Day 9 Mackinac Island, MI

Day 9 Thursday, July 30, 2009

Our Mackinac Island Adventure

The weather was supposed to be iffy. After monitoring the morning news stations for the radar and forecast, we decided to brave the trip with the promise that the rain wouldn't start till this afternoon.

The Shepler's Ferry Folks were eager to place us on the 9:30 am ferry. It's only a few blocks from the hotel, and Missy enjoyed (?, perhaps, tolerated is a better word) her 2nd powerboat ride and as many days. She acts as though it's no big deal, she lays at our feet and demonstrates superb manners throughout.
Smooth ride, calm seas. Nice.

Approximately 20 min. later, we arrived at the Island. A great place to explore!






Dave took 192 pictures. We walked for several miles on pretty trails, had a nice lunch with chocolate lab, Hershey, (and owner) at The Mustang Saloon.

Almost on cue, it began to sprinkle as we finished eating, but we had one more tourist-y task yet to complete (after purchasing the obligatory postcards). A visit to the Grand Hotel. We got as close to the entrance as we could without paying the ridiculous fee ($10.00) to walk along the driveway in front of the hotel (whatever). The pictures turned out nicely anyway, and, it's a must-see if you've traveled all the way here…

On the return trip, the water was not as smooth, the weather came in….



Tomorrow morning we are off to Ephraim, WI

Day 8 Northern Michigan

Day 8 Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Another vacation day from sailing.
Missy has been such a good hotel and travel dog!!
10:40 a low key start to our travel today, leaving West Branch, MI, heading slightly NW toward Houghton Lake (Dave reminisces about good times camping), then N on I 75.

Curiously, we travel through 2 cities with names close to our hearts: Vanderbilt and Wolverine. Not kidding! Look at a map!

Travel note: MI wins The Worst Road Condition Award. Aside from some nice renovation areas near Flint, "deep texture" is the theme for much of the highway.
Thinking back, we encountered a few large abrasions in the cement roadway in SC also, some holes were quite large, and conveniently right in the line of the tires (expected). At least they were few and far between.

Fun Fact: Gaylord, MI – exactly ½ way between the North Pole and the Equator.

12:15 Exit 313. Now for a FS shout out. Mike Miller, from Fishing Bay, VA is visiting his parents in Indian River, MI.

They have a lovely lake house on Mullet Lake. He was working on his trailer earlier today, and we stopped by to say hello. It was a beautiful day for a power boat ride on the lake (Missy's first!) and sitting outside, visiting with Mike and his parents.
We appreciate the wonderful lunch complete with Michigan cherries, fresh raspberries, home made cookies, conversation, and offer to stay the night in the guest house. What a great get-away!

4:45 pm We decide to press on to Mackinaw City for the night so we can catch an early ferry to the Island Thursday.

5:10 pm Rolling into MC, it's a tight squeeze pulling a Scot, but the city is cute and we're ready to find a hotel and dinner!
Fortunately, there are 52 hotels in the area and a few restaurants ready to serve us the highly recommended fresh whitefish.


Sadly, Missy wasn't allowed at Audie's, where Mike's dad said we should go, but she was welcome in downtown at The Depot, instead, and it was all good!