I awoke very happy that we had pushed yesterday to ride the 88 miles all the way to St. Ignace and the Cedar Hill Lodge. The weather was stunning. Bright, clear blue skies and cool, with the projected high of around 70.
Randy and I decided to take our bikes and ferry across to Mackinac Island. I have always heard that Mackinac Island was a special place, but was unprepared for just how magical it would feel. The feeling as we stepped off the ferry was something akin to scenes from old movies around the turn of the century. No motorized vehicles allowed and bikes everywhere. Bustling crowds. Excitement in the air.
There is an approximately 7 mile loop around the island that almost overwhelms the senses. Beautiful, large, immaculately landscaped Victorian houses with gorgeous flower gardens. Large green lawns where people spread out on white Adirondack chairs to relax and picnic. Unbelievable ocean views. Shady lanes and horse drawn carriages. Because it is so flat and entirely geared for leisurely bike riding, you encounter people of all ages cruising along. One commonly seen feature are cairns that have been built or people are building along the way, often representing some unknown spiritual quest or inner desire. I could only imagine the stories connected with those cairns. Some are quite impressive. There were also some high cliff-like rock formations you could hike up. And the fort overlooking it all from the top of the hill by the harbor. In all, this casual ride around the island had the feel somewhat of Disney World.
We had lunch at a little lane side cafe across from a large green lawn with a beautiful gazebo surrounded by a massive blooming flower garden. Harp music wafted through the air, and it was them that we realized that a wedding was about to start. So, as we sat there eating our chef salads, we were witnesses to the wedding. The bride was gorgeous and had this amazing wedding dress. The groom looked happy and, in all, there were probably no more than 20 official attendees, all arrayed in the most fashionable of dress. I said a quiet prayer of blessing on this unknown couple and threw in their guests to boot. After the wedding, the preacher hopped on his bicycle and pedaled away.
For the next couple of hours we explored the downtown and surrounding area, then caught the ferry back to St. Ignace. Since Randy's birthday is tomorrow, we later rode into town and had dinner at The Anchor, which I had been told is the best in town. Friendly, family restaurant with good food. We topped off the birthday dinner with ice cream at the Bentley Cafe.
Tomorrow we are going to cross the Mackinac Bridge to Mackinac City and continue the ride in the direction of Traverse City.
