2023.0928 

   Another boat cruise day, another fabulous day, today on Lake Huron, and skirting the edge of Lake Michigan.  The 12 noon ferry to Mackinac island detours to the famous Mackinac bridge, one of the 10 longest suspension bridges in the world.  This bridge connects those below the bridge (referred to as Trolls) with the Yoopers, those who live in the upper peninsula (UP) of Michigan.  It also bridges across the water connection of great lakes Michigan and Huron. Prior to the building of the bridge in the 1950’s, hunters would line up for up to 15 miles to ferry across the passage during the fall hunting season to pursue plentiful game in the UP. 

   Upon walking from the docks to the main street of Mackinac Island, the first thing I notice is the pungent order of horses.  In 1898, automobiles were banned from the village of Mackinac, that law is still in effect today.  Despite being a summer home to the rich and famous, Mackinac today still bans all automobiles. Celebrity residents include Ron Howard, Bob Seeger, and Vince Vaughn. There is an airport on the island to support high rollers. Ground transportation is by horse and carriage, and oodles of bicycles.  We brought our own bikes, at a cost of $18 each on the ferry to allow open air touring on the famous island off shore from St. Ignace, MI.  Rental bikes are available on the island.  

   Main street is loaded with shops for tourists, and horses and their effluent. It is a beautiful and unique summer tourist town.  Stately homes and guest houses touch the village and harbor. Ferry boats are the primary water traffic, during high season it must be hustling, big time!  A reconstructed Mackinac Fort is at a high point on the land, with an entry fee.  The fort was easily taken by the British in 1812.  As Island first timers, we rode our bikes along side other bikes with wobbly new riders east bound. 82% of the island land is included in the Mackinac State Park. Eastbound, passing homes, inns and resorts you enter state park land, and a beautiful shore which looks like an ocean paradise.

  Linda is the best! and selected the only on island brewery, Great Turtle Brewery for lunch. Mackinac is the native word for Turtle.  The food and beverages were excellent, as was an open porch side table overlooking main street at 1:30. 

   Following lunch, we rode the bikes up the west shore, and enjoyed more great natural shore, passing through groves of old cedar, and limestone outcropping, and views to the great suspension bridge.  The shore ride is level and easy.  After a stop for an island twist cone, we turned inland where the road rises to highpoints which tested my legs on the uphill.  Wheeling down the spine of the island, enjoying the cooling breeze, we reached a network of paved and dirt paths to island homes, stables and pasture for the resident horses.  While struggling to find the Grand Hotel, we looped through the maze of local streets for these inland homes.  Back to the top side of the bluff and back in the cool breeze, the homes are magnificent, and the Grand Hotel is a downhill roll.  Some of these wonderful summer homes are on rented land from the park service. 

   The Grand Hotel is an amazing build like some of the others which you have likely seen or heard of.  The Greenbrier in WV comes to mind, as well as Lake Louise, and Mt. Washington grand hotels. The exterior is fabulous, as I expect the interior is equally grand. 

   The last stop of this riding tour is Murdick’s Fudge, the islands original fudgery, and recommended to us as the best by several people.  They are so popular, they only sell half pound slabs, no samples, no mixed boxes. It is all made fresh daily in front of you, the smell is tantalizing!  Now rush to the ferry to catch the 5 PM ride, the last ferry is at 6. 

   On the ride back, I am reminded of the donuts the captain pulled when entering the harbor.  He gunned the twin cummings diesel engines and spun the ferry around its 35’ rooster tail to round the rocky jetty, soaking the passengers and bikes in the rear!  Devilish.

• 2023 Fall