Long Drive

I recently drove from Lansing to Escanaba, MI with my husband. It always astonishes me at how quickly we can reach the Mackinac Bridge heading straight north on 27, and as soon as we cross it I feel like I'm in a different world. I love the visiting UP, but seeing much of its untouched wilderness requires lengthy drives that can often lead to serious discomfort in the car, so I've perfected a series of stretches that most anyone can do while sitting in the passenger seat.

Stretch #1: Hamstring, glute, calf, and IT band. Move the seat as far back as it will go, and remove your shoes. Flex your toes to the sky (straight up) and keep your leg in line with your hip. Bend your knee and lift your leg so you can rest the calf on the glovebox or dash, and begin to extend the leg, straightening the knee until you feel the stretch, Be sure to sit up straight and keep your foot flexed. Repeat on the other side.

Stretch #2: Twist for low back, side body, and shoulders. Plant both feet flat on the floorboard and bring the knees in line with your hips, keeping them a few inches apart. Turn your upper body to the right and, using your hands, hold the door or the back of the seat as you breathe deeply for a few breaths. Slowly turn back to the front. Repeat on the other side.

Stretch #3: Hip, low back. With your shoes off, place the lef foot firmly on the floorboard even with your left hip. Lift the right leg and bend it at the knee, placing the right ankle on top of the left knee. Place the right hand on top of the right knee and gently press until you feel the hip stretch. Repeat on left side.

Comments

[JRS]

The most interesting part of the UP is the
western half although I do like the Soo Locks
and Tahquemenon Falls as well.

The drive between the bridge and Sault St. Marie
is a bit on the dull side however, mostly flat
and scruby looking pines unlike the northern lower
peninsula.