Niagara Falls - Day 6

Despite almost three weeks of very cool, damp weather in this part of Michigan, today was dry. Yes, it was cool, but by the time we'd taken our ferry ride to Mackinac Island, the sun was shining and there were blue skies overhead. As we waited for our horse-drawn carriages to pull up, we watched a huge geranium plant and flats of flowers loaded in a wagon to be
pulled by a bicycle, sacks of onions and other vegetables loaded in
horse-drawn wagons to be taken to restaurant kitchens and luggage to be taken behind horses to hotels. We were introduced to our drivers (a couple of them were young women) and the two horses that gave us our ride along lilac-lined streets. The drivers told us about the early military presence on the island, the fur trade and the history of the lilacs that were brought here by the French. We passed the Grand Hotel but continued
on to see more of the island. A three-horse hitch pulled 35 of us at once through the state park that covers the majority of the island. In the park, dandelions are just as protected as the forget-me-nots and lady slippers. We stopped for scenic views of Lake Michigan and rock
formations, and rode past Fort Mackinac and the Governor's Mansion. Then it was one final carriage ride to the Grand Hotel where our buffet lunch was waitin g. The dining room (it seats 1,400) was full of guests enjoying the unbelievable variety of salads, fruits, entrees and desserts available to us. We were surprised to see a film crew and the stars of "Little People, Big World" also having lunch at the Grand. At least one of our people had a picture taken with one of them. After lunch, we were free to enjoy the Grand Hotel (the rocking chairs on the long front porch inspired at least one person to enjoy a quick afternoon nap). Just walking through the Parlor and looking into the special meeting rooms was a visual treat. The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping downtown, touring the fort, tasting fudge in some of the 18 fudge shops, watching the bicycles and horse traffic on the very busy main street, or deciding whether or not to rent a bicycle for ourselves to ride around the island. The ferry brought us back to Mackinaw City for a second night, after this "grand" day on Mackinac Island. - Laurel Johnson, Tour Director