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Mike Forrester's Blog – July 2009 Archive (10)

A Grand History

Mackinac Island is chock full of history. Within it's 8-mile circumference, one can discover not only Michigan history - but American history. From the island's first Native settlers, to the first European to pass through the Straits, to the American Revolution - Mackinac Island offers interesting nuggets of history.

The island itself is an interesting study in geology. Many of the most popular natural sites on the island were created by time, ice and erosion.

It's hard… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 28, 2009 at 9:30pm — No Comments

Postcard of the week

Since the yacht races are upon us, it seems appropriate to feature this view of the marina with sailboats in the picture. Also note the Coast Guard station on the left side of the picture with the ramp to the water and the Indian Dormitory to the right edge, undergoing some repairs.…

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Added by Mike Forrester on July 19, 2009 at 8:31am — No Comments

Round Island Lighthouse open house a success

Last Saturday's open house was a success with about 150 fans making the trip to historic Round Island Lighthouse. The trip started on a larger boat before transferring to a Zodiac for the final yards.

Once ashore, visitors needed to watch their step due to the rock-covered ground.

Tour guides were on hand to provide information.

An interesting view… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 17, 2009 at 7:30am — 1 Comment

A walk through the Crack in the Island

A walk and sometimes a squeeze through the Crack in the Island, located just north of the airport and a few hundred yards west of British Landing… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 16, 2009 at 2:22pm — 1 Comment

Postcard of the week

Devil's Kitchen is one of the popular natural attractions on Mackinac Island's west side. This postcard is circa 1915. According to Frank O'Brien, who made extensive notes about named places on Mackinac Island it is 'a favourite place for tourists to roast marshmellows. The water rises and falls so that the entrance is sometimes closed by high water.'

This must refer to the time prior to the building of the perimeter roadway (M-185) when… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 13, 2009 at 1:30pm — No Comments

Round Island Lighthouse Open House

Round Island Lighthouse is one of the most iconic images of Mackinac Island.

This Saturday you have a chance to explore this historic lighthouse. From 10:00AM until 4:00PM, Freeland Boy Scout Troop 323 will be hosting visitors for their annual open house.

Boats will depart the Arnold Line Coal Dock for the short ride to Round Island. The lighthouse,… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 9, 2009 at 4:00pm — 1 Comment

Rainy days on Mackinac Island

We've all experienced it. We're enjoying our vacation, but Mother Nature didn't get the memo. Rain is in the forecast! It can be especially inconvenient on Mackinac Island where so many activities involve the great outdoors. Well, don't despair. Unpack your umbrella and hit the streets (figuratively speaking). There are still quite a few things you can do on rainy days. Here's some suggestions:

Visit one of the Butterfly Houses

Take a carriage tour

Visit the Public Library (has… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 8, 2009 at 12:28pm — No Comments

Postcard of the week

Most of Mackinac Island's natural landmarks have existed for centuries. Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf Rock are probably the most popular natural rock formations, but there was another arch on Mackinac Island.

Fairy Arch stood out from the cliff wall along eastern Lake Shore Drive below Robinson's… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 5, 2009 at 7:00am — No Comments

Happy Independence Day

Added by Mike Forrester on July 4, 2009 at 8:00am — No Comments

A day in the life of a Mackinac Island taxi driver

A fellow blogger and friend is fortunate enough to split her time between Georgia and the island. She's a gifted writer and has embarked on a series of blogs about what it's like to work on the island by spending a day shadowing people on their jobs.

While most of us enjoy it from the visitors view, Bree shows us the other side of life on the island. Her first installment is following a taxi driver, Jeanine, through the course of her long day. As is so often the case, there's more to… Continue

Added by Mike Forrester on July 2, 2009 at 3:30pm — No Comments