Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island

After a week of torrential rains and gloomy weather, the sun came out again in Mackinaw City, Michigan. This was the longest stretch of bad weather we've had since we began traveling 15 months ago, and I'm sure glad it ended here so we could really appreciate this beautiful area. Mackinac Bridge is 5 miles long, the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was built in 1957. It kept the title until 1998, and is now third.

Mackinaw City from our campground.

Mackinac Island from the campground. For the first two days we were here the fog was so thick
you couldn't see 50 yards out. You could sure hear the foghorns though.

There are several ferry lines going to Mackinac Island, but of course we had to go on the line that has "Hydro-Jet" engines. They advertise a 14 minute trip --- ooooh!

Meeting another boat from the same company, you can just see how impressive those fast motors are!

As we neared the island the Grand Hotel really was that impressive. It dominates the view. It was built in 1888 by a group of investors that included Vanderbilt and Astor.

If you're staying at the Grand, they'll send this coach to pick you up at the dock. If you double click on the photo you may be able to see the elaborate harness.

No automobiles are allowed on Mackinac, except an ambulance. All other traffic is horse-drawn or bicycles.

The U S Post Office on Mackinac is the only one in the United States that doesn't deliver mail. The 520 full time residents here have to go in and pick it up.

The "Little Stone Church."

The stained glass windows were made by Tiffany.

The summer residence of the Governor of Michigan. He reportedly spends most weekends here, and is home in this photo as shown by the flag at full staff.

This home was originally built for $15,000. When the owner fell on hard times he sold it to the state for the cost of $15000, with the stipulation that if and when they ever sold the house it was to go to one of his descendants - for $15000.

The carriage museum was filled with amazing things. This is such an fabulous sleigh, and you can see the fire wagon behind it.

The hearse on the left side of the picture is still in use today. When it's needed for a burial
they simply take it out of the museum and use it. To be buried here you must have been born on the island on be a tax paying land owner.

Joe, our guide on the horse drawn tour.

He was a former Marine (Five years in Iraq) going to college to become a teacher.

He was also hilarious. If you ever go, ask for him!

The natural arch.

See the bicyclists below?
The tiny rectangle in the top right of the photo is part of a sign that says "Keep off'', like they have to tell you?

One view from the arch and
.

.

.

.

Looking the other direction.

It's an 8 mile ride around the island.

(This photo's for you, Candy)

I'd never seen a spotted draft horse.

The stable buys their horses from the Amish for $300 - $600.

This horse, Chance, and his brother on the other side have a Belgian in the middle to help them get along.

The main street on Mackinac.

This was reportedly a slow day for tourism.
It would sound like no cars would make for easy traffic, but not necessarily.

One of the two horse hitches waiting their turn for a tour. The wagons line up for a block.

There are two main businesses on Mackinac Island; horse drawn tours and fudge.

There must be more fudge shops here than any place else on Earth.

And I'm on a diet!!!!

Leaving the island we got on the top of a triple decker.

A view of the harbor with one of the competing boat lines in the background.

Of course THEY don't have "Hydro-Jet" motors.

John had to have the window seat on the trip back.

He had a great view of the other boat kicking our butt on the race home.