Drift Away: Drummond to Mackinaw Island 9/4/17

We got up early and Debbie and I rented a car to go grocery shopping. They have a very well maintained 1970s era Suburban that was well equipped when new. It still is in great shape and although weird to drive after driving the new ones (big steering wheel, funky transmission and gas pedals) it ran really well. They charge $12.00 to "borrow it" and you leave the keys in it when your done. The IGA in town was well stocked and we picked up lots of beer and some booze to go along with the usual groceries.

Once back at the marina we emptied out two boxes of empties and stored the new provisions. We took the boat over for a pumpout and headed to Mackinaw Island.

Once you get out of Drummond island the navigation is pretty easy. Down by DeTour and then round the light and its a direct course to Mackinaw Island. Again the auto pilot did most of the work and we made reservations at the marina and the Iroquois Hotel for dinner.

The staff and some boat neighbors helped us into our slip and we chatted with Jim and Laurie on Tyreless who are just starting their loop from Toronto.

De Tour Reef Light

Mackinaw Bridge

I walked down the dock to get a closer look at Enticer which we had seen in the Benjamins. It really is a beautiful boat and in "bristol" condition. I would hate to have the job of keeping it in as beautiful shape as it is.

Close ups of EZnticer

New guests aboard since we saw her in the Benjamins

Debbie had visited the island last September with her sister Charlotte and they stayed at the Grand Hotel and ate at a few different restaurants on the Island. They liked the Grand Hotel for dinner but loved their dinner at the Iroquois Hotel so much more. We had a reservation for 7:30 and headed over from the boat around 6:30 to give us time to sight see and maybe have a cocktail outside. The grounds everywhere are beautifully maintained and there are flowers and gardens everywhere. There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the island so horses and bikes are the mode of transportation. So when the horses produce byproduct there is a guy on a bicycle that comes along and scoops up the poop so the streets are always clean. There are more bars and fudge shops then you could imagine. I wish we had more time to spend here but I need to be in Escanaba MI on the western shore for Wednesday night so one night is all we had.

Fort Mackinaw in the background

Main street. The building is sided with embossed metal siding

Beautiful gardens and flowers

The road to the Grand Hotel

Lighthouse off of Mackinaw Island

We went to the Iroquois Hotel for dinner. Down the path and turn right

The terrace at the Iroquois

We loved our meal from the cocktails to the dessert. The service was excellent with generous portions and beautiful presentation. To top it off we had a dessert drink made with orange flavored vodka, peach schnapps, vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet all blended together. If I'm dying just serve me this until I'm gone. It is delicious!! I will let the pictures below describe the meal.