25 October, 2007

Memories Of Mackinac Island

Little did we know when we checked in, but there was so much more to love about our Bay View accommodations than the warm, 3 o'clock cookies! Homemade desserts served on the sun porch at 8 PM (ice cream portions that even my husband had to admit were adequate-- that's a LOT!). And the breakfasts... oh, the breakfasts: peach French toast served with fresh fruit and sausages. Broccoli and cheddar quiche served with incredibly light, baked-from-scratch, cinnamon rolls, bacon and fruit. I'm getting hungry all over again just in the reporting! The staff were friendly and fun. Our first morning there we were serenaded after breakfast by our singing waitress with a rendition of Anne Murray's "Snowbird" that I daresay even Simon Cowell would have cheered.

Mackinaw Island is 8.2 miles around, we walked that (we needed to... see above!) when there was a break in the rain. It is such an interesting place beyond the touristy shops and carriage rides. The island completely shuts down at the end of October (excepting the locals) and doesn't reopen until the end of April. Every shop, restaurant and hotel close and lock their doors for six months! The ferries stop running and the Straits of Mackinac freeze. There are approximately 500 local folks who stay year-round on the island, snowmobiles provide transportation back and forth to St. Ignace for supplies once the ice proves worthy. There are 80 children enrolled in the public Mackinaw Island school, which never sees a snow day; sleds and snowmobiles, replace yellow school buses in this environment! The local community is a close one, everyone looks out for each another. Our chef at the Bay View, Rosie, told us that she had stayed over the winter a few times in past years. A large Christmas tree and nativity are constructed and illuminated on the ferry dock at Mackinaw Island in December. She described how this becomes a navigational tool for the snowmobiles returning across the ice from the U.P. I can only imagine how welcoming those lights are after traveling miles across a frozen surface on a frigid, gray, winter's day! There's plenty to remember about Mackinac; but it's the people, and their spirit, that remain in my mind.

Life is Good!

16 comments:

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

O, it sounds wonderful! Will add to my Someday list . . . .

Tanya said...

Wow. It sounds like a fairy land! What I wouldn't give to have a chance to spend a few days in such a peaceful place!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Growing up in Michigan, the Island was one of my parents' favorite destinations. We never stayed overnight but I have many wonderful memories of the water, the scenery, the people, and the fudge shops. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Mama Spark said...

I love the Island. Did you walk by the houses on the "bluff"? My husband's boss owns 2 of them!!! They are so beautiful. The first ones you see from the ferry as you approach the island.

Shelina said...

It does sound like a wonderful place, and really not too far away to visit. I too have put it on my someday list.

Nan said...

What a lovely post! It sounds like such a wonderful place to visit and to live! Thank you for sharing! I think I will have to put that on my long list of places I must visit.

Paula, the quilter said...

I just had to share something with you. Go to Plow and Hearth at http://tinyurl.com/yfojwt. The shirt with either the log cabin or the fireplace is sporting your tagline: "Life is Good!"

Unknown said...

This sounds just perfect, especially the breakfasts! No wonder you enjoyed it so much. Take care.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

I am happy to hear that you had such a memoriable vacation! Sounds very relaxing!!!

Cheers!

Evelyn

meggie said...

I would love to experience that.
Thankyou for sharing.

CONNIE W said...

DH would love to make a visit up there. I remember the hotel from the movie "Somewhere In Time" and am enjoying reading your posts about it. Sounds & looks wonderful.

Libby said...

Sounds like a wonderful place . . .I might have to build up to last out the cold, though *s*

Gypsy Quilter said...

How did you find out about this interesting place? The food sounds scrumptious.

MARCIE said...

I have never been up there, but heard so much about it from friends. So glad your trip has been so wonderful!

YankeeQuilter said...

Caught up on your blog today...what a wonderful trip! The food descriptions make me very homesick...maybe I should make an apple pie or something tonight?!

Teodo said...

Wonderful place....
I would like to be here.........
ciao ciao