2014 July 19 Mackinac / Mackinaw

We got up this morning to discover that we have crossed the line to Eastern Daylight time so we gained an hour.  And we needed it as we were determined to get to Mackinac Island.  We ate a light breakfast at the Econo lodge at Manistique, Mi - out of necessity.  The cheerios were good and there was a banana left!  We were soon on our way. 

We arrived in Mackinac City via the Mackinaw Bridge.

An early lighthouse at Mackinaw City. 

Mackinac Island Bridge built in 1957. 

We arrived on Mackinaw Island via Ferry.  We chose the old classic ferry, Arnolds Ferry. 
It is a 40 minute ferry ride, one way.
The first time, I thought they overbooked the ferry.  It was practically standing room only.
Visions of Indonesia capsized ferries came to mind but we made it.

 



Lighthouse and channel marker just off Mackinac Island.

There are 365 fine large horses on Mackinac Island.
Horses have the right away over people and bicycles.

There are so many lovely turn-of- the- century homes.
I may move to the Island to clean houses!
 

We toured Mackinaw Island.

So did several thousand other people today.

Our tour guide told us that July 3 and 4 are always the busiest of the year so don't go for the 4th!

Fort Mackinaw
 

This is a fine Victorian house.  Photo was taken through a wrought-iron fence.  See the curliques?

Fine houses and beautiful flowers.  A winning combination. 

People, horses, carts and bicycles!
And horse poop; don't forget that. 

People come for the day.  People come and stay as there are quite a number of inns, hotels, bed and breakfasts and, don't forget The Grand Hotel. 

 

The only vehicles on the island are fire trucks and ambulances

but 13-yr old school children can drive snowmobiles to school in the winter. 

 

 

Tonight we are ensconced in the Family Unit of a privately owned hotel, The Bay Inn. 

Only one queen bed (we like 2 full) but we have a bath and a full kitchen. 

We were alerted to a fantastic sunset by the owner.  We paid a whopping $130. 

The sunset was worth it.

 

 

And we were worn out.  lol

 

PS:  no matter whether it is spelled Mackinac or Mackinaw, you say it Mackinaw. 

Who would have thought.