Location: Muskallonge Lake State Park
Today was all about exploring Mackinac Island with the family. The only way to get to this island is by ferry. It's claim to fame is no cars are allowed on the island. The only mode of transportation is by bike or horse drawn carriages.
The other big attraction is the plethora of fudge shops on one city block. The locals call the tourists "fudgies." They can be spotted by mispronouncing Mackinac Island (Mac-in-naw is the correct pronunciation), wearing bright colored clothing and carrying a camera around the neck.
For several days we've been making jokes about not wanting to be "fudgies". Before we left Brian (age 8), called a little meeting and said to us, "You guys, we can't be fudgies". Cracked everyone up. Needless to say, we were fudgies.
Brightly colored clothing...check
Camera around my neck...check
We arrived to the island by ferry
Excited tourists yes, fudgies possibly.
Kudos to the boys for doing the 8 mile ride around the island. We also rode our bikes from the campground to the ferry and back, for a total of 12 miles. Really proud of these troopers.
Along the way we stopped at Arch Rock. It was 270 steps to the top, but worth the gorgeous view.
Here's looking through the rock to the bike riders below.
And here's looking up to Arch rock from the bike path below.
Twenty years ago, Sheila worked on Mackinac Island during one summer in college. She worked as a bartender and waitress.
She was our official guide for the day. It was fun to hear her stories about life on the island. I think she should write a book. It would be quite entertaining! Here's a picture of where she lived and worked. The restaurant has since changed names, but she thinks the bunk bed dorm style rooms are probably still the same.
Gary and Dru took a 2.5 hour horse and buggy ride touring the island.
We all met up for lunch at a fun restaurant overlooking Lake Huron.
Yep, definitely felt like a fudgie, with my camera around my neck, gawking at all the grand hotels
and beautiful tree lined streets. Very charming town indeed.
Sadly, after such a great day and week with the family, Ned and I said our goodbyes and headed north, riding solo once again.
I am SO going to miss my great-nephews, and our bike rides...and my big bro, and my nephew, and Sheila and Dru. Thanks everyone for such a fun family vacation.
Tonight, Ned and I are camped in Upper Michigan on the Southern shore of Lake Superior. In one day we touched 3 of the Great Lakes. We were camped on Lake Michigan this morning, visited Mackinac Island in Lake Huron and now are at Lake Superior. Pretty cool.
This picture was taken at 8:30 pm. We still have two more hours of light. Crazy how light it is this far north.
Posted with Blogsy
