Day 80 Mackinaw City to Mackinac Island Tuesday August 7, 2018

The clouds dominated all day even though forecast was for partially sunny. Temps were in the low 70s.  Winds 10 knots to start-and calmed to 5 knots westerly - perfect for stop on island

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 Click here to view map of our trip

This is a marathon post because we had so much fun today and I want to remember it all. So you get it too. Aren't we both lucky.

Today was supposed to be partly sunny and the wind light and from the northwest. Well we got the wind part of the forecast which is the preferred of the two. The sun hazed through a few times this afternoon to make it mild and just right for being outside.

We arrived on the island about 10:00 and got a wonderful slip on the west end of the marina and bow facing the harbor. This minimized the rocking from the ferries which we saw was quite noticeable at the other end of the docks.

We began our tour of this fascinating place with a walk down Main Street. As you may recall if you read about Mackinac Island in yesterday's post, there are no automobiles allowed on the island. Horses are the means of transportation followed by the largest per capita of bikes this side of China.

Horses are everywhere.

And with horses comes horse poo. Notice the fellow with the shovel - and he has a tricycle with a bin on the back to deposit and carry his street cleaning efforts. An even with his efforts and that of more mechanical sweepers, there is a slight pall of Au Du Horse in the air. It made me think what the smell in cities must have been like in the true horse and buggy days - whoaaaaa.......

Moving on to sweeter things there was the most decadent fudge I have ever had that was made in a number of shops. I just tasted it. We did buy some for dockhand Max that was so helpful getting us tied up and who yesterday on the phone told Faye that "no slips for over 35 feet but just reserve a 35 foot one and put 38 foot boat in the notes" so we were then able to get our slip. They can't accept tips but he smiled when we asked if he liked fudge.

The whole island is a frozen in time place. Wonderful homes and buildings

Our plan was to visit and have lunch at the Grand Hotel - they have a buffet that was marvelous.
The roadway to the Grand Hotel.

And it is Grand - the photo does not do it justice.

 The lower foyer. Love the carpet

 Wonderful paintings and appointments

We were early for the noon time opening of the dining room. So we walked around to take it all in. The veranda is reported to be the largest in existence. I believe it!

We look like we fit in don't we? Well maybe they can tell we are just off the boat - but we had fun.

 The grand entrance.

There was a wonderful walk in the small woods in front of the hotel.

Here is one of the ferries that is coming and going all day. I think they are throwing the rooster tail just to show off.

The pool has their logo in it.

The grand dining room. Beautiful isn't it.

A happy and cute couple enjoying their lunch. Glendon, from Jamaica, was our waiter and he has worked here each season for 28 years - oh my. He was so pleasant and so efficient that it added greatly to an already highlight of the trip.

View from our table. Notice the freighter in the place we met one yesterday. But at least today the visibility is good.

To ease our guilt and settle our overstuffed condition, we got out the folding bikes and rode 8 miles around the island. A stop at the hole in the rock arch shown here.

 The view from up there.

And I am pleased to report that I was able to make the 207 steps to the top with only stopping twice.

 The admiral and her steed.

 The arch from below.

And after 8 miles we arrived back in town. Here you can see the bike road that goes all the way around the island. It was great fun.

And as you might imagine neither of us was interested in dinner so we took another walk around town. Leaving the boat we were watched by several sentries on guard at the owners palace.

 A beautiful old church that was open.

 Just amazing

 Looking down to the harbor from the hill on which sits the fort build on the island.

A few more original buildings

The old and current Police Station

And I saw this tee shirt that made me smile. I was going to buy it but I couldn't think of anyone that it would apply to - so if you think you "fit" this description let me know and I will get one for you. Please specify size and color - so long as it is grey (now that's funny!!)

As you can tell it is late as I am getting too clever for my own good. So I will thus say ................

Good Night and May God Bless