Growing up, the concept of vacationing was foreign to me. With five children and a stay-at-home mother, time and money never seemed to be on my family's side. Visiting new places never seemed possible, and I was constantly in awe of friends who frolicked on the beach in Florida or camped out at a nearby park. They had to be rich, I remember thinking. Normal people can't afford to sleep in hotels or rent cabins or pay for admission into Disney World. And then I met Luke.
While we haven't exactly traveled the world, my husband and I have done our fair share of enjoying the U.S. since we started dating in 2001. We've hiked and camped and tobaggoned in various state parks throughout Indiana; gone to Pennsylvania to visit friends; accompanied Saint Joe's Habitat for Humanity chapter to Texas; seen the view at Niagara Falls from Canada and New York. And just this weekend, we embarked on our first trip to Mackinac Island, prefaced with a couple of days in Ludington and Traverse City, Michigan.
First day in Ludington, and the first of FIVE glorious days in the sun. A welcome change from our last few trips.
Luke's original plan for Friday was to hike to the lighthouse in Ludington State Park, but leaving Merrillville right around lunchtime, encountering one wrong turn, and fighting through interstate traffic meant we didn't even arrive in Ludington until early evening. We had dinner and spent the night in a quaint little motel watching two hours of Law and Order. All I did was sit in the damn car and I was still exhausted.
To make up for our lack of activity the day before, we were packed up and on the way to the park by nine o'clock the next morning. Hiking to the lighthouse took almost an hour, but I savored every minute. In between laying on the couch, gagging over the toilet, and sitting in front of the computer, I'd forgotten how good it felt to move my body. Meanwhile, Luke was so happy to be out and about I could have cried for him. He really has been so wonderful to me these last couple of months, and he more than deserved this time to play.
View from the top of the lighthouse. It's hard to believe we weren't overlooking an ocean.
Afterwards, we walked along the beach, grabbed our car, and moved on to our next destination: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
With all the hiking we did that morning, I knew I couldn't do any more, so we opted for a scenic driving tour that had twelve designated spots where you could get out of your car and take in the view. This was the third one, I think.
The sign isn't kidding about the 450-foot drop. Can you believe people were actually attempting to climb it? Because they were. Luke seemed interested, and I told him he was more than welcome. The baby and I were perfectly willing to wait in the car.
One of the few shots we have together from the trip. Every time I see the beach in our photos I die a little inside, wishing we could've taken a dip in the water, but the lake's temperature was cold, colder than your mom, even, and I decided that splashing around in our pool at home would suit me just fine.
A day ten times busier than our first, and I was ten times as tired. I swear I thought I was sunsick, even though I'd lathered on SPF 30 sunscreen before we left the motel.
Sunday was the big day--the day we headed for Mackinac Island! We made it to Mackinaw City (yes, correct spelling) in the early afternoon, amazed that the weather was still on our side. I can't tell you how many trips we've taken that were tainted with clouds or rain or both. Apparently, June is "the" month to travel.
Mackinac Bridge. We didn't cross it, but Luke took this shot from the ferry.
By the time we reached the island, it was three o'clock. After checking in at the hotel and making our way back to the main strip, it was almost four, making it too late to get in on any of the activities we'd planned (read: Luke planned) for our stay, so we basically just walked around and looked for a place to eat dinner. We were both a little bummed about not doing more but knew the second day would more than make up for it.
Here's where I'll say a few words about our lodging of choice: Mission Point Resort, one of the fancier overnight options available on the island.
Arrangements for our stay inspired a bit of a squabble back in April because Luke wanted to stay at one of the chain establishments in Mackinaw City and I wanted to splurge for something nicer, like a bed and breakfast. For each trip we've taken, we've always scrimped on our hotel; for our time in Niagara, we (read: Luke) chose a hotel room on the base level of the building, as in, we could see our car and the rest of the parking lot from our window, because the rate was fifty bucks a night. Seeing as this is the last "big" vacation we'll take together before Freke's arrival, I wanted to upgrade to a place that didn't market a box of doughnuts and a gallon of milk as a continental breakfast, nevermind that we'd be staying at the height of the tourist season, nevermind that two nights at this charming resort cost half a grand. Luke actually picked this place because it offered a package that included round-trip ferry tickets, breakfast at two of their four restaurants, and tickets to their in-house museum.
And was it worth it? you ask. Well, the breakfast buffet featured sausage, bacon, waffles, omelets, fresh fruit, and pastries. It was definitely worth it.
On Monday morning Luke went on a bike ride while I slept in, and the rest of the day was spent taking a leisurely carriage ride, visiting Fort Mackinac, walking in and out of fudge shops, and reminding ourselves to add Somewhere in Time (filmed on the island) to our Blockbuster queue.
The above picture is of the famous Grand Hotel, which charges twelve dollars per person just to walk in front of the damn building, so Luke took this from his seat in the carriage. The guide said they feature a suite available for three thousand dollars a night. THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS. A NIGHT. Holy God.
When you're on Mackinac Island, you gotta have fudge. On our first day we snacked on a quarter pound of Ryba's peanut butter but later remembered that we can get Ryba's any ole time we want to from Navy Pier, so when it came time to bring some home, we went with JoAnn's, and it actually tasted better. I was chowing down on some chocolate peanut butter goodness last night while yelling at the soon-to-be American citizen on Deal or No Deal to take the freaking seventy-one thousand dollars already and quit talking about rising like a Phoenix from the ashes or whatever.
Here's a view from Fort Mackinac. Are you seeing all the bright sun and blue sky and shimmery water? So gorgeous.
And the bonus to all that fun? The resort had HBO, so on Monday night we caught the premiere of the second season of Big Love.
Luke and I had such a wonderful time on this vacation, and all throughout we talked about different trips we want to take in the future and how we don't want the fact that we'll have a baby to hold us back from all the exciting things we want to do. Call us naive if you want, but we firmly believe that life is as easy or as difficult as you make it out to be, and if you approach traveling with children as a big deal, it's going to be a big deal. We don't want to it to be a big deal. We want to explore the country and eventually the world, even during the years Freke will be too young to remember, because life is not all about Freke. It's about the two of us being in this adventure together and how we choose to raise our family, and I refuse to make choices that might lead Freke to believe anything is out of reach or impossible.
Nothing is impossible.
As I continue to catch up on work and apartment upkeep, please forgive me for not responding individually to comments left in my absence. Consider me back on the bandwagon starting today.
Wow, what a beautiful area to visit! And it looks like such perfect weather--yay for you and your last vacation Before Freke!
Oh, and I love Somewhere in Time. I tend to catch it on late at night on various channels from time to time and it's just so cheesily, romantically wonderful.
Posted by: Angela | June 14, 2007 at 03:09 PM
Somewhere In Time is SUCH a good movie. And when I say good movie, I really mean one of the most depressing I've ever seen in my life. But still good!
Glad you had a good time on your vacation!
Posted by: Whitney | June 14, 2007 at 03:11 PM
It sounds like you had a fabulous time! I'm so glad you got to do this before Freke comes!
Posted by: Katie | June 14, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Hey! I've been to Mackinaw Island too. You forgot to mention the coolest part...no cars! Great pictures!
Posted by: Emily | June 14, 2007 at 03:21 PM
The pictures look beautiful and it sounds like you had a well-deserved good time. But I'm most jealous that you got to see the season premiere of Big Love!!! I may die before it comes out on DVD!!
Posted by: takin chances | June 14, 2007 at 04:03 PM
That looks like an amazing trip! And you and Luke both look so happy and gorgeous!
Posted by: Audrey | June 14, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Good for you and Luke.
Looks like you had a wonderful time. Great pictures.
Posted by: Silly Hily | June 14, 2007 at 04:06 PM
I've never seen a Superman movie, but I've seen Somewhere in Time over and over and over - it's always get me in the gut. I always think of Christoper Reeve when I see anything about Mackinac Island.
Glad you enjoyed your Babymoon!
Posted by: cagey | June 14, 2007 at 04:08 PM
As soon as I read the name of where you went, I was like "that sounds SO familiar". And then you mentioned Somewhere in Time. I LOVE THAT MOVIE. (but I wouldn't pay that much to stay at the damn hotel.)
Anyway, I took hours to read this post. I just loved looking at the pictures and hearing about your trip. It sounds SO nice. I'm glad you splurged on the nice hotel. Good for you guys.
And you're totally right...traveling with a baby is as hard/easy as you make it. We've only taken Babboo on 2 flights...but they've been just fine.
I'll know more when we take him to DC/NYC this summer.
Welcome back. We missed you.
Posted by: Isabel | June 14, 2007 at 04:31 PM
"the lake's temperature was cold, colder than your mom, even" HAHAHAHA awesome! I'm glad you had such a nice vacation. Can't wait for TLF!
Posted by: Rachel C | June 14, 2007 at 04:35 PM
So glad you guys had a great time! The weather looks awesome, and you look great as always.
I'm right there with you on taking kids on vacation. I'm sure Freke will be ready for a car trip or two or ten in no time flat. :o)
Posted by: Molly | June 14, 2007 at 04:44 PM
Your trip sounds like it was AWESOME! I totally am jealous, because I would LOVE to travel more. I'm with you... My family never really got to travel. My best friend's family goes on at least 3 vacations a year, and I just didn't understand how people can do it. I'm hoping someday I will be able to travel the country and the world. I'd love to have my children experience different cultures.
Posted by: Christar | June 14, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Great pictures. It was a great adventure. That Luke can make that sort of thing happen. He always has had that abliity. When I was having hamburger, he would have frog legs.
Posted by: daddy d | June 14, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Can I just say that I LOVE that the reason the hotel was worth it was the breakfast? My in-laws live in Northern Michigan, next time we go visit we'll have to sneak away for a few days. Glad you had fun!
Posted by: SB | June 14, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I hope you're feeling more settled in the stomach-al area- I'm guessing maybe yes, considering the mentions of food :) And you leave my mom out of this!
Posted by: Professor Art Nerd | June 14, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Welcome back to Indiana, your pictures are grand. Your vacation sounds wonderful. I am sure that there are many more adventures to come for you, Luke, and the baby.
Posted by: mjd | June 14, 2007 at 08:26 PM
Isn't that such a great place??? I would totally love to live there!
Glad you guys got a vacation in before the baby shows up. You picked a great place to visit!
Posted by: Cindy | June 14, 2007 at 09:00 PM
But you didn't even talk about the secret ingredient in the fudge that they don't tell mainlanders about. You know, from all the horses.
Posted by: Luke | June 14, 2007 at 09:23 PM
Sounds like a great time for the two of you. And such great pictures!
Posted by: VirginiaGal | June 15, 2007 at 08:51 AM
We are leaving next Saturday to drive to NJ with our two year old - I will let you know how it goes! He's been fine on the three flights he's been on, (well, it hasn't been awful), but I am SCARED about how he'll do on a 700 mile trip in the car. He usually signs "all finished" from the car seat by the time we get to the end of *our alley*! Beautiful pictures, you were smart to go the nice route with the hotel.
Posted by: Joanne | June 15, 2007 at 08:51 AM
OK, first, great pictures - glad you had a great time!
But more importantly, I'm glad I'm not the only person that found that guy on "Deal or No Deal" slightly annoying with his little sayings...it all went downhill when his wife (?) said, "Life is like a box of chocolates." Dude deserved the $100 he got.
Posted by: Jessi | June 15, 2007 at 09:21 AM
I love those pictures! What beautiful scenery! You and Luke look so happy. I agree with you about taking vacations and seeing the world once you have kids. There may be some trips that may be more of a hassle with kids, but there are many, many places that are perfect for the whole family. It would be a shame to wait until your children are grown to travel...what joy it will be to travel together!
Posted by: Lindsey | June 15, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Oh man, those pictures...My family used to vacation to Mackinac every couple years when I was growing up. Those pictures totally took me back. We usually stayed in the chain motels in Mackinaw City and then ferried across to the island. And the fudge, oh the fudge! There's nothing like it.
Posted by: Christy | June 15, 2007 at 11:06 AM
Beautiful place!! I am glad you guys decided to go on one last baby-free vacation. Traveling with kids is really not all that hard at all. You just have to bring more stuff and learn how to prepare for anything.
I love that picture of you and Luke! It so cute!
Posted by: Rachel | June 15, 2007 at 12:23 PM
I like your couple picture, too. You guys look so mellow. All your pictures just make me go, "Aaahhhhh."
I used to date a boy whose favorite movie was Somewhere in Time. Huh? He had a crush on Jane Seymore, so maybe that's all it was.
But I feel you with wanting/not wanting to get in the water. Northern California does the same kind of tease. The beaches look nice from a distance, until you actual sit on one and freeze your butt off. Or you actually brave the 55 degree water. Stupid beaches.
Anyway, sounds like you made some great memories.
Posted by: TasterSpoon | June 15, 2007 at 01:13 PM
I went climbing the Sleeping Bear dunes, and a couple of folks (fools?) I was with wound up realizing they left a purse/bag on the top--with the car keys.
I laughed as we drove away.
Your trip sounds delightful, exciting, relaxing...PERFECT.
I won't lie: traveling with a child can be difficult. You'll be stunned by the amount of *crap* you need to tote along for a thing that weighs under 20 lbs. BUT: in our house, we've traveled frequently and have been blessed with an easy going traveling boy. He loves to see all the different things and people and talk to strangers (note to self: ought to instill some suspicion in child).
I'm sure you and Luke will be exploring with Baby Freke.
Welcome back!
Posted by: Liz | June 15, 2007 at 10:10 PM