Mackinac Island

The morning was chilly and foggy, but we set out for Shepler's Ferry to Macinac Island.  Because of the fog, we went straight to the island instead of getting a little tour under the bridge, but the island did not disappoint.  It was much more interesting than we had expected it to be.  Along the main street where you disembark the ferry are many interesting little shops, many of them fudge shops.  In fact, there are 18 fudge shops on the island!  Also on this street is Doud's Grocery Store, the oldest grocery store in the U.S.

Oldest grocery store in the U.S. 

Lego man.

Beautiful Mackinac.

Since there are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island, the streets are full of horse drawn carriages and bicycles.  After checking out a few shops and getting a snack, we boarded a carriage drawn by what I am sure are the two slowest horses on the island.  Our driver, Marissa, spent a great deal of time encouraging Wilbur and Orville to move along.  She told many stories about the features of the island and kept us entertained as we enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the charming houses, and the profusion of colorful flowers everywhere--especially the tulips.  

Petting Orville and Wilbur. 

Before transferring to another carriage, we visited the butterfly garden which was small but interesting and fun.

Butterflies on rocks.

Butterflies on Steve's Hat. 

Arch rock. 

The Grand Hotel--longest covered
porch in the world.  

Ft. Mackinac Post Cemetery.  

St. Anne's Cemetery.  

Mackinac Island State Park. 

Our next carriage, driven by Walker and pulled by 3 horses, took us through the Mackinac State Park, a beautiful and interesting place.  Walker was very knowledgeable and very entertaining.  We visited the old Catholic cemetery and learned about many incidents of haunting around the island.  We also saw The Arch (rock formation), Ft. Mackinac, and the Grand Hotel before returning to town where we  had snacks, then boarded our ferry for our return to St. Ignace.  The sun had come out and the weather was still chilly, but pleasant.

At Arch Rock.

Lighthouses in Lake Huron. 

On the ferry.  

Back at the rigs we had happy hour and grilled steaks for dinner.