Mackinac Island- A step back in time

Tuesday, June 10th, 2012  - Day 11

Looking ahead at the weather forecast and checking it against the group's itinerary, we had to make a difficult choice.  Sight seeing with our new-found friends, or strike out on our own and take advantage of a great weather day.  Mackinac Island, of all the places to see in the area, was highest on the list, and on the day it was scheduled, the forecast was 60% chance of rain. We decided to take advantage of the good weather, and go.
 

I had not really read much about the island, so I had no idea what to expect other than a pre-paid lunch at the Grand Hotel; also, biking on the island was supposed to be great.  We drove about 45 minutes to Makinaw City, to board the Shepler’s Ferry. We took a seat on top so we could enjoy both the sights, the fresh air, and sunshine.

Mosquito's - Michigan's  "State Bird"

What we didn't expect was the swarm of mosquitoes.   We were marveling at the size and number of these winged creatures, thinking a couple of them could probably carry off a hummingbird!  We were told that the mosquito is actually their State Bird.  Really? These little “birds” were a very hearty variety, but  the welt that these winged beasts created was not necessarily from their bite, but from the repeated swats that we inflicted upon ourselves in attempts at killing them.

Thank goodness I thought to bring bug spray, and once underway, the ferry ride was very pleasant, and afforded us a water view of the famous Mackinac Bridge.  This is currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world, and the longest in the Western Hemisphere connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the State of Michigan.

Currently the longest Suspension Bridge in the Northern
Hemisphere.

How do these guys balance their bikes with such a load?

When I stepped off the Ferry, I felt as if I had stepped back in time.  The first thing that delighted me was both the elegant horse and carriages gathering up people and luggage for the Grand Hotel, and the bikes with huge baskets stacked high with suitcases and trunks taking folks elsewhere.

 There was such a hustle & bustle of people, horses, bikes and carriages, that it made me want to stop and gawk.  What an awesome place! I took about 20 pictures in as many seconds, not knowing which unusual sight to capture first!

There is much there to draw one’s interest.  For one thing, since 1898, all motorized vehicles have been banned!  As a result, there were quaint and narrow village lanes, exhaust-free air, picturesque horse drawn carriages and auto noise was replaced by the “ klop-klop” of hooves on pavers.  The “plop plops” left by the horses were quickly swept up by those who have a not-so-pleasurable summer job to do so.

Very busy streets- bikes, horses and carriages

 Although you won’t get hit by a car, walkers need to be very cautious of the island’s 600 horses or the many folks on bicycles,  many, we noted, who had riding skills of a beginner. I also read that you could rent a horse drawn carriage to ride yourself.  Now those folks, should they be inexperienced, you REALLY had to watch out for!

It was about 11:00 when we hit the streets, and lunch was served between noon and two. “ Not a minute past”, we were warned.

 We decided we would take in the sights and sounds of what we thought was a bygone era.  As we walked along the narrow streets, we noticed the adorable B & B’s, shops (although most gift items were disappointingly from China ) Police and Fire Station. Police patrol on bikes; not sure how the fire department works.

 I stumbled along after Norman, stopping frequently and taking a ton of photos. ( I later discovered that the camera had somehow slipped to an incorrect setting resulting in terrible photos )  What a great place to stay and spend a few days!  We wished we had planned to do that.

We headed up the hill to the Grand Hotel.  Oh my, this is certainly an awe-inspiring way to step back in time.

 The first thing you notice is the porch.  At 660 feet, it is the largest in the world.  The next thing that catches your eye are the planter boxes full of geraniums. All 5200 of them adorning this covered marvel.  They coordinate so wonderfully with the red carpet that leads you up the stairs to the formal entryway.

 Very handsomely dressed coachmen driving  ornately adorned horses pulling equally beautiful carriages, halt at the hotel's steps . Stopping to watch this majestic  display of a by-gone era, I quickly get a reality check as guests of all shapes and sizes dressed more for hiking than grand dining, exit.  I thought it a shame that this has become acceptable.  I enjoy the ease of it while traveling, mind you, but I do miss the formality of “dressing up “ to dine in any restaurant, or attend any theater.

 However, dinner at the Grand Hotel is quite another matter.  Coats and ties for men, dresses, skirts or pantsuits ( do they still make those? ) for women  are mandatory. Norm and I absolutely love fine dining, but the required attire would take up half the closet. 

A carriage waiting to take guests back downtown or for
a carriage ride around the island

The legendary Grand Luncheon Buffet is one of the highlights of the Grand Hotel experience. Garden-fresh salads, savory cheeses, slow-roasted meats, seafood and more than 20 varieties of fresh=baked pastries are featured at the buffet. 

View over-looking the porch from our table

Horse and carriage at the Grand Hotel

                                               


After tasting most everything on the buffet, we spent some time relaxing ( and digesting ).  Norm was again very patient while I took dozens of pictures, looking for that “perfect” shot.   I better not quit my day job.

  

Before the coachmen got too angry at me for taking so many pictures of them, we headed down the hill to rent bikes and head out for the 8 mile ride around the perimeter of the island.

Hot fudge being cooled off on a marble slab. 

Fudge shops, here in this part of Michigan, are more abundant than drug stores or gas stations on street corners at home. Everyone makes fudge, and surprisingly enough, every person makes “ the best”.  Neither Norm nor I like fudge, but we decided to try a little and see what all the hoopla is about. Norm stood in line to buy this sugary confection, but we just don’t like it.  It was interesting, though, to watch it being made, and asking this fellow a lot of questions.

Mackinac Island is a bicyclist’s paradise, especially the road around the island.  Eight miles in circumference, Lake Shore Blvd ( M-185 ) is the only state road that autos are banned!