at least we got fudge

In the four years that Kyle and I have been together, we have made it a tradition to go to Mackinac Island every October.


First view of Mackinac Island from the ferry, Fall 2010.

 Mackinac Island is located at the very top of the Mitten (Lower Peninsula), just east of the Mackinac Bridge which connects the two peninsulas. Fall is (usually) the perfect time to visit the Island. Beautiful changing leaves, sunny jacket weather, and fewer tourists. Ah, bliss.

Leading up to the Grand Hotel, Fall 2010.

On the other side of the Island, Fall 2010.

Not so much this year.

We arrived in Mackinaw City on a chilly and rainy Friday night and got a hotel, hoping that the weather would turn around by the next day so that we could take a ferry over to the Island. We woke up Saturday morning to 20 foot waves on Lake Michigan, 30 mile per hour winds, and frigid temperatures.  Talk about disappointment.


Scary weather on the Straights, Fall 2011.

Trying to keep it positive, we made the most of our time in Mackinaw City. We took goofy pictures (in the crazy wind).


Um, yikes.

Oh, hey wind.

I tried a pastie, a very popular dish in the UP.

Yes, that's a bowl of gravy with spoon. No, I did not eat like soup.

And we were still able to buy the famous Mackinac Island fudge and salt water taffy.




source
Joann's--by far the Island's best fudge.



Of course, we woke up on Sunday, and the weather was beautiful Michigan weather is never a guarantee. Que sera, sera.



Quick stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes on the way back to GR.

 

Here's to next year!