Mackinac Island, Michigan - August 1 & 2

As soon as we tied our lines to the dock, we were immersed in a world apart from anywhere else we have traveled.  Grand Victorian homes line the streets, the clomp, clomp of horses' hooves echo from the hills, and the absence of cars and trucks made us realize that life on Mackinac Island ( pronounced mak-in-aw) is entrenched in the past.

Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron on the eastern Straits of Mackinac.

Beautiful flowers and landscaping showcase the many Victorian homes

Grecian architecture graces this Victorian home.

Riding a bicycle is a quick and convenient way to tour the Island.  Thousands of bicycles are
available for hire or you can bring your own.  The streets are very busy during the peak
season when 15,000 tourists converge on the Island.  Despite the number of bicycles,

Horse drawn carriage tours have been available since before 1900. The best way to
see the Island is with a driver who knows the local history.

For some exercise, I rode my bike on the 8-mile shoreline route, which is the only
state road that's never had a car accident!!  I passed The Arch, a natural limestone
formation on my ride.

Scenic view of the marina and the ferry docks

As we walked to the Grand Hotel, we passed The Little Stone Church. 
The Union Congregational Church was built of local field stone in 1904.

During our carriage ride, we enjoyed this view of the Grand Hotel overlooking
the Straits of Mackinac.

The Grand Hotel, a premiere Mackinac Island landmark, has been in full operation
since 1887. The hotel 's 660 foot veranda is the longest in the world.

On the southern bluff is the stone palisade of Fort Mackinac.  Built in 1870, it
stands today to give a view of the fort's past through realistic performances and
enactments.

The Mission Church, viewed from the fort, also represents the Island's rich history.
 This church represents the first Protestant work among the Native Americans and is
 the oldest surviving church building Michigan.

The Bay View Bed and Breakfast on the waterfront is another beautiful
example of Victorian architecture.

As we left Mackinac Island, we said good-bye to the Grand Hotel.  Its Grecian
 architecture and 660 foot veranda  are visible from the mainland 7 miles away.