A trip to Mackinac Island take three...

The vacation is too short. Like it or not, we got to go back home.

We spent the last hours walking around the area. I like Mackinaw Crossings best as it has stores, attractions, cinema, playgrounds within one area. It's just like an open air shopping mall...
I bought local souvenir and soap at Mackinaw City soap.

As we were driving along the northern part of Michigan lake, we saw a storm coming our way. The lighting looks so amazing. I tried to take the lighting picture, but of course, it's always too late.... This is the closet one. To the left, you can see the bright light from the lighting.

We stopped just before the border to get dinner. As we were about to leave, another storm band was heading our way. This one arrived with hails.

I'm glad we arrived home safely. It was very tiring but refreshing...
If we were to go there again, I would spend at least 2 days on the island. There are some places we didn't see like the Grand Hotel tour and historic tours. I still yet to eat more local food.

I've been to Martha's Vineyard. I think I like Mackinac Island better as it's so unique with no motorized vehicle... Besides, it's so much closer to us...
As for a place to stay, I'd stick with chain hotels that is close to the downtown area.

Hm... where do you think we should go for a vacation next?

And the Bigib Designs blog contest winner is...

The poll has closed... and the name has been drawn...

Most people voted to spend the check even though expert thinks spending the money would be your 8th priority.

I personally thinks it's all depends on your priority. What expert thinks is just an opinion.
For me... I decided to spend it also... he-he

To learn more about the drawing process, you can visit my Flicker page.

And the winner is...


ANDREA...

You have 2 weeks to claim you prize. Please contact me conny(at)bigib(dot)com with your name and address.

Congratulations...!

A trip to Mackinac Island too...

The next day, we took a ferry to Mackinac Island. We bought the ferry ticket online, so we just wait in line once we arrived. I saw people brought their own bikes, strollers... Well... I left my new bike at home.

The weather was gorgeous,... not too hot, not too cold... Just right. It took us 15 minutes to get to the island. As we approached the Island, we were pointed to the Grand Hotel, governor's summer residence and Fort Mackinac.

Jared, our tour leader who dressed up in 1880 soldier uniform, told stories about the Fort Mackinac history. We also saw the cannon and riffle blasting reenactment.

What I love the most about the island is because there's no motorized vehicle allowed. The main transportation is horse and bike. No air pollutant from the cars, but may be from the horse dump.
This picture showed how your luggage delivered to your hotel rooms. Really with horse power.
I could imagine how it feels in the old days when car was not invented yet.

No honks... people would just yell at you... One cart stopped and the driver yelled at me, "Heading your way...." I was too busy taking pictures and not realizing that I was standing on a driveway.

I just got to take horse pictures. This one wasn't very happy as he/or she "neighed" me right after I shot her...

Originally, we want to rent a bike right when we arrived. I'm glad that we talk to the tourist info first before renting a bike. Since most of the things are within the walking distance, you don't need to rent a bike unless you want to circle the island.

There are at least 5 bike stores. The price are about the same,... they are pretty competitive. Look for the bike you like. You can test drive it... well sort of. If you don't like it within a few minutes riding, you can return the bike and find different stores.

I rented a cruiser and a burley. Total ride is about 8 miles and took us about 2 hrs with few stops. It was a pretty flat ride. However, with 2 kids in tow and a backpack full of kid's stuff, camera, diaper, snacks, water, milk, extra clothing... it was a bit too much for my leg and buns.

We had lunch at Millie's. We could buy a sandwich and eat it during our bike ride, but I figured it's easier to dine it. We had ice cream, pop corn, and of course, I got to take Murdick's fudge home. Yum... And of course, stop by the Trading Post to buy t-shirts.

On Friday, I will talk about our last day at Mackinaw City...

A trip to Mackinac Island

No... it's not Golden Gate bridge. It's Mackinac bridge.

This last Memorial Day weekend, we went to Mackinac Island.
It took us about 8 hrs driving to get there. We stayed at Courtyard Inn and Suites in Mackinaw City. Don't get confused with the Courtyard Inn by Mariott. This place is not a franchise.

We rented a double queen bed room. I think it's expensive compare to the price we paid and the room we got. It think it has a bad insulation as I could hear people walking and taking shower. Other than that, I think it has the best location.

I like the idea that the hotel sits in the downtown. It is within walking distance to get the the Shepler's ferry, restaurants and stores.

Tomorrow, I will talk more about Mackinac Island...

Handmade Cards by Amana

I admire illustrators...
Even though I say I can draw (buildings), I believe it's harder to draw expressions.
As I was strolling down Dawanda stores, I stumbled on this card. It's hand made by Amana of Dawada.com
Not only it's nice to see, great color and fun design, best of all, it made me smile...

Won't you agree?

What expert has to say about "Economic Stimulus" check?

All right..., this is not the first time I mention about "Economic Stimulus" check.
What could be more excited...? Uncle Sam gave us a check...!

Most reader voted for spending the money...As for me... I already spent it even before the check arrives. Is it a wise thing to do?

Well,... here's the expert has to say about it, an excerpt of the article "Fund your own 'economic stimulus'"

1. Fund your emergency fund
2. Wrestle your bills
3. Pay down credit card debts
4. Invest in the future
5. Invest in your potential
6. Don't let the house sink you
7. Give your ride a little TLC
8. If you want to buy something, make it worthwhile.
9. Combat poverty
10. Recharge your batteries

Other than spending, I plan to donate, save and invest it. What do you think...

A name necklace to honor Ms.W's pet...

This necklace is to honor Ms. W's dog who recently passed. She was adopted as Sugar and then named as Abbey. It just happen both names has 5 characters and so it's very symmetry.