Mike,l admire your Get-er-done attitude. I'm 82 years old and that's the way I've lived my life successfully while listening to people telling me you're doing it wrong. Full speed ahead.
You learned why it’s better to get a slip at the Mackinac Island Marina. No ferry hassle. Yes, there can be some boat rocking, but step off your boat with your bike and you’re on the island. Reservations can be hard to come by, but call the marina day-of and often times a slip is available. The island is very nice in the evening when the ferry hordes have departed for the day. Obviously, way too late for you, but future loopers may see this.
Everybody rides bicycles on Mackinac Island. Especially if you live on the island. I spent my life working on that island. Most of my career was spent working in the hotel/restaurant business summers on Mackinac Island. In the winter I would travel to other places to work or relax. While Mighty Mac has a good burger, you missed out by not visiting Horn's Bar. ...They have great Mexican food. You mentioned the horse poop cleanup. The city, Grand Hotel and Mission Point Resort employed/employs many people that sweep up the manure. When I started my career on Mackinac Island, there was a lovely man named Jerry Horn that cleaned up that horse manure just above the Grand Hotel. He always remembered our names and would greet us daily. He's passed away now, but he was an island treasure. I captained for Star Line for many years, and that's how I ended my career.
The boat I was on in Lake Erie was searched by CBP for half a hour in the summer of 2023. The owner of the boat had used the app. We had come from Pelle Island. We all had to sit on the roof of the boat while they searched.
Hi, there... I, 74 yr old and planing for year do the loop next year w. my wife... you ha e one of the best loop videos... keep long... not a 5 min short... thank and keep the good work... Capt. Luis
Have very much enjoyed your videos and admire your courage to take on this voyage solo. Onward to a continued excellent journey in great health! God bless you!
Thanks for the bike tour around the island! I haven’t done it in years, so enjoyed it vicariously from your camera. Despite your “Maybe next time!” responses to people who say you missed things, my guess is you won’t be cruising by again (!), but for the benefit of those seeing your videos who might think Mackinac Island is not worth visiting, it’s worth noting that in the spring and fall, there are significantly less people and it’s a wonderful place to go. 😊
Salmon fish lake Michigan on your way down..great dinner for yourself and your hitting it perfect timing..your videos are so awesome..wife and I cant wait to loop
Just saw your apisode , where you were having back pain. Want to share that I have dealt with back pain most of my life. At 17 I broke my back and found beyond that I had a birth defects in my back that cause premature degenerative disc disorder. Also I was over weight, had hyper tension, as well as sleep apnea. I retired three years ago and decided to try to focus on my health. Did blood testing and all was not well. Extremely high triglycerides, nearly type 1 blood suger. 245 lbs. That was my starting point. Not good but a saw a youtube video from Dr. Ken Berry. Started with what he thought was the proper human diet. Cut to the chase. Two and a half years later, I thing I found the fountain of youth. 165 lbs no back or joint pain, blood work is all in the green. Dr. Said what ever your doing keep doing. He said he has never seen such a change in his career. I know it is anecdotal, but you might want to look in to it .the back pain relief is a life changer for me.
Hi There, I've really been enjoying your videos they are more informative than many of the other Loop channels. But I two questions for you. 1. Would you be willing to give a boat tour of Checkmate and maybe talk through your regular maintenance chores. 2. Your electric scooter looks like a very robust one, what is the make and model and would you recommend it?
I plan on making a boat tour video, but right now it’s a total mess as I brought way too many things with me than I really needed. Stay tuned for that. I have a “maintenance “ video already in the can that might be ready in a few weeks. Maybe I can do a scooter discussion in a week or two. I’ve a lot to say on that point. Thanks for watching.
I seem to remember that vitamin C helped to prevent sore muscle during my 1st hitch in the Marines . And yes I stuck around for the whole video cuz “ You the Man “ with all of the great stories that you can tell your grandchildren !
Fine video, enjoyed sharing your expedition on Mackinac. Curious why you didn't simply book a slip at the marina on Mackinac instead of having to take a ferry there? Although I bet the Mackinac marina is jammed and expensive. Too bad you didn't go into the hotel -- it was decorated in very colorful, florid fabrics by a well-known decorator named Carleton Varney. Not my taste, but sort of interesting to see. You are lucky you were able to free the anchor! It would have been tough to get help in such a lonely little cove for sure. It must have been tough to yank it out after diving down that far.
The Mackinac marina was full. The wort part about freeing the anchor was how cold the water was to me. I was freezing. Definitely not acclimated to anything under like 80°F., Yes, I’m a wuss. Ha.
We drove up the the island yesterday with my two boys. First time there and a lot of fun. We road around the island once and they wanted to go again so I walked the docks. I counted 10 looper flags in the marina.
I'm looking to do the loop solo in a few. If you do the Nashville side trip, stop at the Ashland City Marina. They are a new sponsor, and I have my loop boat there getting ready. Interested in your westside trip down to Chicago.
I think the CBP app I have uploaded from previous trip abroad. It is much easier than the paper thing they give you on international flights/cruises. I would have liked to see the inside of that hotel. I still can't believe you are doing this by yourself. I can't wait to see the rest.
I enjoyed your trip and envy you for all of the scenery you were able to see. I might suggest an anchor ball to assist you in retrieving your anchor. They work pretty slick and would keep you for taking that cold swim. Two other suggestions - you should be starting your engines prior to raising your anchor and boy, don't be showing your passport number on the internet! I look forward to your next video.
You should have taken a Detour at De Tour and headed up the St Marys River to the Soo locks, my favorite place to boat in michigan, its a 43 mile trip from De Tour to Sault Ste Marie MI
If you’re headed over to the west side of Lake Michigan, one of the narrowest crossing points on the lake is from Ludington, MI to Manitowoc, WI in Wisconsin. That is also the crossing route of the historic SS Badger ferry. On the Michigan side prior to Ludington, Leland has a very nice small town marina, and is the location of the historic Fishtown.
