Naubinway, Michigan to Mackinaw City, Michigan - July 27, 2023

Mackinac Island

Today was unexpectedly special and memorable for us on our biking journey.

Stopping for a Bar

The day began as usual; we had breakfast consisting of Raisin Bran and then packed up our gear. Without many interruptions, we covered the thirty-five-mile stretch to Saint Ignace, where we stopped for a meal at the Mackinac Grille & Patio Bar.

Leaving the Bicycle Underworld

Port View

Our adventure took an exciting turn as we boarded the Star Line Ferry Boat to Mackinac Island. Upon disembarking with our bikes, we quickly realized that we had traded the solitude of the Upper Peninsula for a cyclist's paradise. The island, about which I hadn't previously done much research, has been free of motorized vehicles for 125 years. Transportation here revolves around bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, and walking. The bustling tourism was a stark contrast to our previous encounters.

A Place for a Dip

We cycled away from the town center along the coastline, heading northeast. A paved bike trail encircles the island, providing beautiful views all around. We paused to enjoy a swim in Lake Huron and air-dried ourselves under the sun. Later, we ventured back into town and visited a local brewery before taking the ferry to Mackinaw City.

During our ferry ride, Donald and I sparked a friendly conversation with a mother and son duo both sporting Detroit Lions shirts. They were optimistic about the Lions' chances in the upcoming Super Bowl, while we, being Seattle fans, respectfully disagreed. The banter made for an entertaining ride as we all marveled at the stunning Mackinac Bridge and the beautiful surrounding waters.

Upon disembarking, we promptly found our budget accommodation for the night, The Days Inn. After freshening up, we satisfied our appetites at a nearby restaurant.

All in all, we covered roughly forty miles today.