Leg 1 - Michigan

9/9/23 - 9/13/23

211 Miles

After our extended stay on Georgian Bay in Canada we were very excited to cross back into the US. We left Killbear Marina in Nobel, Ontario at first light with perfect weather; calm seas and light winds. The ideal conditions enabled us to travel as far as daylight allowed, 211 miles over 11 hours. We cleared customs while on the water. Homeland Security has a marine app allowing boats to request customs clearance once the vessel crosses the water border. Wild to think about the technology Homeland Security has to be able to see our vessel cross the imaginary water border, and it worked seamlessly. We were thrilled to have our first stop back in the US be Mackinac Island!

On a bright summer afternoon, the picturesque harbor of Mackinac welcomed us. With no cars on the island, visitors arrive by water or a tiny airport. There is much to enjoy on Mackinac Island from its charming landscape, vibrant main street, historic Fort Mackinac, an amazing bike trail system, the Grant Hotel and you can't miss the horse and buggies everywhere!

"Horse is King" on Mackinac. In the early 1700s with the building of Fort Mackinac, horses hauled materials across the frozen ice of Lake Michigan from the mainland. Later when rail service arrived on the island in the late 1800s, horses were in high demand to transport tourists around the island. In 1901 with the popularity of the automobile growing, Mackinac Island made the bold move to ban motorized vehicles in an effort to preserve the traditions of the island, granting the beloved horse and buggy a long and prominent role on the island.

The downtown is charming and like most of Mackinac well preserved and cared for.

Fudge is serious business on this island! Good luck picking one! At every turn each fudge shop is promoting their value with claims of being the oldest, the longest running, people's choice and the titles, perhaps many self proclaimed create healthy competition amongst the shops.

It’s impossible to buy just a nibble.

Fort Mackinac built by the British during the Revolutionary War was critical in protecting the intersection of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Not only for the military , also for economic factors as a center for the fur trade. Changing hands between the British and US a few times, the island has been with the US since the end of the War of 1812. Interestingly Mackinac Island was named the second national park in 1875, remaining a national park for 20 years before it was transferred to Michigan to become a State Park. We walked the property early one morning because we knew come mid morning the almost hourly cannon demonstrations would not be good for Milo!

Since we were on Mackinac over a weekend, we were able to see the inside of the Fort Chapel which is usually closed.

If there are horses every where, there are bikes every where else! Mackinac has a fantastic paved bike path around the entire island. At 8 miles, completely flat it is a leisure ride with all abilities able to enjoy.

Aside from a few moments in town, the entire ride is along the shoreline with plenty of spots to pull off and walk the rocky beaches.

Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch is a favored stop on the bike path.

The Mackinac Grand Hotel is a visit back in time. Grand is too simple an adjective to assign this amazing structure. Some fun facts; the porch is claimed to be the largest porch in the world and it only took 1 year to build the hotel in 1886. With a classic, timeless design the hotel really stands the test of time with its elegance and regal stature on the hillside.

No idea how many red geraniums are on the grounds, they are bright, bold and abundant!

The decor is a bright palette of classic American prints.

There are many gathering spots to get lost.

Cutest Scoop Shop!

Ferries run constantly with horse and carriage meeting each one to greet visitors and move goods across the island!

Loopers culture! This port, loopers from Vermont!

If there are Loopers you will find docktails!

Mackinac Harbor all a glow.

Passing under the Mackinac Bridge

Our next stop, 51 nautical miles to the charming Harbor Springs, Michigan tucked up in the northern corner of Little Traverse Bay. Visiting a friend who recently moved to Harbor Springs, we were either going to stay 1 day or 4 watching the weather to cross Lake Michigan. Poor weather held us up in Harbor Springs, lucky for us this quaint town has endless walking and nature trails, great restaurants, fun downtown for shopping and we got to extend our visit with friends!