Michigan

The journey from Minneapolis to Michigan was a bit shorter than I expected. I was planning on stopping in Chicago for a day or two, but my place to stay fell through so I trucked right on through and drove to Birch Run, Michigan. I don't have any photos from that drive for a couple of reasons: one, there wasn't much to take photos of and two, I encountered a flash flood/thunderstorm situation which made it very unsafe to take photos. Side note, those summer thunderstorms are NO JOKE! 

And now...on to Michigan.

I stayed with my dear friends, more like family than friends but I digress, David and Amanda Bleck. I love them dearly. 

During my stay with them, we checked off an item on my bucket list: visiting Mackinac Island to see the Grand Hotel. Ever since I first saw Somewhere in Time I have wanted to go and visit. Most of you know, I am not much of a movie buff, but this film really got to me for some reason. It was great to be able to share this experience with people I love. 

We made the trek from Birch Run up to Mackinaw City where we took the ferry out to Mackinac Island. This is our first view of the Grand Hotel from the ferry:

My heart is all a flutter!!!

Yes, Minnea came along too :)

We're here!!!!

Ok...so we made it to Mackinac Island, now how do we get to the hotel??? One interesting fact is that motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island, so all transportation is pedestrian, horse and buggy or bicycle. Well then, I guess we should rent some bikes!!!

I would love to tell you that Dave and Amanda lasted all day on the bicycle built for two, alas that was not the case...

Here is a short photo montage of our bicycle adventure around the island:

As you can see, we had a great day...the best part being (of course) the Grand Hotel!! It took us forever to find, mostly because we were busy looking at other stuff, but it was absolutely worth the wait:

The photo does it no justice at all...it is truly grand. You'll have to go see it for yourself :)