Vespa Inauguration!!!

Well the day has finally come and the Vespa project is complete (well, almost)!!! Everything is reassembled after the paint work and it started up after a few kicks. Firing it up was very rewarding after all of the time and effort put into the restoration.

We are not on the road yet though as there are a few electrical issues as well as the licensing, titling and insurance. Hopefully we can give it a ride around the block soon though. Overall we are happy about how it turned out. Amanda and Toby will be cruising in style!

North Manitou Island, northern Michigan

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but wanted to put up pictures of our recent trip to N. Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan. We went with Anne (Voglewede) and Steve Walker who live in Ann Arbor.

We took a ferry through Lake Michigan to the island where there are no motorized vehicles. We backpacked across the island by day, setting up camp by the lake shores. It was a cool mix of wooded trails and sandy beaches. The water was crystal clear and clean, but the swimming was brisk! It is a unique and beautiful place to visit if you ever get the chance.

PS - I've made alot of progress on the Vespa -- engine is rebuilt and body is repainted. I'm in the process of reassembling it right now. Pics to follow!