Thursday, June 10th was our 2 year retirement anniversary. It's hard to believe we have been jobless that long. We can certainly say that we haven't let the dust collect under our feet. We've seen alot of the U.S., many great NASCAR races, visited friends and family and are enjoying spending the kids inheritance! May the fun continue.
We left Leland and drove through the Michigan back roads to get to I-75, which hardly had any traffic. Got to the KOA at Mackinac City, even though there was some major construction on their main road. I asked the KOA guy about the ferry ride to the island..."$21 a person plus everything there is in quantities of $20's " so we decided to fore go the Mackinac Island tourist trap and drive around the big town.
How about a little lesson? Is it Mackinac (like it sounds) or Mackinaw (like it sounds)? Both spellings are interchangeable and both are pronounced with the "AW" sound. I don't get it! It has something to do with the Indians and the French. Long story.
Built in 1892. There are 22 lighthouses in the Mackinaw Straits.
We wonder if Brent's ferry has a rooster tail.
We celebrated at Dixie's Saloon, which was a rather unique restaurant. You could write anything in the wood beams or table without getting arrested!
I should say a little more about Mackinac Island, since it is said to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Midwest. The perimeter of the island is 8.5 miles. Motorized vehicles have been banned since 1898. Fudge is the island's primary industry, selling 10,000 pounds a day! Now, that is hard to believe!
Mackinac City has only 900 full time residents. In the summer they estimate between 10,000 and 15,000 come to the city EVERY DAY. No wonder there are so many motels. They all must buy a pound of fudge! This area is described as a premier vacation destination in the summer. It's a very beautiful location, surrounded by clear water but I bet in the winter there is not much action.
The Mackinac Bridge was built because of deer hunters! Well, the story goes like this. Vehicles always rode ferries to go between the peninsulas. The day before the opening of deer season in 1954, vehicles waiting to cross the water were lined up for over 7 miles. It became evident that something had to be done. In 1957 the "Mighty Mac" opened. Over 4 million vehicles cross the bridge each year.
Friday morning it was our turn to cross the "Mighty Mac". Here we go....
Oh, there is construction on the bridge, down to two lanes in some spots.
It cost us $12.50- our first toll of this trip.
And here we are at the U.P.!!!
And here we are at the U.P.!!!
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