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Gilbert Lodge   Since 2004

                 Gilbert Lodge Blog
         The life and times of Mark and Paula Persons

They started out with a ride around the island on a two-horsepower carriage.  The horses are named Willie and King.  At 2000 pounds each, these Belgian horses are impressive.  The driver was Mike...a great guy.  It was a fun look at the island in spite of the horse smell.     

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The Grand Hotel was one of the stops.  It has the world's longest porch, in this case facing the waterfront.

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Still higher up on the island is Arch Rock, sometimes known as Circle Rock.  Great viewing to Lake Huron below.  The water is clear and very inviting in spite of its cold temperature.   

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Another look at the lake with white sand on the shore.  

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Fort Mackinac is above the city and an informative historical site to visit.  It dates back to the 1880s. 

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Once an hour a canon is fired.  A soldier is seen here leaning away as he fires the weapon.  Great LOUD stuff!        

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A view of the city and harbor from Fort Mackinac.  There are only 500 year-round residences on the island.  The population grows to many thousands in the summer.

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Mark and Paula were in a local chocolate shop trying to decide which chocolate to buy.  Mark wanted the chocolate pecans and Paula wanted the turtle chocolate.  Who won?  Well....stay tuned for the next exciting episode featuring the dynamic duo on their travels through America.              

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Quote of the day:  Mackinac Island is an amazing tourist stop.  Mark