Sept 24-25, Mackinac Island

The wind has died down to almost nothing overnight. Our marina in Cedarville has about 30 American flags flying and they were straight out most of the night but are now just luffing as we get underway. We think we have another day of good weather. We continue in the protected water of Les Cheneaux Islands and motor by the small town of Hessel. There are lots of places to explore and we look forward to returning and spending more time here next summer.

Boathouse on the waterway through Les Cheneaux Islands.

Compound

We see many nice homes. This must be a wealthy area.

A "fixer upper".

Hessel

We entered Lake Huron and found a moderate chop almost on the nose of the boat. The crossing from the Cheneaux Islands to Mackinac Island was about 10 miles and took just over an hour.

Approaching the harbor at Mackinac Island

Lighthouse at Mackinac Island Harbor entrance

Mackinac Harbor with Fort Mackinac on the bluff overlooking the harbor.

The docks at the marina are empty.

We arrived before noon and checked into the Mackinac Island Municipal Harbor which is located just below the historic Fort Mackinac and right in the middle of town. This marina is normally crowded but now we are one of only four boats here. We can feel fall in the air. We walk the main street and find the stores and restaurants are still open and most of the stores are having 50% off sales. The ferries are still coming and going, so the island is a busy place.

No cars on the island so horse drawn carriages wait for passengers

Linda checks out the menu. The crew on KOKOMO II travels well fed.

Mackinac Island has some very pretty homes and hotels. There are no cars allowed on the island so there are bikes everywhere and horse drawn carriages, too. More than a little touristy but still a nice place to visit.

Stone Church

Grand Hotel

Main entrance to Fort Mackinac

Arch Rock

This trail decends 140 feet.

Our second day on Mackinac Island was as nice as the first. 50 degrees overnight, warming to 70 by midday. Clear skies. No wind. We took a three mile walk from the marina downtown, up to the Grand Hotel (now $10 to enter) past the golf course and stables, around the back side of Fort Mackinac to Arch Rock and down the stairs (140 feet) to the bike path and back to the marina. Nice walk on a beautiful fall day and unusual for us to walk so far.

Ferries are active right in front of KOKOMO II

Fort Mackinac is up on the hill above the marina. We can hear the bugle play "taps" in the evening.