Michillimackinac, Mackinac, Mackinaw....No matter how you say it, the island of nearly 4 square miles has less than 500 residents....EXCEPT, during peak tourist season when more than 15,000 tourists per day flock to this tiny resort island to spend their money! Today was NOT one of those tourist days, however. We almost had the island to ourselves.
Automobiles are not allowed on the island after May 1st. They do come in handy on off season times for residents and workers who come to get everything ready for the tourists.
Ferry boat operators are kept very busy during the summer months. Today was the first day that SHEPLER's FERRY SERVICE opened to taxi between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island. Our boat was loaded with workers and their luggage, heading to the island to live and work until April 30, readying the businesses for tourists.
Not much was open on the island today. There were a couple of restaurants open but no stores for shopping (yea!) for clothes or souvenirs. The horse drawn taxis were scarce. We found ONE after we had walked everywhere we wanted to go! It appears the horses were busy hauling supplies, building materials and appliances all over the city for the hundreds of workers who have flocked here to work for a few days.
The GRAND HOTEL is a magnificent structure; HUGE in size! It sets atop a 10 acre chunk of land overlooking Lake Huron. Opening in 1887, many dignitaries and famous people have visited the Grand Hotel, including U.S. Presidents, Thomas Edison, and Mark Twain. Six of the suites were designed and decorated by six different First Ladies.
The 385 guest rooms are often occupied throughout the summer. If you plan to stay a few days, make advanced reservations and take a fat wallet! The Grand Hotel boasts the worlds largest front porch. During season, it is filled with rocking chairs and guests relaxing and rocking, rocking and relaxing.
The Grand Hotel was made even more famous by a 1980's movie filmed on location. The movie was called SOMEWHERE IN TIME and starred Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, Christopher Plummer, and others.
Deb and I enjoyed a hot bowl of Tomato Bisque soup at the SEA BISCUIT CAFE. The little waitress admitted that Sea Biscuit's owner had never eaten there. He should have because I was excellent!
It was a cold, sunny day today. The temperature eventually climbed to 45. Ice still lines the shores of Lake Huron and piles of snow slowly melt in the cold air; the last signs of winter.....unless you also count all the snowmobiles still parked all around town!
Tomorrow we head north on I-75 across the 8 mile long Mackinac Bridge between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, on our way to Wisconsin.
Life is good!
Yay Debby! You made it to your island!!
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