Michigan's M-119, also known
as the Tunnel of Trees, is one great road and a must-experience
Michigan attraction. A magical, scenic road, the Tunnel of Trees has
been ranked among the most scenic roads in the state and holds its
own with the great natural beauties of the entire nation. The Tunnel
of Trees is a narrow road that runs along a spectacular bluff overlooking
Lake Michigan. It weaves up and around, with especially sharp twists
at Devil's Elbow (reputed to be haunted by an evil spirit and voices
after dark) and more sharp twists at Horseshoe Curve (Horseshoe Bend).
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The name M-119 really is a
tunnel of trees, with hardwoods and evergreens crowding up to the
edge of the road, their crowns knit into a comforting ceiling over
motorists and bicyclists below. But this is not like a tunnel through
a mountain where the view is basically the inside of a cave. M-119
offers glimpses into the forest and glimpses of Lake Michigan along
the way. The two RV Gypsies, Lee and Karen Duquette, drove M-119 on
a day with beautiful weather, and they took plenty of time to let
the scenery inspire them. The signs along the side of the road allowed
their minds to wander and consider the area’s history; the original
Native Americans and their traditions, as well as the early European
settlers. (But Karen Duquette did not let Lee's mind wander too much,
because he was the driver). |
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Below: On M-119, Karen Duquette started to sense the tunnel, with trees growing
up to both sides of the thoroughfare. While Lee Duquette, as the driver,
had to remain vigilant (remember, this narrower-than-normal two-lane
road lacks shoulders or a center line). Karen Duquette got to enjoy
the scenery of stately hardwood trees and glimpses of Lake Michigan,
as shown in the photo below.
Note: The two RV Gypsies were NOT in their RV, they were in their
toad (tow car). |
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Below: The signs
along the side of the road telling about the area's history. |
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Below: Sign for Devil's
Elbow (reputed to be haunted by an evil spirit and voices after dark) |
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And then Lee Duquette drove
into the City of Good Hart, which is part of the Tunnel of Trees.
While there, PBS was filming a TV documentary about the Tunnel of
Trees, and they interviewed Karen and Lee Duquette. They tried to
get a copy of the documentary, but PBS would NOTsend it. Boo Hoo to
PBS. There is a link below with photos and more about the City of
Good Hart. |
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