July 6

De Tour to Mackinac Island MI 36.8 miles



Somewhere I made a wrong turn, as this place is like Disney Land.  I have not seen this number of people so packed into a space as here for at least 3 years.   Everywhere we looked there were people less than 6 ft apart and the crowds were on bicycles and walking (there are no Cars on the Island).  Horses are the main means of heavy transport here just like the 1800.

Watching the people on Bicycles is a sport here.  Either they are drunk or have not ridden a bike in more than 10 years.  Just crossing the street is dangerous I came within 1 foot of a bike more than 5 times.  Not my fault either they just did not seem to control them and kept wondering all over the road.  


We toured the island see the fort and following the history.  Here it is claimed to have the first Catholic parish in the USA.  From the dates it seams a little questionable as know of parishes in Quebec from before that and some of them drifted south into the Maine and Vermont but who is to ague.  History here is great, British till after the American independence in 1786, IE when the war was over, then American, then British during the war of 1812, then back to American till today.  Industry was trade route control, fur trading, fishing then as today tourism. 


The Crossing of Lake Huron was not bad with a following wind.  This made the long trip easy, fast and cheaper as wind did at least some of the work.  Boat count is way up today seeing 8 curriers, 3 fishing boats and ferries numerous times.  The Harbor here sucks as it very rough due to wake and lack of protection.  The Ferries do not help any either.  Lots of people passing by and checking out the boats.  As normal we are among the smaller vessels.  However now we have traveled the furthest which makes us a novelty.   OH yea the “Cute Little Boat” count is now 65.






 

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