Mackinac Island

 August 1, 2023

Felt obligated to go to Mackinac Island (pronounced macinaw - the C is silent - some french thing lol) since "everyone" asked if we were going there when we discussed our trip. 

Ferry passing the "Pirate Ship" 

We initially were not impressed - the main street was so crowded and full of tourist shops, but the architecture was lovely. Since no motorized vehicles are allowed on the island there were bicycles everywhere, as well as horses. There were workers who quickly cleaned up horse poop, but it still smelled. Can't imagine the stench in olden days!

Catholic church

The religion of my childhood

Familiar austere interior - the choir loft always held such intrigue for me at my childhood church

Street sweeping when you can't have a motorized vehicle

And any hauling is done by horse and wagon

But then we hiked to the state park and into the interior which was lovely

Historic Fort Holmes - which bounced back and forth amongst British and American 

control

Fort Mackinac

Missionary bark chapel

Interior of the island library

Charming door entry

Mackinac Bridge to the UP

After walking over 16000 steps we took this ferry back to the mainland

Drove across the bridge and spent the night, with permission, in the ferry lot in St Ignace.

Our view for the night