend closer to home. So instead, I'll find another brewpub and have a beer in honor of the U.P. road meet
Quote from: Dougtone on August 13, 2015, 10:43:41 AM
Quote from: getemngo on July 28, 2015, 05:33:06 PM
Quote from: Brandon on July 27, 2015, 04:44:56 PM
Well, you can add one more to the posse of those going and even walking the bridge. I'll be there. :bigass:
Yay! Now we can annoy everyone else by talking about what's changed on Michigan Tech's campus. :sombrero:
Here's an idea for those of us following the Houghton -> Marquette -> Sault Ste. Marie hotel itinerary: we should have a drink at a local brewery every night. First Keweenaw Brewing Company, then I dunno, Blackrocks?, then Soo Brewing. It'll be our own beer tour! :cheers:
If I were going to the meet, I'd be in favor of this. I'll be on vacation the 2nd half of August, so I wanted to spend Labor Day Weekend closer to home. So instead, I'll find another brewpub and have a beer in honor of the U.P. road meet
Same - It is likely that the brewpub will likely be on Beale Street in Memphis.
Based on replies on Facebook, I have 12 attending so far. I just need to know if anyone from here is RSVP-ing who hasn't done so on Facebook so I don't double count you because I don't know your real name.
Are we still thinking about having 2-way radios with us, for the areas with no cell reception? I have access to at least two of them.
Quote from: getemngo on August 21, 2015, 05:38:15 PM
Are we still thinking about having 2-way radios with us, for the areas with no cell reception? I have access to at least two of them.
How many cars are we looking to have at this point? Maybe two will be enough. A third one couldn't hurt, though.
Quote from: codyg1985 on August 22, 2015, 01:39:01 PM
Quote from: getemngo on August 21, 2015, 05:38:15 PM
Are we still thinking about having 2-way radios with us, for the areas with no cell reception? I have access to at least two of them.
How many cars are we looking to have at this point? Maybe two will be enough. A third one couldn't hurt, though.
I'm thinking everyone who drives to Houghton for the first night and then stays in Marquette the second night would necessarily need their own vehicle for the portion of the itinerary between those two places. The same would apply between Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie.
As of last count, we have 12 attendees. Assuming 4 per car, that's 3 cars if everyone is going on the tour. As noted, there will be more cars caravanning between the two cities later in the evening, but there's decent cell reception between Houghton and Marquette in case we need to communicate with each other. Keweenaw County has terrible cell coverage, and part of the day 2 tour north of Marquette goes through part of the county without reception as well.
A word of note though: the UP only has AT&T and Verizon for carriers. I think T-Mobile may have roaming up here on AT&T's network, but I've been told by guests at the hotel that Sprint doesn't work at all.
http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2015/09/02/mackinac-bridge-mdot-labor-day-holiday-road-detour-northern-michigan/71595162/
reposting for your info as this affects the bridge walk
I'd like to send out a big thank you for everyone who made it to both days of the meet. Excluding my drive up to Houghton yesterday morning from Negaunee, we drove about 330 miles in four counties over both days. I hope everyone had a great time, and I'll see you at some meets in the future!
For those who couldn't make it, the highlights of day one included the Portage Canal Lift Bridge, a pair of embossed cutout markers for US 41 and M-203 in Calumet, the Snow Thermometer near Phoenix, the M-26 Timber Bridge and two historic bridges in Eagle Harbor, Brockway Mountain Drive, and the northern terminus of US 41 near Fort Wilkins. Some of us also stopped and walked on the Peshekee River Bridge, also known as Trunk Line Bridge No. 1, the first state highway bridge built by Michigan.
On day two, we saw the location of the first highway centerline in the US, a section of old M-35 that's now under a luge run in Negaunee, a non-embossed cutout US 41 shield, old alignments of US 41/M-28, a Pennsylvania through truss bridge from Pennsylvania, the old M-35 (now CR 510) and Blind 35. We also stopped at Thomas Rock near Big Bay for views of Copper Harbor in the distance before heading back to Marquette for a quick drive along the lakeshore.
For those who couldn't attend, I'm considering doing the Marquette County portion of the meet again in a few years after our next set of highway roundabouts open.
P.S. Brandon, make sure you post the various group photos someplace!
From Governor Snyder on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GovernorRickSnyder/posts/10153120695603359?fref=nf&pnref=story):
QuoteThe National Weather Service forecasts a near certainty of rain during morning hours of Labor Day in the Mackinaw City area. People hoping to participate in the traditional five-mile walk across the bridge should take precautions and dress appropriately.
Thunderstorms and lightning remain a possibility and could force a delay or cancelation of the bridge walk. Authorities are working with the National Weather Service to monitor probable weather patterns and conditions for the walk.
Thanks so much to Michael for hosting this meet! We saw a lot of nice things throughout the U.P., and it was good to see everyone. :spin:
I just thought I'd give a summary of what happened with the Bridge Walk. On Sunday evening as Cody and I were driving to Sault Ste. Marie, we were paying attention to the radar and weather forecast for Labor Day morning. Plus Cody pulled up MDOT's Twitter feed for the Bridge Walk, and the forecast was looking pretty crummy with rain and thunderstorms in the morning. Our original plan (and I think Brandon and Brian R.K.'s plan as well) was to leave the Soo by 5 or 5:30. We were all going to leave our cars in Mackinaw City and hop on one of the school buses to head to St. Ignace. Well, Brian was the only one who ended up doing that. Cody looked at the radar at about 4:30 and the rain was pretty heavy, so he and I decided to wait a couple hours. At 6:15 or so, the radar looked better so we decided to go for it. He and I had breakfast in our hotel around 6:30 or 7:00 and made it to St. Ignace a little after 8 where we met up with Brandon who was gracious enough to for us for at least an hour. Cody and I followed Brandon to the Little Bear East Center where bridge walkers could park their cars and hop on a free bus to the starting line in St. Ignace. That was nice.
Despite how nice the parking situation was, the weather still looked iffy. It was drizzling and we learned that umbrellas were not allowed on the bridge. We frantically had to find ponchos so we went to the grocery store in St. Ignace. Of course, by that point, all the ponchos were sold out so we had to buy trash bags to use as ponchos. It was hilarious! Brian R.K. was prepared because he'd bought a poncho at Walmart the night before. It didn't even dawn on me that umbrellas wouldn't be allowed. Oh well...
Cody, Brandon, and I met up with Brian R.K. at the starting line - but Brian had probably by this point been waiting something like three hours for us. We started walking at around 9:30, but as it turned out, we didn't even need our garbage bag ponchos because the rain had stopped by 9 or so. The walk itself was nice and the sun gradually came out as the day progressed. The four of us had lunch at Audie's at around 11:30 and walked around Mackinaw City to buy t-shirts. We met up with a friend of mine and (except for Brian) rode one of the school buses back to St. Ignace - and then rode one more bus to get back to our cars. The bus ride across the bridge was interesting because we saw the last two walkers and also saw the last lane open up as we were on the bridge. (By this point, it was around 2:15 or so.) By the time Brandon, Cody, and I got back to our cars it was around 3.
Altogether, the road meet was nice but the Bridge Walk was also quite the adventure!