Across The Mighty Mac

The original plan, if you’d call it that, was to hang out and most likely go to a nearby park, eat a burger at the A&W Restaurant and play catch with my grandson Konner. However… Saturday morning, I woke up thinking, “Let’s go where he’s never been and someplace we’ve talked about.”

I composed a quick text and sent it to his mother to make sure she was onboard with the idea. Once I had her approval, I began prepping the truck for the three hour drive north.

Konner and I had, in various conversations this summer, talked about his older brother’s trip to Mackinaw Island. He was curious about the area so I’d shared some of my adventures in the region and trips I’d taken his father and Uncle Mason on when they were young. I loosely promised him that (at some point) we’d cruise across Mighty Mac – the Mackinaw Bridge some day.

Our first stop was the grocery store to pick up snacks and beverages for the long ride north. Willie James didn’t know what to make of someone sitting in the back seat. He’d stand on the console and watch Konner for a few moments before bouncin’ to his “car bed” or my lap.

We cruised up US-31 through Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey and all the little towns in between to Mackinaw City. When rounded the bend and Konner could see the Mackinaw Bridge towering over the trees in the distance for the first time, I knew instantly all the “are we there yet’s” were worth it. He was awe-struck.

As we made our way across the five-mile suspension bridge, my grandson exclaimed, “I see a boat! Grandma, I can see the birds under us!” It was music to my ears to hear his excitement as called out the things he saw on the water below the truck. Between the high winds and traffic, I kept hands on the wheel and eyes on the road versus looking for the boats below he asked me to check out. And, as the Ruler of Naptime, Willie James napped through the bridge experience.

I drove into the city of St. Ignace only to find out the main street was blocked off for a truck show. Neither one of us were interested in contending with the crowds so we made our way back to the highway and headed to Castle Rock [a geological limestone stack and tourist attraction three miles north of St. Ignace on I-75].

We shopped inside the Castle Rock store and took selfies in front of the Paul Bunyon and his blue ox, Babe, statues to send to his mother before climbing up the old cement steps to the top of the limestone stack. Konner thought it was amazing to be able to see the Mackinaw Island, boats in Lake Huron and the vast landscape from that vantage point.  

After lunch, we spent some time goofing off in the park overlooking the Mackinaw Bridge from the Upper Peninsula side of the state next to the Michigan State Police post. Konner is getting very good at skipping rocks – just like his daddy and Uncle Mason. We also confirmed Willie James’ skill of tripping up people with his leash is improving (not a good thing). At least Willie James has “sit” down pat (kinda sorta maybe) even if it’s for a brief moment.

It’s spontaneous trips like these that I loved doing with my sons and am grateful that I can make similar special memories with my grandsons. I’m looking forward to the next adventure. 

Thank you for understand the privacy reasons I am not posting pictures of my grandson. We hope you enjoy the pictures shared from our trip.

Captured moments along the way…