Several people recommended taking the carriage ride if it is the first time on the island as it gives you views and some history of the island. So, being brave, we got on the first carriage available and we were off on our adventure.
Our view from the front seat in the carriage. Yes, the horses do what horses do and I haven't gotten the smell out of my nose yet.
After passing a number of historic buildings we started up the hill past the Grand Hotel.
Our first stop was the Butterfly Conservatory which had a wide range of beautiful butterflies.
Some of the many different butterflies we saw.
The wings of this one when folded closed were a brown pattern with a circle like an eye.
At the stop at the top of the hill where the Butterfly Conservatory is located we changed to a three horse carriage with several more rows of seats. This time we sat in the third row back and the top was higher providing a much better view of everything.
This took us into the Mackinac Island State Park.
Another stop was Arch Rock.
We passed a Catholic Cemetery, a Protestant Cemetery and then to this Military Cemetery. There are about 100 soldiers buried here and only 30 have been identified. The flag is continually flown at half mast for this reason and this is only one of 5 military cemeteries that do this.
Next we passed Fort Mackinac that offers tours but because we were short of time and the tour fairly lengthy we opted for lunch and then to see other things not yet seen.
The fort is impressive.
Linda can't resist taking pictures of flowers but this garden and all the flowers around the island were outstanding.
Back downtown it is horse drawn carriages, taxis, freight wagons and bicycles everywhere.
There are all kinds of bicycles for rent in various sizes. Bicycles built for two, a riding trailer with pedals, kids bikes, three wheel trikes for older folds that aren't too stable, etc. We watched one woman try several bicycles before they had her try a tricycle with a basket on the back. She was able to handle that and off she rode.
One minute there is nothing but bicycles going in every direction in the street and then empty for a few minutes. Likewise at times it is a madhouse of horses with carriages or wagons and bicycles everywhere.
I'm not sure why there is a Harley shop as cars and motorcycles aren't allowed on the island. I guess they will take every opportunity to sell their logo items to all the wannabe motorcyclists.
I know more than a few that this is more their speed. It is the only legal Harley on the island.
Everything is moved by horse drawn vehicles or on bicycles. They do use snowmobiles in the winter but there are still horse drawn taxis that run. One side of the street is plowed for the horses and the other is left for the snowmobiles. The ferries quit running in the winter and until the lake freezes over enough to support traffic the only access is via air. Once the lake is solid, holes are drilled and rows of Christmas trees are placed to mark the route across the lake to St. Ignace. That is for snowmobile traffic only.
Waiting to board the return ferry.
The summer mansion for use by the sitting Michigan Governor.
Some of the other large homes on the hills overlooking town.
The Grand Hotel from Lake Huron.
Round Island Lighthouse on a spit offshore.
The Mackinac Bridge over the straights that connect Lake Huron and Lake Michigan,
A Star Line ferry with its rooster tail.
Yes, we did buy fudge. So I guess we are what the Yoopers call Fudgies. Fudgies are people that come up and go to Mackinac Island and buy fudge. We only bought four slices, the fifth was free with the purchase of four. We got Chocolate Cherry, Butter Pecan, Chocolate Mint, Plain Chocolate, and another Chocolate Cherry. It can't be more than 2-2 1/2 lbs of fudge.
No comments:
Post a Comment