Mackinac Island

We loaded our bikes in the truck and headed for the Star Line main dock to "Hightail It to the Island!" The "high tail" is provided by the hydro boat which speeds to the island in 25 minutes. On the way we had a good view of the Big Mac (the bridge) and of a lighthouse on a neighboring island.

A sister ship hightailing it

Round Island Lighthouse

No motorized vehicles are allowed on Mackinac Island, to preserve its Victorian ambience. As we debarked, we were advised to "watch out for the horse exhaust!" We later saw a horse-drawn street sweeper--an essential civic service. Bike rental places lined the main street, and many people brought their personal bicycles to the island.

Horse-drawn carriages--horse-drawn street sweeper on left

Bicycles everywhere!

We biked around the perimeter of the island, about 8.2 miles. Along the way we saw several impressive brecciated limestone formations. These were created when limestone caves collapsed and a cementing matrix flowed in around the fragments, making a much harder rock which survived the erosion of surrounding limestone. We climbed to the top of Arch Rock.

Devil's Kitchen

Arch Rock

When we got back to town we browsed the little shops and had a drink on a patio overlooking the water. We enjoyed our experience of the island but were ready to go home.

Beading shop reminded us of Nanci Rowe

And we thought backing up our rig was hard!

Tomorrow we'll drive to Traverse City and do some sightseeing before spending the night at the RV repair shop.