Mackinaw Island and Kayaking the Les Cheneaux Islands
Hello from Traverse City, MI!
We just realized that outside of Europe, by the time we are done here, we will have spent more consecutive days in Michigan than any other state! Wow! That is crazy... who would have ever thought?!
We spent a nice weekend on Mackinac Island. This island is a resort destination and feels a bit like a shore excursion from a cruise ship ... if you spend time on Main Street. We tried not too.
On Friday we arrived via the Star Line Ferry. It is about a 20 minute ride from Mackinaw City. We packed light, with only a backpack each and made our way to our hotel to drop off our bags. We stayed at the Island House Hotel, built in 1852 (pre-dating the Grand Hotel).
Island House Hotel:
It was nice with a decent view!
This is main street - I have no idea how we got a picture when it was not crowded with people - it was nuts most of our stay!
Friday afternoon we started exploring the island. We went to Fort Mackinac, originally built by the British and then ceded to the US. When the War of 1812 started, the British attacked the Fort/Island. Unfortunately, word had not reached the American troops that they were at war. They had only 57 men to fight. They were overwhelmed and surrendered the fort without a fight. Ultimately in the peace treaty the Island was returned to the Americans.
Mackinac Island was the second National Park way back in the day... however, once the troops were no longer needed on the island, the U.S. said ... never mind ... and Mackinac Island reverted to being a State Park. (This is the only National Park that was "un-done".
These guys were doing a rifle shooting demonstration - very interesting.
Saturday morning found us at the Watercolor Cafe for a Chorizo Breakfast Burrito - delicious!
Then on to the next adventure: bike riding! 21 miles + 14,000 steps. WOW!
We were mighty tired Saturday night as you can imagine! We were reading in bed, getting set for lights out at about 11:30 pm when the FIRE ALARM WENT OFF! I peeked my head out and a guy yelled ..."there is no problem here!" Hmmmm. We quickly gathered a few things and headed down the stairs. I had the feeling a kid had pulled the alarm based on what I saw up on the 4th floor but better safe than sorry! We were not entirely assured by the manager, who had his finger on the button in the alarm panel, telling us that he had the alarm over-ridden and it was fine. Ummmmm..... is there a fire? So, naturally we were all riled up at this point and sleep was not the easiest. grrrrr.......
We survived so, all is well.
Sunday morning we chilled out on the island a bit and then headed over to catch a ferry back.
Next stop was actually back across the Mackinac Bridge to Hessel for kayaking. We had a little room at the Lakeview Motel and Cottages (think Alfred Hitchcock's Bates Motel). This was not much but the roof did not leak! LOL
We were a bit concerned about the weather on Monday so we decided to go to the kayak place and ask if we could go out on Sunday PM instead of Monday AM. They agreed that would be better - so off we go!
The kayaks were brand new, we were the first to use them. Our guide, Sue, was knowledgeable and friendly!
here are some pics -
Fun!
As suspected, Monday morning was rainy and cold - we made the right move going on Sunday!
Now we are in Traverse City, MI - there are wineries - sigh - we will have fun here!
Have a great week!
Sheri & Carsten
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We enjoyed just a few hours on Mackinac Island and from your blog I can see how much we missed. Oh well, guess we'll have to go back someday. Keep having fun and adventure and stay safe!
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