Pulling into the boatyard, 194 days since we left Alaya in the spring, Lucas and I were very nervous. How’d she fare without us? Was she full of squirrels? Full of water? The boatyard had checked on her while we were gone but this is the longest we’ve ever left her alone. We scavenged a […]
Back in the Boatyard, Part 1 Read More »
In the sailing world, people like to remind you that a “Sailor’s plans are written in the sand at low tide.” This sentiment is 100% true but it’s one that I, as a planner, have struggled with at various times in our boat journey. My latest struggle happened during our October transition period between island
As you can tell from the past few blog posts, I love Mackinac Island. I loved it from afar for many years as a daytime visitor. After this summer, I can say I also love it as a seasonal worker and resident. Seeing it up close every day for the past six months only deepened
October: Good Bye, Mackinac (For Now) Read More »
Throughout August, our friends and co-workers kept telling us, “Just wait for September. It is going to be so slow and wonderful.” By this time in the season, we were all growing a little weary of peak tourist season. Lucas and I both looked forward to this “Slow September.” Before we could judge September for
A (Not So) Slow September Read More »
I’d like to take you back in time to 1997…I was eight years old living in Chelsea with my parents and siblings. My parents got involved in this community effort called TimberTown, where they helped build an amazing wooden playground about a mile from our house. The preparation took months but the structure was built
Quick Aside: Timbertown Read More »
We learned early on in our time here that August has a reputation on Mackinac Island – Angry August. Who is angry and why are they so angry? We weren’t sure but we were very curious to find out. The month started very busy, with many visitors to the island and the fort. On August
August: Angry or Awesome? Read More »
I could feel the change on the island on July 1 – peak visitor season was officially here. July 1 is a special day for everyone at state parks for another reason…its Canada Day! Over the years, it has become a park seasonal employee tradition to host a big cookout on July 1. Adrian, the
July: It’s Heating Up Read More »
We have now been back in the world of employment for a few months, so I thought it would be fun to talk more about our many jobs and then outline a typical week in our Mackinac Island life. So first, a summary of our jobs: Emily’s Jobs Alternate Lead – Guest Service Representative (GSR)
A “Typical” Mackinac Island Week Read More »
Peak season on Mackinac Island starts Memorial Day weekend and goes through Labor Day. With that in mind, I was prepared for a very busy Memorial Day weekend on the island but the northern Michigan weather didn’t really cooperate. It was a chilly 60 degrees and rainy, which kept most of the tourists at bay.
June: Lilacs, Lucas and Love Read More »
Mackinac Island is the furthest north we’ve ever lived. Lucas has had a little more trouble than I have adapting to the cool northern Michigan spring. He keeps saying that his body is acclimated to more tropical climates. Good thing we packed his flannel-lined jeans! This northern latitude means that spring is very delayed compared
May: Our First Taste of Mackinac Magic Read More »