GLORY DAYS ON THE GREAT LOOP: BEAUTIFUL MACKINAC ISLAND

DAY 71 SAT AUG. 12, DAY 72 SUN. AUG. 13, DAY 73 MON. AUG.15, 2011
DEP. DRUMMOND I. 09:15 ARR. MACKINAC I. 2:30
AM RAIN, NOON RAIN, PM RAIN. SUN/MON. SUNNY COOL DRY NIGHTS REALLY COOL (50’S)
D. 47.3 SM/1284.9

We were scheduled to depart Drummond I. at 07:00, but it started to rain and we decided to wait another day. Five other boats left between 7am and 8am so we called them and they reported that conditions were not bad, just showers. We left at 09:15 with Dockers Inn and Dovekie. Aside from the rain, it was an easy trip. Seas were calm wind was light, visibility was good, but not great. We spotted what we thought was an uncharted island in De Tour Passage, but determined it was moving east at 13 knots and with the aid of AIS decided it must be a ship. This is our first of many ship sightings as we are headed into the Straits of Mackinac (pronounced MackinAW). If you read the guides about Mack. I. they all tell you it is impossible to get a slip on the Island, and if you do, you need to fender up as the many ferries that arrive there (sometimes you can see 4 arriving at a time) have no regard for their wakes. This is all not true. We called ahead and got a slip with no problem. In fact, there were many slips available Sat. due to the rain. As to the ferries rocking us, we did get some small wake action, but not enough to spill the coffee. And, at night there was no wake action at all. The interesting thing about this Island is that there are no cars. All transportation is done with either bikes or horse drawn buggies and wagons. The shuttles for the hotels are horse drawn carriages, all deliveries were made with horse drawn wagons. They all have automobile tires, and the roads are paved, so the ride is smooth. The paving also make it easier for the DPW (Dept. of Poop Works) to remove the used oats that inevitably are dropped by the horses. Although I never heard the term here (no one speaks about it) we used to affectionately refer to these as Road Apples. In any case, the Island is absolutely beautiful. Reminds us of Edgartown, only bigger and more elegant, and, a lot more manure. The Grand Hotel is so grand, they charge $10 per person just to walk on the front porch. For only $40 p.p. you can have their buffet lunch and, walk on the front porch. What the hell, you only live once, so we spring for the lunch. We also visited Ft. Mackinac. I don't usually enjoy these things, but as I said, you only live once. The Fort was a really good take, but the view from the Ft. was outstanding (which is why they built the fort there). We enjoyed the island so much, we spent three days here. Total marina bill, $159. (for all 3 days). Total experience, priceless! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.