Today we got up early and headed northeast for Mackinaw City, to catch the ferry over the Mackinac Island.
After a hasty breakfast in the hotel, we travelled north for two hours through rain and surface water, until we reach the other coast of Michigan where the sun was shining. Arriving at the docks, we were directed to where to leave our luggage, how to get our tickets and where to park. During this whole process, we must have spoken to about 6 different people! The difference in finding out where to go over here is that you are ‘directed to the person down there who will give you further instructions’. Not very easy to get lost.
Catching the shuttle back to the docks, we managed to catch the 10.30am ferry to the island. This trip included an extra 6-minute detour under the Mackinaw Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in the northern hemisphere. Then it was a quick, but rough, trip over to the island.
Arriving at the island is definitely like stepping back in time. For starters, there are no cars on the island (expect emergency vehicles). During all our wanderings today, we didn’t see a single vehicle. To get around you either bicycle, travel by horse and cart, or walk. We walked for all of today but do intend to take a horse and cart ride tomorrow.
The town is picturesque and every 10 steps you want to stop to take a new picture. There are beautiful old houses, churches, streets lined with trees and flowers, and because it is an island, stony beaches, harbour and even a lighthouse.
After our initial wander through the streets, we found a café for lunch, just before the 12pm rush started. As with a lot of places here, there are many good options to choose from, and we decided to indulge with entrée, main and dessert this time.
By this time the sun was back with blue sky’s so we were able to enjoy our afternoon wandering around the island without it raining on us. However, though the sun might be out, it is COLD! I don’t think we planned for this cold when we packed.
Later in the afternoon we headed for our accommodation. While we were too early to check in, we could enjoy the lobby area, with comfortable couches and fireplaces alight. A good place to fall asleep for 20 minutes.
Our afternoon was complete with a massage booked for each of us at the resort spa. Both of our massages were very good, and we both fell asleep during them.
During the early evening we took a wander around the resort and ended up back in the township. This is what you can find in Mackinaw Island township; a fudge shop, followed by a clothing and hoodie shop, followed by a café. And repeat. Some restraint will be required so that we don’t end up back on the mainland with a suitcase full of fudge!
Back to the resort for a relaxing evening in our room, watching the lake drift by.
Until tomorrow
Chris & Dan