GRAND HOTEL - MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN

A little history of the Grand Hotel which was built in 1887.

This is a great porch. Folks can sit outside and can look down on the wonderful gardens, views of Lake Huron, and across to the mainland.

The hotel hires people from around the world for the season, and this young lady in black is from Belgium.

Out for a horse ride. Behind the riders is part of the golf course.

Walking up the steep sidewalk to the hotel. A fancy enclosed carriage pulled by horses brings the guests to the hotel from the docks.

Taking a break from pushing our bikes up the steep hill.

A view of Lake Huron from the top floor turret.
This room is for having drinks, chatting with friends, reading, or just relaxing.

Two views from the turret. This view is towards the road leading to the hotel, and below is a view of a freighter passing through the channel on Lake Huron.

The centerpiece of the lawn gardens.

The lawn and flowers were lovely.
More flowers.

Above the view that shows the lawns and Lake Huron beyond. Below is a horse and carriage topiary.

BIKING ON MACKINAC ISLAND

Inside the ferry at mid morning with our bikes in tow. Most folks take the early morning trips.

As we approach Mackinac Island, we get a sight of the beautiful Grand Hotel.

Parking our bikes downtown as we take care of some errands first.

This marker tells the story of the English entering the island on its backside and wanting the Americans to surrender. The American troops did not know the War of 1812 had begun and since the commander could see how outnumbered they were, he surrendered.
The beginning of our 8 mile trip around the island

One of the street at the edge of town.

We pass the horse and buggy stables. Individuals can rent this set up. Hopefully, they know how to handle the horses.
This seagull was waiting patiently for us to give him some of our lunch, even though I told him it would be better for him to get his own lunch from the lake.

Walter below the Arch Rock which is quite famous on the island.
More than halfway around. This marker shows the different areas to see on the island.

On the backside of the island, the terrain is wild and beautiful
This is a great sign to see along the way.

A comfortable ride.
Our lunch, drinks, and snacks were packed in the coolers in my basket.

The rider beside me had a problem with his chain which Walter was able to fix so he could continue his ride. My hero!

This is the street of "cottages." This one is one of my favorites.

LEELANAU PENINSULA VISIT WITH MARYANNE AND TOM

Historic Fishtown which is part of the community of Leland, is from another time. The buildings are the originals and some are still working the fishing industry, but now there are also shops and restaurants in these historic buildings. It is a quaint and unique place. The best smoked trout we ever had came from this fish market.

MaryAnne and Teri explore the shops finding a very nice pottery shop where pottery is made by local crafters.
Tom, MaryAnne, Walter and Teri had a great picnic lunch at this quiet lake. We purchased our lunch at Fishtown and in spite of windy and cool weather had a great time catching up with each other.

This is a view of Lake Michigan from the top of Sleeping Bear Dunes at Sleeping Bear National Park. Our friends are from Michigan and were showing us their wonderful State. Lake Michigan and the surrounding geography is stunningly beautiful.

Where dunes meet Lake Michigan. Winter can be very intimidating here with Lake effect snowfalls and really cold weather. Hard to believe at the moment!
This is at the top of a very steep dune that drops 400 feet into Lake Michigan.

I was only kidding when I asked Tom to stand at the dunes downward edge for this photo.
The water is multi colored in Aqua green, blue, and deep blue. Today it is very serene, but the Great Lakes are known for treacherous storms. Below is a view of the lake we had lunch at and the wild landscape of the area.

Here you can see a child running up the 400 foot drop. There is a warning about exhaustion, but this youngster seemed to have no trouble at all.

ST. IGNACE AND UPPER PENINSULA

Rt. 2 in the Upper Peninsula runs along the northern shore of Lake Michigan.Beach goers are a common sight on the many beaches along the way.

Here we took the steps to the beach which was a rock beach. We looked for flat rocks for Walter to fling over the water as we watched them skip over the glass smooth lake.
Along this boardwalk in St. Ignace were historic markers telling us about exploration and fishing along the Great Lakes. There are more lighthouse stations along the great lakes than along the Eastern seaboard.

Atop Castle Rock, we look down on the valley towards the northern shore of Lake Huron.

We took the short uphill hike to reach this point that overlooks Lake Huron.

FORT MACKINAC

As our ferry arrives in Mackinac Island Harbor everyone can immediately see the fort guarding the town and the navigable narrow strait between the island and the smaller Round Island to the South.

This fort was built by the British in the 1760's to control the boat traffic through the Mackinaw Straits. Before that time this whole area was claimed by the French, and you can still see many French names in this area, like Sault (rapids) Ste. Marie 50 miles North.

Here is an old painting of the same side of the island. Notice how the painting shows a lot of browns. Todays island is all green and densely forested. In those days trees were scarcer because they provided the material for houses, boats, and firewood. Naturally, the island trees would go first.



Here is another view of the Fort where you can see the downstairs and ramp descending the side of the rock wall facing the port town below. At the level of the fort there are exclusive homes built by wealthy people a long time ago. The first American millionaire, Astor, lived here. He made his millions by controlling the fur trade.

Down below the fort is Pere Marquete's park - full of fragrant lilacs. Father Marquette was the first European to explore these island and shores. He did it with a small expedition in CANOES!

This is the central courtyard in the fort. They hold re-enactment events in the costumers of the period.

The actors re-enacted the firing of one of the fort's canons.

Cleaning the barrel of debris from previous firings.

A British Sea Service pistol of the time.

Hand built birch bark canoe. This was the transportation means of choice for Ojbwe and Ottawa indians of the area, and later for the early French explorers. Notice the wooden rib construction.

This is an actual pair of leather indian moccassins.

View of Marquette Park and the port town below from the wall of the fort.