Mackinac Island

Started the day with a ferry boat ride to Mackinac Island from Saint Ignace, Michigan which is the third oldest city in the USA.  I didn't know that, did you?  The oldest is Saint Augustine settled by the Spaniards.  

The time of our ferry ride included a detour to go under the Mackinac Bridge.  This bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world at five miles long.  As you can see by photo, the winds were strong today and a lot of sea spray on windows.  The people sitting on open top deck came down to the enclosed section quite quickly when they got soaked.

Mackinac Island, if you did not know,  does not allow any motorized vehicles on the island.  So you hike, bike or hitch a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.   We opted for two out of three...ride in carriage and hike.  The ferry docks right at downtown.  

We got to the island early so it doesn't look very busy.  But by time we left, if I would have taken a photo, you wouldn't be able to see the street pavement.

The carriage took us past The Grand Hotel, a historic and picturesque icon on the island. 

I will get more up close and personal photos later in the day.  

Our first official get-off point was the The Butterfly Conservatory.  Here are some photos of the elusive butterflies.  

This one decided to attach itself to my purse.

There was even a Butterfly Whisperer in the crowd.  This young girl had numerous butterflies on her hands walking around.  We were fascinated as the rest of us couldn't seem to get very close to them!

The following photo is a favorite of mine due to the contrasting colors. 

I really liked this blue one and "chased" all around the conservatory and finally got this long-distance shot of it with wings open.

After the butterfly place we boarded another carriage and went through the State Park (beautiful and peaceful) to the Arch.  

Next stop was the Fort Mackinac.  This fort high on the hills offered some spectacular views of the island and lake.  The first battle of the War of 1812 was fought here.  Below is a blockhouse in the fort.

Here's a photo of part of the town looking over the fort fence.

How about lunch with a view?  Delicious lunch served on the grounds of the fort overlooking the town and lake.  Ummm!  Life is good!

We hitched another carriage ride and then walked down to The Grand Hotel.  If you want to walk in front of the hotel or on the porch, you must pay $10 per person.  Since it's been on my Bucket List to see this hotel, I gladly forked out the $20 for both of us to experience the 200 yards long porch on this Grand Hotel.  We got to roam around inside  too.  Here's some photos.

A view from our rocking chairs on the porch.

Of course we had to have a drink here, so "when in Rome, do as the Romans do"..... have an ale created for The Grand Hotel!

That's all for today folks!  Cheers!  

P.S.  Mackinac Island has some lilac trees (several varieties) that were planted over 150 years ago.