Oh Mackinac Island

How I love thee.

Brandon and I got up early Thursday morning to make the 50 minute drive to Mackinac City to catch the ferry to the island. It was a cool, dreary morning and ride over on the ferry. I was almost in tears since I had envisioned a beautiful day on the island.
We got off the ferry, and I tried to focus on the good - the smell of horses ad fudge.
We rode our bikes over to our B and B to drop off our luggage. While we were there, the hostess gave us free passes to the Butterfly House and to the Grand Hotel. Things were already looking up. We decided to go to the Butterfly House first since it was indoors and warm.
We had not been here before, and I knew Maisie was going to study butterflies at school,  so I took lots of pictures. Here is a sampling:

 

When we left the Butterfly House, the sun was trying to come out from behind the clouds. I was in awe on my bike ride to the Grand. The sun was coming out, and I was right where I wanted to be. I was almost in tears for the gift God had given me.
See that smile? It was genuine; I was standing next to a lilac bush since it was lilac festival on the island.

 We ate lunch inside at the Grand sitting next to a window where we could see the pretty view and people watch. Here is a common sight.

 We spent a little time on the porch but not very long since we  had other things we wanted to do.

 We unloaded our bikes and headed for some riding adventures.

After lunch we rode the eight miles around the island. It's always a pretty ride. Even though we had been here before and stopped at the same scenic views, I never tire of them.

 Arch Rock. We climbed a couple hundred stairs to get to the top.

 Another pretty view along the route.

 

 After our pretty flat ride around the island, we decided to venture into the inner trails which are anything but flat. We rode up the big hill next to the hotel and I just made it up. A Jamaican said to me. "You go girl," as I slowly peddled by. Made my trip up the hill worth it just to hear him say that with his accent.

We rode around on some back streets and came across some horses, so I had to stop and pet them.

 This horse nibbled Brandon and his things like he was a goat.

 

This picture makes me laugh, just like it looks like the horse is doing. :)

 We rode several more miles up and down and all around. It was so peaceful and quiet. By the end of the 20 miles, my legs were tired, and my bum was really sore.
I must have pictures of this journey on my phone...

These pictures are as we came back into town.

 A glimpse of downtown.

 We love to see the different (and large) homes around the island.

We went back to the B and B to clean up a little and decide where to eat dinner. We chose a good place and enjoyed our meal. We then walked around downtown looking for souvenirs and fudge.  We then went back to our room where to relaxed for while by reading books or checking emails. 

We went out around 9:45 with the hopes of seeing a good sunset. There was no sunset, but we did discover a beautiful, full moon!

Good night Mackinac.