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Labor Day and the end of summer

It's always with mixed emotions that I greet Labor Day weekend. It's a signal that summer is coming to an end, but since I'm a big fan of fall, I also look forward to the cooler temperatures, changing colors of autumn leaves and Mackinac Island.

I've spent more time on Mackinac in September than any other month of the year. Often it's been on Labor Day weekend for the annual Bridge Walk, but sometimes it's later in the month when crowds have thinned and the island takes on a different personality - one I can imagine enjoying year 'round. But alas, September comes and goes and before you know it, horses are leaving and hotels are closing. And then November arrives and the hardy souls hunker down for winter on the island.

But for now, there's plenty of September left, so tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 9th) my family and I will be catching a flight to Pellston for a long weekend on the island. This Saturday is the 39th Annual Mackinac Island Eight Mile Run & Walk so we'll be walking (and maybe jogging) around the beautiful shoreline of the island.

Even after all these years, I still seem to discover something new on each visit. That's some of the charm of the island - to get away from downtown and explore the interior, the bluffs and the shoreline to see the sights that many miss.

So as I prepare to depart, you'll pardon me if I start to slow down and get ready for 'island time.'

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Comment by Chris Ann Nelson on September 11, 2009 at 7:45pm: Good luck in the race in the morning. Will others in your party run/walk too? Seiana should love the Kids games on the lawn of Mission Point. See you all Sunday.

Comment by Mike Forrester on September 9, 2009 at 11:55pm: Thanks for the notes...it's great to be writing this from our room at the Lilac Tree overlooking Main Street. It was quite a day of travels. First Delta didn't have seats for us on the Pellston leg until minutes before departure (lots of fun when traveling with a 3-year old). At Pellston, our shuttle had a dead battery and then would cut off once jump-started. Quite an exciting ride to the docks...the driver basically couldn't take her foot off the gas!!! At least we made the 8PM ferry. Happiness has now set in.

Comment by Pat Steele on September 9, 2009 at 7:52pm: You are right Mike, fall is my favorite time on the island. Summer is too crazy with tourists! After working with the Scouts every August at high tourist time, I never want to be there then.
The Windermere Hotel has the best Fall rates. Our Fall visit is in October, can hardly wait.
Glad to here the Medical Center did well with their fundraiser, I have been treated there and they are great!

Pat Steele

Comment by Charlie Jansen on September 9, 2009 at 6:30pm: Have fun Mike! We just returned from the Island, and it was (as always) beautiful! The Medical Center Fundraiser was a success, and we had a good time catching up with friends we hadn't seen since last year. I heard the amount raised was about $65,000 -- down somewhat from previous years, but still pretty good in this economy. Enjoy your time on the Island ..... September is a great time to be there!

Comment by Mike Forrester on September 8, 2009 at 3:27pm: Thanks Joyce! I doubt I'll sleep much tonight in anticipation of the trip!

Comment by Joyce K on September 8, 2009 at 2:27pm: As you are on your way, have a safe trip and a wonderful time on the island Mike. Our first two visits back in 87 and 93 were in September for our anniversary. My husband is hinting to go this month as an anniversary trip once again. It's very tempting since I could really use some "island time". I just love exploring the whole island inside and out even on those tough uphills. Have fun on the walk/run. That should be so awesome as well.