Fall Trip to Mackinaw and Points North–Day 5

All good things must come to an end, they say. Certainly, our time in Michigan, and in particular the Mackinac area, has come to an end!

This morning we departed from our evening home at the Court Plaza Inn and Suites and this evening from our home on the road, the Lakefront Lines bus. Both provided home away from home comfort and were exceptionally nice for us. I don’t think anyone had serious complaints about either the hotel or the bus. The closest that we came to complaint for the hotel was that one of our ladies’ key kept getting cleared. Similarly for the bus, we were a couple of days without a microphone The microphone was a big deal, since our step on guides needed to use in and I occasionally wanted to give instructions. However, our driver was able to get a microphone sent from his office and it arrived on Wednesday.

We could not have asked for nicer weather. It was cool but not cold. It was sunny with no rain at all. We did have some fog in the mornings but that quickly disappeared and actually added to the ambience of our trip.

Our food was always good and the environments of our eating places were all very nice. When I asked about the trip highlight, most responded “the Grand Hotel, on Mackinac Island”. That was certainly a meal worthy of writing about. I’ve never had a trip where someone thought a meal worthy of more than honorable mention. The total experience at the Grand is something to behold. Experience it, if you can!

I am very happy with our driver, Marvin Thomas. He did a very good job and fit right in with our group and quickly became one of us.

Also, our Destination Managers from Diamond Tours, Kathleen and Margaret, were always there when we needed them, whether we knew it or not. Actually, it was comforting to see them somewhere to meet us and see that we got where we need to be and got the best treatment.

And our travel mates were also exceptional. We all got along well and came away being better friends with those who we traveled with.

So, all in all, this trip was what memories are made of. Thank you Lord!

Now, for some shut eye in our own bed! Home Sweet Home!

Fall Trip to Mackinaw and Points North–Day 4

To start the day we drove a short distance to the Soo Locks Tour dock and boarded the boat to go through the locks.

The boat captain and crew did a very good job. The girl on the microphone did the tour guide talking and also hauled the rope for mooring the boat in the locks. We didn’t sink, so I think they did a very good job.

Of course, there were plenty of boats and other things to see throughout the tour.

Finally, we headed into the lock and tied up, the gates closed and the water quickly rose enough to get us through to the other end. The water was filled by natural flow of the water and not pumps. The entire process only took about 20 minutes.

After the boat ride, we returned to Sault St. Marie for lunch on our own. We chose a place overlooking the park and later took a walk through the park enjoying the fall color and items of interest, such as this propeller from the first steam schooner to use the lakes. Unfortunately the boiler exploded blowing the boat to smithereens! I think thing 4 people died in that one, so it could have been worse.

After leaving Sault St. Marie, we went to Iroquois Point Lighthouse. While we were there, made an opportunity to take our group photo.

As is all too often the case, we had a good evening meal at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Mackinaw City.

		Lighthouse Restaurant VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Fall Trip to Mackinaw and Points North–Day 3

I think this day was the highlight of our trip and is really what it is all about, but others are welcome to disagree. We saw some awesome sights, ate some great food and even had our first mishap of the week. But by God’s grace even that turned out well and just added a sense of adventure.

Remember: All photos can be viewed in larger sizes by clicking on them!

We took a ferry across to Mackinac Island and the fun began! The boat trip was interesting but somewhat cool (in a cold way). After departing the boat onto the island, we were taken on a couple of tours by horse carriage. The first carriage wasn’t large enough to take all of us so we split up on two carriages. Then, joined again later on a larger carriage that could accommodate our entire group. Both tours were informative and entertaining. One of our driver/guides should probably work as a comedian, and maybe does. He and his wife both drive the carriages.

Finally, we took third carriage (actually two again) to the Grand Hotel. The hotel truly earned it’s name and is a very grand hotel. We were primarily at the hotel for their luncheon buffet. This was outstanding and a real treat with nice background piano music. We felt that we’d gone “Back in Time”. The selection of soups, salads, appetizers, entrées, and deserts was really very good.  There probably isn’t anything comparable. I’m happy that we made the decision to offer this option on our package. Everyone in the group took this option and I think enjoyed it as much as we did.

After the lunchtime we were able to check out more of the hotel. It is huge with just about anything imaginable. Nancy and I met a gentleman, working in the gift shop, who is a student from Macedonia. It seems that the hotel is known around the world.

After the Grand Hotel experience we were able to go into town (some of us took that opportunity to walk off some of the food and others returned by carriage) We checked out other sights and the shops. Many shops made Fudge. We also checked out another hotel where Nancy and I had stayed before without young daughters. It is the Chippewa and is still pretty much the same.

One significant mode of transportation other than horse carriage and walking is bicycle. There are a number of places that rent bicycles. This one caught my fancy with the real dog sitting at the rental window!

I also went up to the fort to take a few photos of it and the church.

Finally, all good things must come to an end and we re-gathered at the boat dock. As our boat approached it seemed to us that it was coming in too fast. One rope got hitched properly but the other didn’t. So, the ferry swung around and crashed into the dock. It did some damage to the dock but the boat seemed to be OK. They checked it out and brought it back in. The rest of that experience went better, and we didn’t sink!

After returning to Mackinaw City, we had dinner in the Embers Restaurant. Then a number of our people took a Starlight Trolley ride to see the sunset and the lights.

Fall Trip to Mackinaw and Points North–Day 2

This is day 2 of our trip and was a great day of touring the immediate area of Mackinaw City. We visited the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse and Fort Michilimackinac. We also enjoyed some time shopping and a nice dinner at Nonna Lisa.

Remember: you can double click any photo to see a larger version!

We continue to enjoy the driving capabilities and friendly services of our driver, Marvin Thomas. He has been a lot of fun to tease and we consider him as part of our group.

 

Our first stop was to visit the old lighthouse at Mackinac Point. It isn’t a very high lighthouse but enjoyed service well into the 1950s.

We toured the Keepers Quarters and learned some of the history about this facility. Several of us took the trek up the spiral stairway and ladder to the top.The last five photos above were taken from the top. The next to last photo above is the passenger ferry to Mackinac Island. The last one is looking across to the Mackinac Island and you can see the Grand Hotel in the center of that photo.

Next, we did a little shopping and had lunch. Nancy and I had a famous Michigan Pastie. It is a very good rendition of a pot pie that can be eaten with your fingers without a mess!

After lunch, we went to Fort Michilimackinac. This area saw its first garrison in the late 1600s. Later, a better fort was built and occupied through the Revolutionary war. Then, the fort was burned and the soldiers went to the fort on the island. The current structures are replicas of the original based on archeological findings.

The photo above is inside the chapel.

As the day came to a close, we had dinner at Nonna Lisa. The décor of this place was very rustic with many stuffed animals.

Here are a few examples. Can you tells which is the turkey?

Tomorrow, we visit Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel.