M-53 is part of Michigan’s State Trunkline Highway System. Slightly under 121 miles, it runs north-south from Gratiot Road in Detroit to M-25 in Port Austin, at the tip of Michigan’s “thumb”. In metro Detroit, M-53 is known as Van Dyke Avenue, before they become two separate but largely parallel roads as you travel northbound. Wikipedia has a surprisingly in-depth article on the road.

Of course, it’s also Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday, so enjoy one of the best episodes of the Dick Van Dyke Show, “Never Bathe On Saturday”.

Have fun posting!