July 7-Mackinac Island

We left got up early, ate a delicious breakfast that Jeff fixed in honor of my birthday and packed up. After all this time of breaking camp, it is amazing how quickly we can put everything away without getting in each other's way. Our destination was Mackinac (pronounced Mak-in-aw) Island. We were meeting Jeff's brother Dennis and his wife Laurie at the Bayview B and B. We found the harbor, got the truck parked, bought our ticket and got on the ferry in record time.....they really know how to move people and luggage. The trip over was scenic, fun and quick....only 16 minutes.

We got our luggage sent to the B and B and started walking. One unique feature of Mackinac is that there are no motor vehicles allowed. The only way to get around is by bicycle or various horse drawn carriages. The streets were soon filled with bikers of every ability and horses going every which way. How anyone gets through there without wrecking or getting stepped on by a giant horse is beyond me. Jeff and I decided that "on foot" was the safest way to get to the B and B but the sidewalks were really full too.

The porter taking luggage to the hotel

We found the B and B and stored our stuff until the room was ready and then went to the downtown for lunch. There was a fudge shop or two on every block and lots of t-shirt shops and bicycle rental places. We found a place for lunch and watched humanity and horses walk, ride and clip-clop by. The distinct smell of horse poop filled the air even though they had lots of "poop patrol" workers on the job.

We went back to the B and B and sat on the porch waiting for Dennis and Laurie. As soon as they walked through the gate I recognized them from their pictures. It was so good to meet them at last! We had cookies and coffee and talked and got acquainted, then went to dress for dinner.

Jeff takes over - Our taxi arrived at 5:30 for a half hour (7 minutes by car) ride to "The Woods" which was very appropriately named. It was a wonderful ride there with vista's of the harbor, forest and 18th century mansions. The restaurant was like a German hunting lodge with every space adorned by horns, heads and pelts of every animal that has ever walked the soil of North America. K said how her Dad would feel right at home.

Kathy with Laurie and Dennis

Giving the "QUEENS WAVE"

Dinner was leisurely (2 hours) and delicious. The trip back was wonderful as the air had turned balmy and all the tourist had left the island so life had returned to "laid back". When we got back to the B & B, K and I sat down in the dining room for coffee and Dennis and Laurie came out with a birthday cake and gift for K. The cake was enough but the staff insisted on making us banana splits which we managed to choke down. Good conversation and warm feelings filled with lots of chuckles and guffaws made for the end of a very perfect day. Happy 60th Kathy, may you reach your goal of 100 summers and may they all be filled with as much love as we experienced today.