Page 83 - USA ROAD TRIP SUMMER of 2000

MACKINAC ISLAND (Mackinaw)

Monday - The island is reached by tourist boats: two levels, 30 to
40 passengers and very fast. There are several competing ferry

companies at the docks of St. Ignace (pronounced Ig-nuss). We
chose Shepler’s as they provided overnight parking.

We got a good seat on the outer, upper deck for the 7-mile

crossing of Lake Huron to the island. I took some pictures and Lois
chased the bike helmets around the deck scattered by the

ferocious wind. As others fled below, we held our ground and out

of pure stubbornness and silly pride stayed above for the entire 16
minute trip. Our coiffeurs were particularly stunning when we

disembarked. Boy, do we need haircuts!!

In 1875, the Congress of the USA named Mackinac Island our
second national park after Yellowstone. Following the Great

Depression, the island was deeded to the State of Michigan as its
first state park.

It’s about 5 miles long and 3 ½ across. 82% of the land remains a

state park but every other inch is for the tourist trade. There are

many B&B’s, large and small summer hotels (all of which are
frightfully expensive), fudge and ice cream stores galore, tee shirt

shops, restaurants, bike rentals (also outrageously overpriced),
and a renovated cliff-hanging fort from the late 1800’s. All of these

are conveniently and gratefully huddled at one end of the island
on or just off of the main, dockside street.

In 1901, the state decided to ban forever all motorized vehicles

from the island with three exceptions: a fire truck, an ambulance

and a police cruiser. All commerce is propelled by horsepower.
This makes for a wonderful ambiance and an unforgettable aroma.

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