In Memory of Warmer Summers

August 2nd through August 4th   

St. Ignace, MI; Mackinac Island; Mackinaw City, MI; Petosky State Park, MI

The approach to Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mackinaw” for what? simplicity?) is a bit like Going-to-the-Sun-Road in terms of logistics, but not nearly as complex in terms of deadlines.  Just long lines.  Of people.  They call them “fudgies”.  People who go to Mackinac Island for the fudge.  Okay, Sallie and I both tried a sample, but no, we did not really partake in the whole fudge thing.

Once we got off the ferry and arrived on the island we stopped for a second breakfast snack and each of us got a soda and a piece of carrot cake.  That cost us a quick $18.  Hmmmm.

After experiencing the local tradition of fleecing tourists, we departed for the loop road around the island where the crowds thinned, but the sights were plentiful.

We stopped for lunch at a recommended place that had good food at a fair price and visited with the local college youth that were there for the same reason.  They seemed to very much enjoy their summer jobs on the island and that was nice to learn about.  Someone has to sell the fudge.

As soon as we could we left the crowds once more and rode the interior paths and drives catching what we could of the sights before taking the ferry off the island.  I’ve always wanted to visit Mackinac because there are no motorized vehicles allowed.  The concept interests me but if you put a gazillion tourists in one place you still have a gazillion tourists even if they are getting around on horse drawn carrages and bicycles.  We pretty much don’t do well with large crowds, so that’s now checked off the to-do list.  I recommend folks try the island in January. 

Arch Rock, Mackinac Island

Grand Hotel. We were going for their brunch buffet, but htere's a dress code. No spandex allowed.

The Governor's Summer Residence

This is the bridge that links the U.P. with the rest of the state. If you have to cross a bridge is the U.P. correctly called a penninsula?

The swimming in Lake Michigan is extremely enjoyable.  We take every opportunity we can, particularly because there are no alligators.  Visibility right on the shoreline is about 20 feet, so the water is clear making the experience all the more enjoyable.

This is the famous M119 road, “Tunnel of Trees Scenic Route”.  Nice riding.  It’s interesting that on narrow roads without lane markings cars are quite a bit more cautious.  We should do this everywhere. 

I once read of a study where a town removed all traffic control devices.  They had record low numbers of traffic collisions as a result.