Day Seven

 Day Seven was another cool morning what would have us driving Libby back to Tim Horton's for coffee. We left early trying to get to St. Ignace for an early boat to Mackinaw Island. Making a brief stop at Fenton-Treeby Lake for a few pictures, the sun was not up enough to burn off the morning fog.



Fenton-Treeby Lake



We would get to see more of Lake Superior as we drove out. The leaves were changing and helped add a lot of color to the scenery. 

Lake Superior



Pancake Bay Provincial Park



 



Moose with a gun



We were heading towards Sault Ste. Marie and back across the border. We had a couple of stops to make before crossing the border. On the drive up, we noticed several statues just North of Sault Ste. Marie. This is my favorite, a Moose with a gun.  The parking lot had plenty to choose from but this one probably gets more laughs.

After a few more stops in town, we headed for the border. With our passports ready, off we go.



US Border



Once we arrived, we were told that protocol had all rental cars being searched. We followed two agents to a garage and watched them search the car. Our only concern was that they would find the Tim Horton Timbits and confiscate them. Luck was on our side that day, we crossed the border with the doughnuts.

Our next stop would be the town of St. Ignace, Michigan. After lunch at the Driftwood Restaurant, we drove across the street to take a ferry to Mackinac Island.  The ferry took about 30 to shuttle us across the Lake Huron to the island. Once there, we walked around town and took in the sights.



Ride to Mackinac Island



Mackinac Island





Mackinaw Island



Main Street



The island is filled with old houses from the Victorian Era, most overlooking Lake Huron.

Transportation is limited to horse and buggy, bicycle or foot.  Being surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time. Much of the island looks as it did over a hundred years ago.



Riding back to St. Ignace



Lake Huron



 As keeping with tradition, I took a brief wade in the waters of Lake Huron. The water was very cold and the rocks were slippery. We would head back to St. Ignace after a few hours on Mackinac Island. We wanted to explore the rest of town and see the famous Mackinac Bridge.

After a ride around town, we drove to the foot of the Mackinac Bridge. Located on the North side of the bridge is Mackinac Bridge View Park. The 8 acre park offers some great views of Lake Michigan and opportunities for pictures of this 5 mile long bridge. During the construction of this bridge, 5 iron workers lost their lives. There is a bronze statue in the park dedicated to these men.



Lake Michigan



Mackinac Bridge







We took a drive along the North shore of Lake Michigan. The Fall Foliage was great and added to the splendor of the lake. After seeing several beaches, it was time to stop and take a stroll. This was also my opportunity to wade in Lake Michigan. Four lakes down, one more to go.



Lake Michigan





Notice the lock?







After watching a great sunset on the lake, we headed back into town for something to eat. Who can resist a stop at Big Boy? Tomorrow we leave for Ohio with a few more stops along the way.

Big Boy St. Ignace