Second Wind on the Great Loop and Beyond: Mackinac Island, Michigan

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Sunday, August 12. Heavy rain during the night cleared up by 9 a.m. so that four Looper couples could take the go-fast Shepler Ferry across the Straits to Mackinac Island for breakfast at the Iroquois Inn. It’s been a while since we’ve dined in the lap of luxury, but Eggs Benedict tasted mighty fine in this beautifully appointed restaurant. The weather had scared most people away, so we had the dining room almost to ourselves.

We took a full tour of Mackinac island on a horse-drawn carriage – the only form of transportation allowed on the island. No cars were in sight, but plenty of horses were hauling people and supplies around. I must say that Mackinaw Island has a distinctive errrr, ummm, aroma! This is a touristy place with an abundance of tee shirt, ice cream, and fudge shops (17 fudge shops!).

Our carriage ride took us to a butterfly garden, the interesting Arch Rock, and the impressive Grand Hotel. We passed up an opportunity to buy tickets for $12 each just to walk on the Grand's porch. Next time, we will tour the fort, but we passed it up today. Once the tour was over, we grabbed some ice cream and caught the Shepler Ferry back to the marina. By now the winds had really picked up again, but that big ship cuts right through the chop. Since spray was blowing in my face, I was glad we weren't making this trip on Second Wind.

# posted by Second Wind @ 9:20 PM

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About Me

Name: Second Wind

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

"Second Wind" is the name of our 34-foot PDQ power catamaran. Since we bought it in 2006, Bob and I have found "Second Wind" to be a comfortable, innovative, well-thought-out boat – perfect for carrying us on our Great Loop adventure and beyond. Cruising America’s Great Loop meant traveling the entire eastern portion of the United States and Canada on a continuous route of inland rivers, the Intercoastal Waterway, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes. The 6,000-plus mile trip usually requires from six months to several years to complete. It took us nearly a year. When we eventually “crossed our wake” on the Tennessee River, we had experienced the thrills of crossing large, open waterways like the Gulf of Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay, New York Harbor, and Lake Michigan; narrow, winding rivers; and a varied system of locks and canals. We had seen amazing cities and towns from a unique waterfront perspective, and we had relished the solace of quiet anchorages, miles from civilization. After our Great Loop adventure was completed in 2007, we have continued our cruising adventures. This journal is our way of sharing the fun.

Second Wind on the Great Loop and Beyond

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Mackinac Island, Michigan

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