Day 91- Mackinac Island, Michigan

  DAY 88  July 16 ferried to Mackinac Island

What does the word Mackinac mean?

Mackinac Island is a shortened version of the Native American name, Michilimackinac. The Anishinaabek word means place of the great turtle. Why great turtle? They thought that Mackinac Island, with its limestone bluffs, looked like a giant turtle rising out of the water.

This place opted to have many turtles rising.

Over to Mackinac Island on a ferry to see the sights. 
I said that Mackinaw City was a tourist trap, but it doesn't hold a candle to this place.  Literally thousands of people walking around, riding bikes, taking the carriage tours and otherwise shopping for yet more fudge, T-shirts and crafts made in China.


A view away from the busy street.


I worked hard to take the photos during gaps 
in the people so you could see the buildings.




No motorized vehicles on the island, but the beer must go thorough!

This place is called the Lilac House. Wonder why??

We purposely walked a block off the main street to avoid the congestion.

Cindy's Riding Stable, rent horses to ride the wooded areas of the Island.

Pretty little areas were found amongst the throngs of people.

One of the many carriage ride tours like we were on.

One golf course on the island.


The "Golf Shuttle".
They did have golf carts for use on the golf course, but only while on the course.








Found this about a block away.

Fort Mackinac in the background.

A break before continuing with the 3-hitch carriage included... you guessed it,
 a stop for fudge, souvenirs and snacks!! Fortunately they also had some well preserved carriages, and necessity wagons on display.

The steam powered fire engine.

The enclosed, winter carriage on skies.


The Mackinac Island Hearse. 
The official hearse used by island residents since 1875.

The tour continued on with a larger carriage and a 3 horse hitch.

A handsome troika.


Our view.

Turn up your volume to hear the "poop talk" 
by Danni our knowledgeable tour guide and driver.

The carriage tour continued into the state park, 
a heavily wooded area with paved paths 
and many carriages, bicyclists and folks on foot.

There were also two cemeteries in the park.

This photo is from the upper, back side of the Arch Rock.

Impressive!




Ain't it Grand?  This is the reason everybody comes to this island, other than the fudge, to see the Grand Hotel.  But you can't go inside without paying admission.


The main lobby area we weren't allow to even peer into without a ticket but, I went to their website and found this next picture of the lobby.
OK, maybe we didn't miss anything. Definitely not our style.


A preview of the muted, tasteful decor of the Grand Hotel...
This picture was taken from the ticket counter area.

This picture of one of the bedrooms was also from their website. 
For more decor of the Grand Hotel visit their photo gallery here. 


The grandest of the carriages on the island.

I don't think the founders in the 1800s envisioned cornhole on the lawn.


The horse was ready for a trim, but 
photos on their website show amazing gardens. 
Google- Grand Hotel's Secret Garden for pure beauty.

The baggage train for the next crop of suck.. er, clients of the Grand Hotel.

The Grand Hotel limo takes folks downtown too.

FedEx, UPS and Amazon absolutely, and positively has to get there...
 when the horse says so.

...and we actually bought some groceries here because it was more convenient than finding a grocery store  near the boat.

The Fleet is in.  Lock up the women.

One of the race boats, in our marina, drying out a spinnaker.

Walking back to the boat we were graced with some kite flying.




The local park had a band concert. Have your speakers on.


A peaceful end to another incredible day on the Loop.

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Paul comments in this font








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