Day 4 - Mackinac Island

We were up early this morning as we had a lot to accomplish.  First, I ran to the grocery store to grab some milk and coffee creamer.  Then made cinnamon rolls for breakfast, got the kids up and then had a video meeting with Scott at 9:00 am.

After we finished our meeting, we prepped to leave.  It was 10:30a when we were ready to untie lines.  Unfortunately our line got stuck on a pole shared with teh neighboring boat due to a fishing lure caught in one of his lines.  (PSA if you fish in a marina, its super important that you retreive ALL of your lures and hooks) It took 15 mins or so to free us and in the end we left it in the neighbors line to prevent damage. The harbormaster came out to assist and shared that the boat belonged to Tim Allen.  So you know, us and Buzz Lightyear were neighbors!

We were leaving the slip around 10:45a and got underway.  It is a perfect day for weather.  Winds are currently 1mph with a high of 5 mph expected all day.  Temps are 65* and sunny.  The lake is so flat.  The ride is comfortable.

As a matter of fact, Sammy did some rehearsing in her room which is in the bow (normally the bumpiest place on the boat), Tyler played video games with his friend Cole and I did some reading.

Around 12:45p, I grilled some brats and made lunch.  It was calm enough to stay on plane while I cooked and I even washed the dishes at full speed.

Soon after, the bridge came into view and after crossing under at 1:45p, we started to prep for our arrival at the island.

We pulled into the harbor and tied up in slip 46 around 2:40p. We have an excellent view of the fort.

Sammy had voice lessons and I had some work to do so we stayed on board while Tyler and Scott rented bikes to enjoy the island.

 

 

After the guys returned, we headed out to find some dinner.  On a whim, I pulled out my phone and found an open reservation that was very close to the marina so we grabbed the table.  It was the absolute best luck!  We ate at 1852 Grill Room in the Island House Hotel (almost directly across from the marina).  It was a little fancier than we had dressed for but the food and service were amazing!  Our server Kathleen is from Tampa originally and was eager to serve, always using our first names as she addressed us.  We started with some Tallow Truffle fries, then enjoyed our main course of Prime Rib and Fillet Mignon, served with sweet potatoes, creamed corn and morel mushrooms for accompaniments.  For dessert, Sammy got the hot fudge sundae which she said is the very best she's ever had (see chef's kiss in last photo). Scott ordered Affrogato which is ice cream that is "drowned" in hot espresso. 

Seriously, it was an amazing meal.  After dinner, Scott and I took the dog for a walk while the kids had some free time.

Then we sat outside on the sunpad and enjoyed the cool eventing.

Fun fact.  The boat that is docked two slips down from us is also slipped at our marina in Grand Haven - right across from us.  We've seen them come and go many times back home.  So funny we come all the way up here to finally meet our neighbors.