We join the fudgies - Mackinac Island adventures

A little history (borrowed from Wikipedia): Mackinac Island is resort area covering 3.8 square miles of land area on Lake Huron at the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac. The island was home to a Native American settlement before European exploration began in the 17th century. It served a strategic role in the Great Lakes fur trade. This led to the establishment of Fort Mackinac by the British during the Revolutionary War. It was the scene of two battles during the War of 1812.

In the late 19th century, Mackinac Island became a popular tourist attraction and summer colony. Much of the island has undergone extensive historical preservation and restoration; as a result, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is well known for its numerous cultural events; its wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian Grand Hotel; its fudge; and its ban on almost all motor vehicles. More than 80 percent of the island is preserved as State Park.

This was our third visit to the Island in the 13 years we've been cruising.  I also flew a Cessna 172 to the island in 1973.

The Grand Hotel as viewed from Guided Discovery enroute to Mackinac Island

Today, 15,000 visitors per day visit the island, almost all by ferry (a few come by private plane and boat).  Vistors, according to Mackinac culture, are known as "fudgies," which relates to the fact that almost everyone who visits the island samples or buys fudge.  There are easily 10 fudge shops on Main Street.

View of the Main Street commercial area

Lake View Hotel on Main Street

Side story: Our cruise was interrupted by the US Goast Guard who attempted to board us for a safety inspection while we were enroute to the island.  Mind you we were trawling at 8 MPH when we passed the Coast Guard boat which then turned on its blue light.  After they refused to acknowledge our Coast Guard Auxillary Courtesy Inspection, we refused to allow them to board until we docked.  They agreed and we contined for another 25 minutes at leisurely let-em-wait 8 miles per hour. Four of them boarded when we arrived and went through their silly routine (which is not as extensive as the Auxillary's).  Needless to say, we meet or exceed all requirements.  Political commentary.  I have been boarded 3 times this year, twice on friends boats in July.  The Coast Guard on Lake Michigan is a pain in the ass, which was not the case on the entire Great Loop route.

Guided Discovery and Jan's Tern at Mackinaw Island State Dock

Fort Mackinac as viewed from the Mackinac Harbor State Dock

We stayed on Mackinac Island for two days.  Highlights included a four mile walk with Kodi, Bicycling around the island, dining with Bob and Jan, shopping (for fudge and t-shirts) and enjoying the island's incredible ambiance.   I'll let the photos tell the story.

View of the harbor and city

Bob and I walked to the Grand Hotel, which requires a $10 per person fee just to walk onto the grounds, which includes the porch and the lobby.  We took a pass.  Per person rates run from $254 for a small room to $723 for a "named" room.

The Grand Hotel

A lovely lady asking for the $10 grounds fee

When we awoke on Tuesday we discovered that the Yorktown, which we saw in Little Current 13 days ago, had docked behind us disgorging lots of fudgies.

Yorktown docked at Mackinac Island

A flag raising ceremony takes place at 9:30 AM each day.  Flags are raised when the cannon on Fort Mackinac booms.  Kodi HATES cannons.  She also hates gunfire, fire crackers, fireworks and thunder.  Mackinac Island was not one of her favorite places.  What added to her discomfort was the fixed docks.  She had to duck under the safety cable in order to get off the boat.

Flag raising ceremony

Kodi and I on the way to Arch Rock

View of the Lake Huron from Arch Rock

Lunch at the Carraige House with Bob and Jan.  A beautiful setting

The Carraige House as viewed from the water's edge

The Grand Hotel's grand carraige outside the Carraige House

A visit to Mackinac Island is not complete without fudge.  So, as a typical "fudgie" we visited several fudge shops to watch the process. 

Pouring the heated ingredients onto a cold marble table

Shaping the fudge as it cools.  An art form

The finished product sliced and ready for the display case

The value of a single slab of fudge is approximately $300 (50 slices).  A slice sells for $6.00.  Let's see, the cream costs X, the choclate costs X, the labor costs X - - you get the picture.

Yes, I broke down and ate fudge.  It was Chocolate Walnut from Joanne's and it was terrific.

Written by Les.