Babs Young writes: Needless to say, there are not many tourists on Mackinac Island this time of year especially when it is pouring rain and cold. However I did make my way over there this past week. I love a good boat ride and this time of year the ferry only goes from St. Ignace so I got to cross that magnificent bridge too. All in all a good trip despite the weather.
Now there is an image of Mackinac Island that you don’t see every day. Offhand I would say that all the people in the photo are working rather than on vacation.
It crosses my mind to wonder just how many of the downtown buildings have any relationship at all to the ones that were there, say, in the 1860s-1870s when my Civil War veterans were passing through? There are at least half a dozen historic structures—the State Parks website has a whole page of links on Mackinac Island Downtown Buildings, complete with a virtual tour—but I suspect the fudge shops and the places selling baseball caps with fluffy bridal veils trailing off the back are of more recent vintage.
Before it became a Major Tourist Destination, Mackinac Island was an important ceremonial, commercial and military site for at least 1,000 years. I’ll leave you to read the Wikipedia article for now. One day we’ll have to do better. But not now. Now it’s raining again. A couple of hours ago I thought a plane had flown into the drumlin behind the house, but it was only the crash and tumble of a thunderstorm. The Duo got right up on the couch and even Miss Puss joined the pile. The power flickered but held. Good job, Great Lakes Energy. I’m glad you’ve been working on the lines. But why press my luck?
Torch Lake Views 
Joss
November 14, 2011
Now, I was sure you were going to comment on the horse and cart/buggy in the centre of that shot! Is it normal to see such a sight where you are? That, if nothing else, takes us back to the 1860s!
Gerry
November 14, 2011
Ah. I knew I was confusing people by not telling those from Away about Mackinac Island. I must do a post about it soon. Babs will have photos.
Briefly, though–nearly the whole island is a state park, with the rest devoted to elegant summer homes. No cars allowed. Travel is by horse, bicycle, or foot–which is pretty much what it was here in the Township right up until about 1900-1910.
Definitely must do a whole post about the Straits of Mackinac.
Sybil
November 14, 2011
I think it’s wonderful that it’s car-free.
Gerry
November 14, 2011
It’s very nice. Of course, horses come with their own challenges. One of the jobs on the Island is, um, street cleaning. I suppose somewhere there is a big Mackinac Island Compost Heap. The gardens certainly thrive.
P.j. grath
November 14, 2011
Good excuse for a road trip, Gerry (“whole straits of Mackinac”). The rain-gleaming street up there looks pretty good to me. Of course, anything that involves horses looks pretty good to me.
Gerry
November 14, 2011
Road trip! Yes! (Wanna come with?)
As for horses, you must meet a new blogger from Door County. Check out Martha at Living Among Tourists, just added to my Neighbors.
Liz
November 16, 2011
I must tell you, Mackinac Island is a great place to live – despite the rain.
Believe it or not, some of those buildings downtown do date back to the 1800s, though I can’t give exact dates. The oldest one, the McGulpin House – dates to 1780 or 1781, but most of them are newer – more like 1880. Of course, there are also some very modern ones…
Gerry
November 16, 2011
Hello Liz – I am absolutely prepared to believe Mackinac Island is a great place to live. (And I already have YakTrax! The good pair AND the kinda worn pair from last year and the really ratty pair from the year before, Just In Case.)
I would like to head out there sometime on one of the first ferries or one of the last ones–not in July, on account of you cannot see the buildings for all the people–and really look at the buildings downtown. I do not mind a little rain at all. Could not have lilacs without it.
Liz
November 17, 2011
YakTrax are a must for those in between times – too much ice and snow for biking but not enough for snowmobiles. Even my two little ones have them for their boots. (Though they don’t have as far to fall as I do!)
Gerry
November 17, 2011
I can just imagine it – little kids in puffy jackets and snowpants, YakTrax strapped firmly to their boots. At this point in the season it seems almost festive. (Miss Sadie and the Cowboy are ecstatic at the snow–now.)