Memorable Vacation and Visit

I've had a very enjoyable visit with our son, wife and her family. They traveled roughly 800 miles to visit with us!  We toured some small towns north of us and then Mackinac Island.

I started the day with a snapshot of my garden area near the fountain.  It was a beautiful morning and I was pleased my flowers had filled in so nicely.  It takes a while for the impatiens to bulk up.

I was about to get in the van and noticed the beautiful blue sky and how it was decorated with wispy clouds.

 Even the moon was still visible!

~Leland~

We ventured up to Leland which is about 25 miles from our home.

It's historical district known as Fishtown is always interesting to visit.

You can charter fishing trips and take a ferry over to South Manitou Island

where people like to hike and tour the uninhabited island.

~Glen Arbor and The Dunes~

We traveled to the Glen Arbor area and the Sleeping Bears Dunes National Park.  There is an area known as the Pierce Stocking Drive that we drove through and checked out the views and one of the dunes. 

This particular one has about a 450 ft. rise. They actually don't want anybody to go down it, but many do anyways.  Those are people trekking back up the dune....There is another set of dunes that are popular for people to climb up that are more friendly.

There are some overlooks that really get you out there and a chance to enjoy the beauty!

 Tom and Emily, my daughter-in-law's parents enjoying the sights

Some walkways to help you get around on the sand.

~Mackinac Island~

On Thursday we went to Mackinac Island.

We boarded a ferry to head over.  

That's my son Ryan, his wife Angela and her brother T.J. We sat on the top deck of the ferry.  You get the best view and less prone to seasickness!

That's my chubby mug and my husband Dan

(I hate pictures of me- reality bites!)

Once we got on the island we decided to head to the Fort Mackinac first because it's quite a climb to get  up there and we figured while we were fresh we'd do the hardest thing first!

This was about 1/3 rd of the way up... 

It's pretty steep and long!

 Looking down over the park area and the marina

Once inside the fort area it's another world. All the barracks and officers quarters are still there. 

A historical picture (circa 1890) showing this large soldiers barracks building.

My picture circa 2012!

Inside one of the officer's quarters

Kitchen

That's a good sized stove!

A shot through the fence of the fort.

 Our daughter Chelsea was with us too. She traveled from where she lives (about 2 1/2 hrs South of us) to join us for the trip!

Back down on the streets- This places was so charming I had to take pictures!

Isn't it the cutest! There are many more charming Inn's like this too. 

On the main street through town. One of the hotels, you can stay at.  

This is how you get things done on the island.  Roofing materials being transported.

  

~A special dinner~

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a place called "The Boathouse" and the food was not only awesome it was beautifully displayed!  The restaurant sits by Lake Michigan on the Peninsula and has a lovely view of the bay. We were celebrating the first wedding anniversary of our kids, which was July 2nd- and for all of us being together!

 One of the entree specials the restaurant was offering that evening with a fillet of sole

 One of the side dishes that was ordered- Macaroni and cheese with shrimp!

Filet Mignon with pureed parsnips, finely chopped mushrooms, and an onion ring on top!

A specially prepared lobster for our daughter.  All cracked opened & ready to eat!

~Adventurous~ 

Dan, Tom and Ryan went Parasaling 

 Up up and away!

They ascend to about 550 ft.

I'm not brave enough to try but they say it's very peaceful!

Just for fun they bring them down and let their feet touch the water.  

They are really good at controlling the riders and bringing them back on the boat.  It's a nice and smooth as they bring you back and you literally are brought in so carefully your feet touch the deck of the boat and then they finish securing you.

  ~The wind down~

 The last evening we prepared a home 

cooked dinner and relaxed.

We hung out on the patio 

 A crackling fire... always good for relaxing!

~Having to say good-bye~

 The morning they were leaving we met at our favorite spot called The Omelette Shop...

(that's how they spell it!)

Hated to say good-bye but grateful for the memories!

I know it was a long post, but I wanted to create a lasting memory of our visit!

I hope you enjoyed the tour!