Pittsburg to Aspen...the LONG way.

Of the lower 48 states, I had been to all except Michigan.  A few years ago, I had opted to accompany an older gentleman who had served in WWll on a trip called "The Honor Flight".  These trips occur all across America.  American airlines donates the planes and crews, the organization locates the WWll vets and volunteers, pay their own way, to be an assistant if needed to each vet on a day trip from a major airport to Washington DC for a day.
I had stayed connected with the Vet and his wife, but was going to surprise him and pay him a visit in at his assisted living facility in Michigan.  I had his contact info and address, so after my stint in Kittanning, PA volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, I drove north into Michigan.

Well, the surprise did not work. For nearly a week, I tried to call he and his wife's # but no one answered.  No contact was made. (I've called numerous times since...but still no contact.)
..... My choice then was simple. Drive north through Michigan and over the Mackinac Bridge

 into the Upper Peninsula of the state.  I  heard it was beautiful.  It was!

I had friends that lived just a bit SW of the crossing point and made arrangements to visit them in a couple of day.  In the mean time, I drove to the furthest point of land in the NE of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point.

                                          Coast Guard Station and Light House at Whitefish

 Took a tour of the Light House while I was there and what a great view from the top!

The Museum not only had artifacts from many of the ships sunk over the centuries, but an interesting display throughout, that told the story of the European settlers entry into the region.
Museum Website

I stayed overnight in a small State Park before and after, then headed south west along the coast of Lake Michigan for my upcoming visit with friends Mary and David, eating well, having some laughs and good conversations.

 Special treat was a picnic at a remote little park on the water, where David grilled some hot dogs. Wonderful day.

Soon though I was on the road and decided to take Rt. 2 west, as it runs just under the Canadian border, an area I've never seen. Very decent road, wonderful country and smaller towns.  So much better than interstate travel!  Twas a good move and stayed near the border until I entered Montana, then began dropping south through Wyoming and towards Salt Lake, Utah.  Beautiful scenery along the way and made stops at special places.

                                          Weather stayed perfect, clear skies and mild temps.

                                         Every day, the landscape changed several times.

Of course, sooner or later, weather changes and I saw it coming. Drove a little bit further into  Delicate Arch National Park and sat out the freezing rain and sleet.

Had to be at my next assignment for Habitat, in Silt, Colorado (Oct. 1st) soon, so with the exception of one more visit with friends in Sheridan, Wyoming, I drove daily to wonderful scenic locations on my way to Silt.  Had a lovely time of it.