Experiencing Mackinac Island

The Island's Grand Hotel

Primary Tourist Street a/k/a Fudge Shops

One of many beautiful butterflies at Conservatory

Ken as we leave Conservatory

Saturday, the 28th, Ken and I visited Mackinac Island via ferry.  I have delayed this post as I have had quite a problem with my right arm in severe pain, and after going to the doctor, still not knowing wholly what is wrong, and it has been in a sling.  He suggests an MRI.  I will attempt to have this done in Goshen, Indiana.

Lovely Carriage.  Want a ride?

Missionary Bark Chapel

One of our favorite butterflies.

Zebra Butterfly

Butterfly lights on my wrist, incredible!!

At any rate, we enjoyed our trip to the Island.  Upon arriving we had a good lunch of soup and salad.  We both enjoyed the food, and left to take a combination carriage tour.  This was fun; however, you are limited in what you are able to experience.  The tour host simply pointing out sights, and the only attraction we were able to stop and see was the Butterfly Conservatory.  While we enjoyed this immensely, and Ken took many nice photographs, we would have enjoyed seeing more that the Island had to offer.  They have a state park there which would be a nice place to take a lunch to enjoy, and walk the trails to get away from the tourist aspect of the Island.  There are 17 fudge shops, and as Ken and I neither care much for this concoction, it bore no interest to us.  There was little that we purchased but enjoyed the people, and when able on our tour, Ken took some lovely photographs.  We saw the infamous Mackinac Hotel but did not venture inside.  From the outside it's beautiful (LOL!!)  We would recommend that anyone go to Mackinac Island.  You can rent bicycles to ride the Island, and many enjoyed doing so.  We also saw a wedding, and it is said you see at least one a day.  It is a lovely place for a wedding!  Please enjoy Ken's photography, and we both send blessings to all!

Butterfly lights on my finger.  I was thrilled!

Early America Episcopal Church

Another beautiful view.

Carriage in which we took Island tour

View of Mackinac Island Hotel from Ferry

I'm Choctaw.  What tribe are you from?  Or can you talk?  Hey, why are you so tight lipped? 

Point. Iroquois and Whitefish Point

We took a lovely drive today to see a couple of lighthouses, the main one being Whitefish Point, as everyone exclaims over it.  We were disappointed with it.  Primarily, it was gift shops, and it was expensive to go through the museum.  A lady behind us informed us that the whole museum was not worth the fee to go through it.

Point Iroquois was a wonderful surprise.  It was not only a beautiful lighthouse but the surrounding area was beautiful with Lake Superior teeming in the background.  Several shots were taken by both Ken and I at different angles of the lighthouse, and we walked up 72 steps to the top. It did not bother us; however, it was a little bit cramped.  Ken and I absolutely enjoyed it though.

We enjoyed the drive up to Whitefish Point; however, we were more interested in Point Iroquois.
The pictures follow.

View from Point Iroquois

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Back view of Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Point Iroquois

Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

Mail boxes which we found funny,  The bottom one is regular delivery and the top one is "Winter Delivery". (LOL)

Canoe Artisans Sharing Their Skills

Canoe being built by Paul Wilson

Break time for the crew

Jane working on Kayak with Rob Smith

Rob explaining how to assemble kayak

Showing how to make a canoe rib

After touring the Les Chaneaux (pronounced Lay-shen-o which is French for "channel") Maritime Museum in Cedarville Ken and I decided to step across to peek into the sanctuary of the artisans of canoes. They are  made totally by hand in an age old technique that few take the time to learn but which the artisans would be willing to pass on.  Seeing us, they welcomed us in eagerly to tell us all about their trade, and show us the way in which they built the canoes, and in one case a kayak. They were so friendly, and offered the history of the area. One of them, Rob Smith, had seen us in the waters that very morning, and commented on how he liked our boat.  We thought that was pretty cool that he had seen us!

At any rate, we took pictures with Paul Smith who was building the kayak and let me work on it, and pictures of Rob Smith who can be seen in one picture with me (he has a furry white beard).  He is building the beautiful canoe. It will be raffled off for the benefit of the museum next year.  It's amazing that he uses his art so selflessly for the benefit of something he so dearly loves.

These are special men, and we came away blessed by the time we were able to spend with them.  What they do is remarkable! These photos depict that remarkable talent and the ease in which they give up their time to someone interested in what they do so selflessly.

Paul was appreciative of our visit

Wonderful Waters to Row Your Boat!

Ken and I went out very early in the morning yesterday on our boat to experience what was then calm waters with no wind.  It has been very windy making choppy waters rendering us unable to go out. Being two as one we experienced a special solitude in the midst of the beauty of the waters as we paddled across the bay and back-- then around the edge of the peninsula.  Unfortunately after about a good 45 minutes of enjoyment and fun the wind got up and the waters were getting choppy.  We headed back to the dock not wanting to get caught in them.  We rowed back to the dock ending our adventure.  But what a row it was!!!  We took some pictures while out on the boat which we share with you.  Thanks everyone for your emails giving comments about the blog.  We're so glad you enjoy it and enjoy keeping up with our travels.

Over the Rainbow & Sunset Dock

We experienced a beautiful rainbow after the coming of a big thunderstorm this evening.  It was absolutely glorious.  One of those wonderful, small gifts from God.  Ken also made some photographs of sunset at the dock!  You will love them! We are definitely living "Over the Rainbow" in this lifestyle. Enjoy the pics!  Oh!  Happy Birthday Eunice and Bev!!!!

View From Our RV

Oh! How lovely.  God has really blessed us by letting us experience so much of the beauty of his creation across the country, or the part of our country he has allowed us to visit.  We are going to be staying in Cederville for quite a while.  Mackinaw Island is nearby.  In fact, Ken and I are going to do the 5 mile Labor day walk across the Mackinaw bridge this year.  Tomorrow I start training with two of my neighbors.  We are all really looking forward to it.  It is cold outside today, and in the morning will be 49 degrees!  Hopefully it won't be too hot Labor Day or raining.

Ken and I took a long walk from the RV park down through the main part of town.  We came across a boat building place, and found the library, which I was interested in, of course.  Ken got an ice cream cone, (he can eat ice cream, I don't tolerate it well--sick, sick) while I got a bottle of cold water,mmmmm!!!!

Pictures in this entry were made by Ken today of what we see from our lot (we can just sit and watch all of it).  I can't describe the awe and majesty of the different fowl of the lake and air.  We share with you Ken's  expertise, and eye for beauty!  Ah!  My sour cream pound cake is beeping--smells good!!

Swan Lake.   Grace with a music of its own!

View from the RV lot.  Beautiful!

Just one piece of bread.........or, maybe a cracker?

Her Majesty The Queen!

That cracker was good.  I'll do a pirouette for another one!

Boat Dock nearby

Jumping into the wind

An easy afternoon

Hey, I get first dibs.