Wednesday, October 08, 2008

SCENIC 'TUNNEL OF TREES' ~ ST. IGNATIUS MISSION (GOOD HART)

~ Scenic 'Tunnel of Trees'
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"The M-119 Heritage Route is much more than just a ribbon of asphalt cutting north, taking travelers to and from their destinations. The splendor of the area results from millions of years of geology, natural and cultural history, and trade. Proximity to Lake Michigan provides not only scenic vistas, but strongly influenced the location of the roadway. The roadway crosses hills, gullies, and small valleys, and winds through ancient sand dunes. The southern part of the route offers spectacular views.

The so-called Tunnel of Trees runs sporadically along the length of the corridor and is comprised of northern hardwoods with beech, maple, and oak predominating among aspen, birch, hemlock, and a few varieties of pine. The trees are located very close to the roadway, creating the feeling of traveling through a tunnel. In the fall, the corridor is alive with color. The diversity of habitat encourages a variety of animal life including whitetail deer, fox, turkey, small game, and various song and game bird species."

~ Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

M-119 is a 27.57-mile (44.37 km) highway entirely within in Emmet County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The northern terminus is at a junction with county road C-77 in downtown Cross Village, just one block west of the western end of county road C-66. The route follows the shore of Lake Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay, with its southern terminus in Bay View, about four miles east of Petoskey.

M-119 starts in the Bayview area between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. It rounds the north shore of Little Traverse Bay passing the Harbor Springs Airport near the junction with C-81. From there it runs to Harbor Springs along Main Street. M-119 passes out of Harbor Springs past the golf course on Lake Shore Drive.
The 20-mile (32 km) section north of Harbor Springs is known as the "Tunnel of Trees". This section has no shoulders. Some place lack a centerline when the road isn't a full two lanes wide. Trees but right up to the edge of the road, some branches meeting in the middle above the road. The route is popular with tourists. There are two hairpin turns along the route called "Devil's Elbow" and "Horseshoe Bend".
M-119, including the "Tunnel of Trees" portion was officially designated a Scenic Heritage Route in December 2002.

~ From Wikipedia

~ St. Ignatius Mission (Good Hart)

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11 comments:

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

That's what I call a scenic route, very nice Joey.

Sheila said...

Lovely!

Anonymous said...

Two beautiful spots, Joey. And wonderful photos to illustrate them!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Joey!
What wonderful photos and info from the last few days. I love this state and all it's marvelous history, particularly it's Indian Heritage. We Michiganders are very, very lucky to have this beautiful jewel. And you are wonderful to bring it to us so creatively.

Love it!!!!!!!
Ann

Cindy said...

I love driving through tree tunneled roads. I can just imagine the beauty when the fall colors are abundant.

joey said...

I'm sending you this postcard, Tyra ... "Wish you were here!"

Welcome Sheila and thanks.

Thanks Nancy ... both are indeed photogenic spots that I love to visit.

You are most kind, dear Ann. I'm beside you, loving this beautiful state (a self-proclaimed ambassador) and rich Indian heritage, part of my own.

It's stunning and breathtaking in autumn, Cindy ~ an awesome psychedelic feeling driving through the tunnel of vibrant colors with all the twists and turns.

Anonymous said...

Nice pics. I like the dilapidated building in the right had side. It looks haunted.

marmee said...

what a get place to travel and take photographs. good for you, they are lovely!

joey said...

Hi gardenbloggers ... thanks for visiting. Enjoyed your interview with Colleen.

Hi dear Marmee ... many more posts coming from the trip through Michigan's fine wine country that we enjoy each year.

Anonymous said...

Goodness Joey, this is a post from your love of the area and I can hear it in your words. I'm fortunate enough to come along to your blog and read several in a row. It makes it fun and kind of like I'm on a vacation.

I read every word and soaked in the beauty and history. Love the old indian stories and pictures of the church steeples.

Thank you for the tour as it felt cool and peaceful driving under the canopy of the trees.

joey said...

You and I are 'soul sisters', dear Anna, after reading your heartfelt posts about real people in your surrounding neighborhood. Love for life and history steep deep in our hearts ~ a recipe we both love sharing :)