Driving around the UP day 1

I started today with a jog along the Lake Huron waterfront. Last night's storms had moved on and it was a pleasant morning near the water. There was a thin veil of fog hanging over Mackinaw Island. The water was glassy smooth except for the ripples given off by a couple of loons enjoying the last calm days before the mass of tourists begin arriving for the summer. If my daily run could always be along a scene like this I think I could be a great runner!
After checking out of our hotel we headed to Java Joe's Cafe for breakfast. Joe's is a small joint set in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Express. The place is built with a hippie theme complete with Jimmy Buffet concerts playing on a loop on a small tv at the entrance. There is indoor and outdoor seating and many of the tables have a view of the water. Most days Joe himself will wait on you. Today's fare included breakfast burritos and nutella crepes (which I highly recommend). Joe worked the room, giving tourists directions to the best attractions in the area.
After filling up at breakfast we hit the road, heading west on US 2. It turned into a gorgeous day with temps climbing into the 80s as we sped past the north shore of lake Michigan. US 2 heading west out of st ignace is one of the most scenic drives in Michigan. There are numerous spots to pull off and swim, and a mix of sand dunes and thick pine forests line the opposite side of the road.
At Blaney Park we headed north on M77 and made a quick visit to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Seney is a true gem, one that most people drive past without visiting. When the area was clearcut by logging in the past it created a strange terrain. Wildlife experts flooded the area and built a series of damns, bridges and weirs to create a manageable system of wetlands. The refuge is part of the flyway that many migratory birds use to reach their summer grounds in the artic. In addition to a wide range of birds, Seney is home to moose, bear, wolves and many other mammals. On one visit we saw an otter swimming in one if the pools. The refuge is huge, and most of it is off limits to visitors to ensure successful nesting seasons for birds. There is, however, a 7 mile loop road that allows visitors to drive through part of the refuge. On our drive through this time we were treated to several loons, an osprey and bald eagle battling in mid air and too many swans to count. Seney is always worth the stop.
Tonight we're headed farther west to check out Van Riper State Park. This will be our first visit to this park. We're excited to see what this part of the UP has to offer. That's all for now. Life is good in the UP!