Tomorrow begins our fourth week on the island, and Ted and I are having a hard time wrapping our heads around that. Every evening we laughingly ask ourselves, “Where did THIS day go?” On the flip side of that thought is the wonderful truth that it will be ten more weeks before we leave. That makes us laugh also!
I was looking through the hundreds of photographs I’ve taken since arriving and came across a few that didn’t fit a particular blog, but still might be fun to see. So tonight – it’s “Catch-Up Sunday”!
On our very first weekend we went out on an Arnold Line Sip ‘n Sail Sunset Tour. Although the weather didn’t cooperate, and we missed the sunset due to clouds, we had an awesome view of the Mackinac Bridge – from UNDERNEATH!
Coming back across the Straits at night is always a beautiful experience – with the island off the port side, and Grand Hotel illuminating the West Bluff.
Approaching the dock at night is very different than during the day, when the entire area is teeming with passengers arriving and departing, luggage being transported off and on the ferries, and dock porters somehow making it all work seamlessly.
From the deck – a wedding carriage on the way to pick up a bride and groom.
I love riding the ferry and picking out first time visitors to the island. They always sit in the front rows (especially if there are children). I remember doing exactly the same thing about the first 20 times I rode the ferry, but that first time can’t be beat for excitement.
Jan and Don Weir, blog readers who came over for a day trip, dropped by the condo to say hello one afternoon. Harbor Springs is their summer home, and they spend their winters in Indianapolis.
Leaving the Chippewa after dinner with Jordan and Matthew (on the last day of the yacht races).
Little Maddie – thinking about getting her feet wet (she didn’t).
Downtown Mackinac in the evening is so peaceful compared to a busy summer day.
Lake view through the back slats of an Adirondack chair – on the Mission Point Resort lakeshore.
A close-up of Queen Anne’s Lace (one of the few flowers I can always remember the name of)!
On Jordan and Matthew’s last morning on the island, just after breakfast at the Chuck Wagon and before turning in their bikes, we all stopped by the Arnold dock to check out the Victory I, a Great Lakes cruise ship that came in during the night. The ship holds 202 passengers and will begin cruises to Cuba in the Fall.
View from the top end of Franks Avenue in Mission Point.
Because the afternoon was really warm, we decided to walk Maddie up behind Mission House, which is where the majority of the State Park employees live during the summer. It was built in 1825 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Curving past Mission House and turning back down the hill you pass the Mackinac Island Center for the Arts, located in the former Mission Point Theater building.
On the way back from town and another “ice cream after dinner” run, we stopped for a moment to enjoy a Music in the Park concert. The summer concert series takes place most Thursday evenings throughout the season.
From the deck Friday evening.
A beautiful sunrise over Lake Huron. (Photo by Ted, who – just like in Florida – is the only one up early enough to catch moments like these).
Company’s coming Monday to spend a couple of nights! Can’t wait!
God bless.
As always, hard to choose a favorite from your photos. So glad you share ‘ordinary’ places with us, some of which hold sweet memories. Thank you!
I know exactly what you mean, Barbara.
>
Hi Brenda. Beautiful pics this week. I was on the island Wednesday thru Friday but didn’t spot you 😒 Maybe next time. I’ll be there the 18th thru 20th. More condo business. Can’t wait to move in! I certainly want to do the Sip’n Sail.
Sorry I missed you, Pam!
>
Thank you for my Sunday evening Mackinac “fix” — LOVE the pics!!
Brenda,
I sure like your “Catch Up Sunday.” Any time you want to post something like it, please do so.
Being under the Bridge, even in pictures, is nothing short of awe inspiring. We took the Shepler Ferry under it two years ago and I could feel the chills go right up my spine. Others may think I’m a little on the weird side, but maybe it’s because I watched it being built. Such an amazing feat it was, and something that had been talked about since my dad was a little boy in the early 1900’s.
I think Maddie was rather wise to just think about getting her feet wet in the Straits. That water is cold -very cold.
I’m glad you posted the picture of the Queen Anne’s Lace. It may be a weed (aka Wild Carrot), but if a person looks closely, it can be seen that it’s a delicate and beautiful flower.
Queen Anne’s Lace is a weed?!!
>
Yes, the encyclopedia states that “the USDA has listed it as a noxious weed, and it is considered a serious pest in pastures. It persists in the soil seed bank for two to five years.” It also states that it “was introduced and naturalized in North America, where it is often known as “Queen Anne’s Lace”. Both Anne, Queen of Great Britain, and her great grandmother Anne of Denmark are taken to be the Queen Anne for which the plant is named. It is so called because the flower resembles lace; the red flower in the center is thought to represent a blood droplet where Queen Anne pricked herself with a needle when she was making the lace.”
By the way, have you noticed that only a few of the lacy flowers have the tiny red flower in the center?
I don’t think I’ve EVER seen the red center, Lowell.
>
Love the evening pictures! We have discovered it is so peaceful and quiet too. I did not know
I love the evening pictures. You are right, it is so peaceful. I didn’t know Queen Anne’s Lace was a weed !! There are several other beautiful weeds in my garden this year too!
It’s a whole different place after 6:00 – and after Labor Day!
Yes Brenda it is a weed, but a very very pretty one 🙂 I LOVE mackinaw in the evening…some of my favorite pictures are from the evening streets with the lights on. The Sip and Sail sounds like a fun tour…will they be doing that in September?
I don’t know, Hilde. Need to check on that!
>
We did the sip n sail last night. was a lot of fun and weather was beautiful.
Oh yeah, Dave! Last night WAS beautiful! How long are y’all here? We’ve got company coming in today, but if you’re down this way and spot us on the deck, please stop by and say hello!
we’re here til saturday. have been down mission point way a few times but haven’t seen you out on deck. we stay at harbourview
Walk by there at least once a day!!!
>
Love Maddie … dachshunds forever !
Lovely pictures! Spotted you at the Pony on Saturday😊 Enjoy your company!
Awwww – hi Nicole!
>