By
Bud Lemire
Mackinac Island Excursion
Part One - A Pictorial Review
I was with the Senior Companion Program & Foster Grandparents
Program. I am a Volunteer with the Senior Companion Program. These are
people who Volunteer to visit with older people in the Nursing Homes,
Assisted Living Homes, and Private Homes (their own homes). The Foster
Grandparents sit with Classrooms and help out with the kids there.
During COVID-19, for 3 years I took time away and stayed at home writing
letters. But for about a month now, I have been back out there again.
Both programs are through AmeriCorps, so they can work
together. They are given grants and can spend a certain amount to pay
their Volunteers. That money has to be used before a certain time
period. When they have a deadline, they use it for the benefit of the
Volunteers, and so an event such as a trip comes out of it.
Here is a pictorial description of one such excursion.
Mackinac Island, Segment #1: On The Way
The Senior
Companions and Foster Grandparents went on a trip to Mackinac Island.
Everyone boarded the bus at Menominee, Escanaba, Rapid River, and
Manistique. It was a three-hour ride to St. Ignace, but we visited with
those nearby and sort of relaxed. It wasn't a sunny day, but then
again we knew what the weather was going to be like. Many of us were
thinking of the things we would do, once we got there and were on our
own. I had a Mackinac Island Bucket List and was hoping everything
would work out for that. We arrived at St. Ignace and not long after
that, we boarded the Sheplers Ferry to Mackinac Island. It was a bit
foggy and hard to see in the distance, but the trip went well. (For
larger pic view, click Blue Captions.)
Mackinac Island, Segment #2: The Arrival
After
arriving on the Island and getting our luggage, we split up, and those
staying at the Lilac Tree Inn, went there to bring their luggage. Those
staying at the Chippewa, went there to bring their luggage. Then we
all met up at Mary's Bistro Draught House for lunch. I had the
Whitefish And Chips and they sure give you a lot of Fish. It came with
fries and coleslaw, but I passed on the coleslaw.
Mackinac Island, Segment #3: The Carriage Ride
After lunch some of the Senior Companions & Foster Grandparents took a Carriage Ride around the Island.
Mackinac Island, Segment #4: The Bicycle Rental
Due
to my bladder problem, I decided a two hour carriage ride would be too
long for me. So I decided to rent a bike and ride around the island to
see the places I wanted to. I've never rented a bike before and the
first place I went to, you had to use a Credit Card, and it was more
complicated than that. I decided to check out another Bicycle Rental
place, as they were lined along main street. I went to The Mackinac
Island Bike Shop located at 7421 Main Street. They had a bike, a basket
on the bike, and a lock (the other place didn't give you a lock). But
with this shop, they asked for your Credit Card or Drivers License. I
asked the other shop, why they don't give out locks, and what if the
bike was stolen.
Okay, I know it wouldn't be taken off the
Island, but I prefer a lock. Now this Bike Shop keeps your
license/credit card until you return with the bike, and give it back to
you. I was a bit leery about them keeping my Drivers License. Then
again, I thought, okay, I know where they are and can come back and give
them a hard time.
It was Mackinac Island, and I was new to how they do things
there. I got an orange bike, and the seat was lowered to fit me. I
found out it didn't ride as good as my own bike back home, but it got me
around. I kept shifting gears.
|
Author: Bud Lemire - Sr Companion> |
To Be Continued with Macinac Island sights in October.
Click on the author's byline for bio and list of other works published by Pencil Stubs Online.
This issue appears in the ezine at www.pencilstubs.com and also in the
blog www.pencilstubs.net with the capability of adding comments at the
latter.
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