East Side Stroll 10/3/2013

Last Monday after work I took a walk and snapped a bunch of photos you seemed to enjoy a lot (I sure enjoyed taking them), so this past Monday I did the same thing.  Instead of going downtown and heading west, I walked to Mission Point Resort and back.  I don’t get down in that neck of the woods nearly enough during the season, so when I do go it’s like a whole new world!

BEFORE THE WALK

When I stopped to get my coffee before going to the Stuart House, I couldn’t help but notice that a crew of workers were busy taking down all the hanging baskets.

It really made me sad to watch those flowers come down, but it’s just another sign that the season is over.

As the hanging baskets and beds full of summer flowers were removed, pots of Mums in every color were taking their place.

Lordy, Lordy. Now I’m getting CHILDREN of blog readers stopping by! This beautiful couple was on their honeymoon, with a request from the groom’s mom, Hilde, to stop in to say hello. Thank you so much, Mike and Rochelle DaVanon, for taking time out of your special week to come by!

Another very special couple – Irene Cowley and her husband Gary. Irene and Gary were first on the Island during the days of MRA in the late 40’s (Irene told me she arrived on the island as a newborn in a laundry basket).  Irene and Gary were also students (and Irene a graduate) of Mackinac College, a private liberal arts college which opened on Mackinac Island in the fall of 1966 and closed after graduating its Charter Class in 1970.  Gary & Irene live in California and will be back next summer for a Mackinac College reunion!

EAST SIDE STROLL

Everywhere we look now trees are putting on their Fall colors – like this tree next to the Jane and Richard Manoogian Museum of Art.

Even the flowers are looking more “Fall-ish” – like these in front of the Inn on Mackinac.

Harbor View Inn was still sporting its summer blossoms.

As I passed the intersection of Church Street and Main, I took a few steps up Church and snapped a shot of these old tree trunks.  Mackinac Island seems to inspire trees to grow into lots of gnarled shapes, and each one is interesting in its own way.

Meet Daisy! She’s in front of the Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World on McGulpin Street.

This is the Straits Lodge at Mission Point Resort. If you’re coming to Mission Point with your dog, this is the building where you’ll be staying.

Yellows and rusts are arriving fast at Mission Point.

The Violet Residences are condos in the Mission District. They are beautiful from the front, but on that day I realized their back yards – which this photo shows – are lovely also.

Lake Huron through the handles of a couple of bikes.

Have I ever mentioned how much I love the Michigan blue sky? Really?  I’ve said that before?

This Mission Point courtyard is just outside the doorway to the Mackinac Arts Council.

A covered walkway runs beside Mission Point’s theater, gift shop and gym.

I walked out on what is the roof of the Mission Point Conference Center (it’s ok – you’re supposed to walk on it – in fact, it’s where you rent your bikes at Mission Point) and took in the great view from up there of the lawn, gazebo and a dray team heading back to town after a delivery.

Mission Point flowers just keep getting better each season . . .

. . .and the banks of blossoms running beside the driveway to the front doors must still think it’s summer.

One of my favorite Mission Point pathways – always shady and peaceful.

The east end of Main Street in the Mission District – walking back toward town.

The picket fence at St. Anne’s Church is getting a fresh coat of white paint.

On the opposite side of the street B & B’s mix in with private homes.

I’ve always loved this red barn that sits behind one of those private homes – it’s always framed in beautiful flowers and trees and accented with that great stone wall.

Back in town and walking up Astor Street – which was newly paved last week.

The Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast – beautiful as always and already gussied up for Halloween.  At night it is outlined in orange lights!

I happened to run into good friends Bryan and Barb as I walked up Cadotte – out for a walk with their Golden Retriever Rusty.

. . . and when I turned around to look back in the direction from which I’d come, the beautiful trees made the street look as if it was on fire.

This Monarch was sipping nectar from the still abundantly blooming Grand Hotel flower beds.

OTHER GOODIES

We had a great, but bittersweet, time Tuesday evening at the Yankee Rebel with our retiring pastor, Dr. Vince Carroll and his lovely wife Molly. This Sunday will be his last sermon in the pulpit of Little Stone Church, and on Monday they will leave the Island to begin working with a new church on Long Boat Key, FL. They will be sorely missed.

Horses are still leaving the Island at least twice a week (Photo: Jill Sawatzki) . . .

. . . and Jill said this one stuck out his tongue and seemed to be saying to her, “I get to go on vacation before you do!”

Working hard at the Stuart House! (Photo: Jill Sawatzki)

It started raining this afternoon – the first rain we’ve seen in at least three weeks – and it’s supposed to keep up most of the weekend.  We can’t complain one bit because our September was one for the record books – warm and sunny.  That’s perfect in my book!

Y’all have a good weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Sunday – good Lord willing.  God bless.