I love summer. I think most of us do. I love my job of teaching these little minds, but those summer months certainly help to refresh our souls don't they?
My daughter and her family live in Houston, TX and just arrived here in Michigan for about a month. I love having them here. It's a perk for them too because Texas is having high temps of over 100 degrees. . . and here in Michigan it's been in the high 70's to 80's. A lot more comfortable for them to be outside in this weather.
We took a vacation to Mackinac Island last week. My grandchildren have never been and I'm excited to show them some of the history or our state.
Have you ever been to Mackinac Island? Or Mackinaw City? Or driven over the Mackinac Bridge? It's 5 miles long! My dad remembers crossing the water on ferries before the bridge was built in 1957.
Did you know there is a different spelling for the island and the town? Here's why. . .
BRITISH INFLUENCE ON MACKINAC ISLAND
The British took control of Fort Michilimackinac in 1761 and 20 years later moved the fort over the ice from the mainland to its current location on Mackinac Island. Over time, Michilimackinac got shortened to Mackinac. The island since has been known as Mackinac Island and the fort as Fort Mackinac.
However, when present-day Mackinaw City was founded in the 1850s, the British changed the spelling of the city to reflect the way the name is pronounced, with a “w” sound at the end.
This trip was dampened a bit by the fires in Canada. On most days we could only see parts of the Mackinaw Bridge. But on the day we went to Mackinac Island, it was a perfectly clear day.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipap73nBaTAItSTAwMmKyRJZp_brdZA74vLlaDcqDsA-HWUxWBhaSbQaxEii8Gjo72OPwfo5KdU0NpC4hSR4jG7yizcAD2ImmcE0tp-azA56ajTRjSkYqBakMKpSKgYdEgJG01uAKi-FGNTQwDd2EySyWV3K2SVPJyyPJhCsUT5wO3W7Lj6d6mUb3mgzg/w480-h640/2023-06-29%2020.48.45.jpg) |
It's hard to believe. . . but the bridge is truly in the background. |
These kiddos were all so brave and rode the zip line at Mystery Spot in St. Ignace. It sure looked like fun!
We explored animal skins, skulls, and stuffed animals at
It was a great place for our family to stay. We were right on Lake Huron and could see the bridge and Mackinac Island (on a clear day!)
What are you doing for fun this summer? Any plans to travel? I'd love to hear about them. Share with me in your comments.