Mackinac Island July 2

Another sunny and breezy day. Woke up this morning to see the cruise ship Victory I on the main ferry dock. With the cruise ship in port, the town had many more folks milling about. Rosanne attended Mass again at the Catholic Church here, but said there were only around 20 folks attending this morning. While she went to Mass, I walked over to Doud’s Market to buy a few groceries and get some Dramamine. The rocking and rolling here in the harbor hasn’t set well with Rosanne… After lunch we went for another bike ride. First I had to get Rosanne’s bike a new back tire. We found the tire flat and closer inspection revealed that the tire itself had delaminated in one spot. Fortunately it didn’t happen while riding around the island. And fortunately, one of the bike rental shops also has a small bike repair section and had a new tire in the right size available. After I replaced the tire and installed a new tube, we started our ride today clockwise around the island. I wanted to see the Island’s Equestrian Center, so turned off at British Landing Road. Since it’s uphill for several miles, Rosanne chose to return back the way we came, while I continued on. I had not been to the Equestrian Center before. It’s mostly a 4-H operation and also provides horseback riding lessons. However it’s open to the public for tours or to walk around and visit the horses. After walking around a bit, I proceeded on and stopped at the Grand Hotel Carriage stables. I’ve been there before, but always interesting to visit. Looked around a bit then headed back down hill, past the Grand Hotel, and on into downtown and back to the marina. A few things I’d like to share. Mackinac Island is really a cool place to visit. Also nice to just relax on the boat and watch folks and the horses go by. Enjoyable to bike the 8 mile loop around the circumference of the Island, as it’s mostly flat and level. You can turn onto inland roads that go past the airport and stables and such. Also the back side of Fort Mackinac. There are several interesting cemeteries to visit and pay your respects. Some history on the Battlefield of 1814 where we tried to capture Mackinac back from the British. Fort Mac has a lot of interesting history if you desire to visit it. The Butterfly Museum is fun and if you desire you can rent your own horse to ride, or even drive your own carriage. We’ve visited or done all these things in the past. So now we mostly come to just relax and ride our bikes. We’ve yet to see the inside of the Grand Hotel, but don’t care to dress up and pay the cost to tour or stay there. Plenty of shopping available and famous for its fudge. And of course Ice Cream…Read more