We arrived in the north land on Tuesday looking at a forecast that was going from so-so to nasty to "OMG the boat is going under!"
With that, we decided to move the boat from our storage marina in Cheboygan to Straits State Harbor in Mackinaw City.
Out of the Cheboygan river I went while Kathy shuttled the minivan to Mackinaw City,
Into a choppy Lake Huron for the 12 miles to Mackinaw City.
I stuffed the bow into a couple waves and rinsed off the deck of the boat, but the farther north I moved, the better the ride became...but not much.
The flag over the city marina indicates a bit of a "breeze".
Doesn't look like a good day to cross the straits to the island.
Oh...BTW the crappy midge flies are STILL an issue here and peppered the boat deck.
That was the incentive we needed to flee the city for the island.
There was a bit of a calm before the storm so we took advantage and scooted across the straits and were assigned slip #4 at Mackinac Island State Harbor.
It's a good location on the east shore directly opposite the Island House Hotel and a bit removed from the noise and commotion found at the slips on the west shore closer to downtown.
That would be a wrap on the activities of the day with the exception of a stroll through main street in the evening after the all day rain had cleared.
Island day #2 and Kathy's in full "island mode".
It's still a little cool and overcast but a perfect ??? time for a hike. Just figures, there are stairs involved.
and stairs, and stairs, and...
Finally...the east bluff appears.
With its row of well tended "cottages".
They have a nice view over the city. I can even see my boat at the left edge of the frame.
700mm later over the roof of the Island House Hotel.
The hike continues and we find a new route to Arch Rock. The Manitou Trail. Sounds harmless enough.
It began as a stroll through the cedars.
Then became more of a challenge.
Roots, rocks, etc. The paved road was 50 yards away, but NOOOO, that's the route for wimps. We're going to make this a test of endurance and agility.
I will say, there were a few scenic spots along the path.
And Kathy, the stylish one on the trail, sporting her Vera Bradley accessories.
Wouldn't want to be in a condition to stagger along this trail. This view is actually looking down about 90° straight over a ledge.
A few places in the trail were "shored" up with a log and a couple pieces of conduit. That looked sturdy enough after a day of soaking downpours.
Soon we found our way to Arch Rock.
And the lookout platform there.
We took the stairs DOWN to the shoreline for the walk back to the marina.
On the way down, I heard one father tell his little girl, "we're almost there" while climbing the 2nd of at least a dozen flights of stairs. LIAR! She'll never believe him again.
Back at the boat, it was a few minutes to relax and recover. Kathy picked up a needle and thread.
The weather had cleared by this time and the winds died.
What a difference a day makes.
Sun, calm and warm. A day ago, we were wearing coats and still cold.
That's Michigan and especially the UP.
With the siesta in the books, we took a spin through some of the shops in town.
With the shopping urge satisfied, time for another "activity".
How about a ride around the island? Thanks, but...well, OK if I must.
Eight miles on the odometer and time to enjoy the evening on the boat.
And so it goes.
Two more days here and the forecast is as good or better.
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