Mackinac Island Excursion

Tuesday, June 27, 2017   Mackinac Island
Sorry for odd pics, still learning blog :)

What a wonderful day we had.  We started the day early and caught the 9:00am Shepler’s Ferry from St Ignace to Mackinac Island.  Bo was not real comfortable once the boat started moving but a neighboring service dog helped  calm him and he did lay down and remained calm.

Grand Hotel

Bo and Nan enjoying the carriage ride

Fort Mackinac

View from Fort

Downtown

Fort from the bay

Bicycles everywhere

FUDGE!!!!!

Carriage Ride

Arch Rock

Fancy Carriage for Grand Hotel

Everything moves by horsese

Once on the island we proceeded to the Carriage Tours to get a good overview of the Island.  It was easy to see that everything was moved on the island by the horses; people, freight, food, hay all pulled by the large horses.  People could rent bikes, horses or carriages to get around.  The majority of the people get around by bicycle and it is neat to see they have kept the charm of the island by not allowing motorized transportation.   

Our carriage ride started by moving through the back streets of town pointing out the historic buildings.  We climbed the hill and drove by the Grand Hotel and stables.  We then explored the State Park which takes up the majority of the island.  It was surprising to see the wilderness with all the wildflowers and trees.  We visited Arch Rock which is formed by the rock crumbling.  Our last stop was at Fort Mackinac.  The Fort served as a military outpost from 1780 to 1895.  It was easy to see why this spot was chosen because it has a commanding view of  Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac.  We explored all the buildings and Bo enjoyed peering out one of the lookout posts. 

We walked downtown, which by now was teaming with people. Bicycles were parked everywhere.  We found the back street much easier to maneuver on.  We explored the McGulpin House which is thought to be the oldest structure in Michigan.  It was moved from the mainland during the Winter when the straits were frozen.  Bo got some pets from the proprietor while visiting the American Fur Company Store.  We also visited the Biddle House and Benjamin Blacksmith Shop which had demonstrations of life in the 1800s. 

Shopping along mainstreet was one of the highlights of the day.  So many things to look at.  Bo was a trooper and was able to enter many of the stores with us.  He was a “little girl” magnet, with everyone wanting to pet him.  He was very well behaved and walked along mainstreet in crowds of people and other dogs, and horses with no problems.

About 6:00 we decided it was time to head back to the mainland.  Bo relaxed on the dock while waiting for the boat to pick us up.  This time we sat below deck and Bo was not as nervous, either sitting or laying on the floor. 

Once back at the hotel he zonked out for the rest of the evening.  Of course Nan and I were pooped too and everyone called it an evening early.