A Day on Mackinac Island

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.

 

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Pedaling, Paddling & Pints

Location: Straits State Park, MI

Ned and I went on an early morning bike ride. The Platte River was completely still. The only thing we saw was an occasional white tail deer on some dunes or taking a drink of water in the river. If you look closely at this picture you'll see a deer at the river's edge.

 

 

The river was just calling to us. When we got back to the campsite the boys wanted to go to the river too, so back we went.

 

 

Yeah, the river was calling to them too.

 

Fortunately, there was paddle shop on the river renting out canoes, kayaks, inner tubes and rafts. Marc, Sheila, Owen, & Brian were on board. Gary and Dru decided to opt out of the opportunity to get sunburned and wet. Away the gang went.

 

 

For the next 2.5 to 3 hours we floated our way down the river. There wasn't too much paddling. Most of the energy was the boys mixing it up.

 

 

Brian catching a ride with Uncle Ned.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owen catching a ride with Aunt Debi.

 

Brian directing dad as he swims across Loon Lake.

 

 

 

 

Owen catching a free ride on the back of Sheila's kayak.

 

 

It was such a great hot summer day. The water was so clear and cool. Glad the river called out, and we answered.

 

 

The Santos Floatilla.

 

 

I think Brian and Ned are having a good time.

 

 

All that hard work, time for some brewskies. Marc hooked us up with a place called "Shortys" in Bellaire, Michigan.

 

 

Yep, got 2 more growlers for tonight. Thanks Marc!

 

 

I forgot how light it stays at night this far north. At 10 pm we went on a short bike ride with they boys to see the Mackinac bridge lit up. It was still light enough to ride!

We're camped near the bridge so we can catch an early ferry out to Mackinac Island tomorrow.

 

 

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Beers, Bears, and Bros.

Location: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Today was all about the journey driving up the shore of Western Michigan. Of course, what's a trip without checking out some of the local micro-breweries. We tasted several flights from Stormclouds Brewery in Frankfort. Great Stuff. We picked up a couple of growlers for tongiht's campfire.

(Love camping with my Chicago nephew. He definitely knows his brews).

 

 

 

Yesterday's tasting was from Founder's Brewery in Grand Rapids. The Redankulous and Sumatra Mountain Brown, an imperial brown ale, were delish!

 

 

Stormcloud Brewery cans their own beer. Here's Gary getting two custom cans. He got to watch it in action and was very impressed with the new crimping machine.

 

 

 

 

Owen decided to ride with us today. Love my little pre-teen and his unique style. He kept us entertained with his DJ skills.

Yes, we are still carrying the bourbon barrel with us so poor Owen had to be packed in around the luggage and pillows. Good sport.

We eventually made it to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. After catching a movie and checking out the museum at the Visitor's Center, we decided to take on the dunes. Here's Marc pointing out some of the finer details about the stuffed Badger to Brian and Ned.

 

This is before the big climb. Notice the little dot at the top of the dune. It's some people at the very top.

 

 

This is about half way up. There's Marc's RV in the parking lot.

 

 

Yeah, we made it to the top!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncle Ned pretty happy about making it to the top.

 

Brian being "King of the Hill"

 

 

Ah, to be a kid again and run full speed ahead down hill! It took the adults a bit longer to make it all the way down.

 

 

 

Wouldn't be a camping trip without roasting marshmallows! Another super fun day.

 

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Family Time!

Location: Holland State Park, MI

 

I couldn't wait to join my big brother, Gary, sister-in-law Dru, my nephew and his family.

 

 

 

The last time I saw my great nephews they weren't this big. uh-oh, they are almost as tall as me.

The weather turned from hot to really, really cold. We made the best of it anyway and went for a bike ride, of course.

 

 

 

The winds really picked up, close to 50 mph, but it didn't stop us from exploring the shores of Lake Michigan. Thankfully, Brian wasn't swept away!

 

 

We watched these two sailboats head out to Lake Michigan and watched one actually dump into the lake. Pretty scary.

 

 

We also took a hike to the top of Mt. Pisgah. Looking good Marc & Sheila.

You can see the same lighthouse in the picture above in the distance.

 

 

 

 

 

This is what a kid looks like who has just gulped down an entire hot dog cooked over a fire. How'd you fit that in your mouth Brian?

 

 

Owen showing me how he created a video game. Yeah, he's 10 and already has over 600 people who've played this game. Kids today...

 

 

Telling yarns around the campfire.

 

 

Good times!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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