8/2/14 Mackinac Island

We took the Star Line ferry (which was close to the marina) to Mackinac Island.  It was very cool out, so we opted for an inside ride rather than topside.  These ferries take only about 10 minutes to get you to the island.  Ken and Ann took their bikes along.  There is an additional charge of $9.00 per bike.  If you rent bikes on the island, it costs $5.00 per hour.  Ordering your ferry tickets online gives you a $2.00 discount per ticket.  The regular price is $25.00. 

Once on the island, Ann and I sought out a coffee shop and we got tickets for the horse and buggy tour.  This turned out to be a very good way to see the highlights on the island.  The first half hour took us through downtown and up past the Grand Hotel.  We switched to a 3 horse wagon for the 45 minute tour through the state park to the fort.  We opted for the tour of the fort, too.  Our guide suggested that we have lunch at the restaurant at the fort overlooking the harbor.  That view was magnificent.

UPS?

 

 

 

Michigan former Governor's home

 

Ron and I toured all of the buildings while Ken and Ann toured some and then hopped on the horse drawn wagon again which took them back to town. 

We walked back down the hill to town and stopped by the marina.  We had hoped to move our boat tomorrow to this harbor, but they are full.  We walked through the waterfront neighborhood and enjoyed the Victorian architecture.

 

 

Lunch at the fort

 

 

 

 

Mackinac Island Yacht Club

 

 

After meeting Ken and Ann for a drink, we headed back for the 4 p.m. ferry ride to St. Ignace.

We ate at the Mackinac Grille and then returned to the marina where they had a Jimmy Buffet tribute band and fire works. 

The weather looks good for tomorrow, so we are going to Charlevoix, a 58 mile trip through the Mackinaw Straights and into Lake Michigan.