We informed Kathy's folks we'd take them to the island for a visit and to be at the boat between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. They were early and came bearing gifts! Raspberry filled donuts.
After taking care of a donut, we pulled lines and headed toward the island. Approaching the Round Island Passage, I had to wait for the freighter Wilfred Sykes to clear.
I radioed the harbor for a slip and was assigned a slip on the outer dock. I had difficulty communicating with the harbor via the boat radio so ended up calling them on my cell phone. Turns out their radio wasn't working.
We settled in at the harbor which involves deploying enough lines to secure a freighter so the ferry boat wakes don't wreck the boat. All that motion in the harbor is annoying, but it's a part of boating at the island. Deal with it or stay away.
So after an hour, it was time for step two of my plan to begin. We got off the boat and walked up to the park across from the harbor.
I had reserved a private carriage for an hour tour of the island. They will go anywhere you want and charge by the hour. We boarded the carriage and were on our way.
...up the Grand Avenue and in front of the Grand Hotel...
...up the West Bluff, through the village, and down the East Bluff...
...where we turned back onto the shore road and back to Marquette Park where we started.
We then walked downtown for lunch at the Yankee Rebel and some resort shopping.
With our bellies and shopping bags full, we returned to the boat for a couple hours before heading back to our slip in Mackinaw City.
It was a successful day from my standpoint. I can't believe everything worked out. Sometimes you just get lucky I guess.
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