I know this blog was supposed to be Part II of the Grand Garden Show, but I decided to break up all those flower gardens with some photos of daily life around the island this week. We’ll get back to the garden show in the next post!
Labor Day is over, and the island has already made the subtle swing into the relaxing season of Fall. The huge crowds left on Monday, and although there are still plenty of folks downtown, you can just feel the island beginning to breathe a little more slowly.
I even started back volunteering at the Stuart House this week. I worked all day Saturday and will be back on duty Thursday! It felt great to be back inside this historic Mackinac building!
There are several new businesses in town, and one of my favorites is a new shop opened by Nicole Doud, who also owns Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island. She’s calls it the Little Luxuries Artists Market.
The Artists Market carries items handmade in the USA (there are a lot of Michigan and Midwest artists). Nicole loves craft fairs and markets and loves supporting independent artists/makers. Concentrating on unique handmade gift items, the Artists Market has a modern vintage feel with wood floors and vintage display pieces. I love it!
Bear’s new favorite spot – with his head between the porch rails overseeing the carriage, bike, and pedestrian traffic down below.
Sunday was a beautiful day on Mackinac! The second annual Labor Day Weekend Sailboat Race was in full swing when I spotted the boats from our window and went over to take a photo.
Mission Point was beautiful in the sun . . .
. . . and the wind was spreading the seeds of this purple-flowered plant far and wide.
The Mackinac Island version of AAA.
Stormy Labor Day weather didn’t stop Ted from joining approximately 40,000 other walkers for the Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk. This photo is just before he joins the crowd at the starting point in St. Ignace.
LOL – no, he’s not walking in the wrong direction – just turned around for a photo op before reaching one of the bridge towers. The bridge walk covers 5 miles and ends in Mackinaw City. This was Ted’s sixth bridge walk. Yes, I’ve done it . . . . once.
This morning was foggy, and I had to go off-island for an appointment and a little grocery shopping.
Coming back across the Straits this afternoon was a very rainy ride. Would you believe there were folks who opted to ride on the uncovered top deck!?
You know it’s a crowded ferry when the baggage section is packed so full of luggage and bikes that a few bikes had to be transported on the front deck!
Coming up before we leave . . . . 1) Part II of the Garden Show and garden photos from two downtown summer cottages and the Iroquois Hotel. 2) An update on Silver Birches. 3) A report on the marine rescue boats and equipment used by island rescue units and the U.S. Coast Guard. 4) An update on Fort Holmes
Less than three weeks left on the island. How can that be?
See you back here in a few days!
God bless.
Already we are sad to be off the Island! It was a great 5 days last week….and it was great to be able to visit with you and Ted….and Bear and Maddie too! As always, love your pictures and words!! We really enjoyed our conversations on the Metivier Inn porch with people from Pennsylvania, Indiana, Wisconsin, and yes, even Michigan. Some were “first trippers” and others seasoned visitors….and they all are absolutely coming back for more.
Do you want to stop by the gallery to view some pictures before you leave the Island? My fall gallery schedule is closed on Wed & Thurs, open 10-5pm Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues.
Steven Blair Photography By Blair 231-631-2002 http://www.photosbyblair.com info@photosbyblair.com
I am so glad I found your blog! The island is our favorite destination since we honeymooned there in 1965. We have been coming the end of September but this year chose to celebrate our 50th in June. We were lucky to find the lilacs in full bloom! We both shed tears when we left this year because at our age we don’t know if we’ll be able to return😔. Your blog is my way of enjoying the island!
Arnie and Karen Strusz- Red Wing MN
Karen, I know exactly how you feel! As the years pass, we begin to wonder how long we’ll be able to continue doing all the things that bring so much joy to our lives. To you and Arnie I say this – keep making those plans to come back! That’s what Ted and I do each fall as we leave – start talking about NEXT summer!! One day that return trip won’t happen – that’s just life. But even the process of planning a trip brings joy! Thanks so much for writing!
Arnie & Karen,
My wife & I were married in 1960. We are both 76 now (I’ll be 77 in October) and while we can’t make it to the Island every summer, that doesn’t stop us from hoping to go again, so do just like Brenda says and start planning another trip.
Preach it, Lowell!
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Brenda, there is definitely a difference in your writing since arriving on the island. Excitement, familiarity, no place like home that never leaves those who’ve been hooked. It has been great to read your blog since you’ve arrived. No matter how many times you go, no matter how many times you visit familiar places, and even as years pass the feeling remains . Your roots have been planted. There will never be the magic of Mackinac anywhere else you go. The call to return will always be there. We are glad you are back to write about it!
From those of us who know!
It’s been a long while since a reader’s comment brought tears, but that’s what happened this morning. When Ted came in from walking the dogs, I was I had just finished reading your comment, and I was crying like a baby. You expressed exactly how I feel about my writing. The love I have for Mackinac is so deep that sharing that love just flows naturally from a place in my heart that nothing and nowhere else can touch.
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