Friday, January 8, 2010

Mama's Got a New Set of Wheels


As of this morning the ferry is frozen in and can't get out of the St. Ignace harbor, and Arnold Line has called it quits for the season. So now this little airplane will be my lifeline to the mainland...


The plane holds the pilot, five passengers, and their stuff. When Great Lakes Air hauls UPS and the mail they remove some or all of the seats to make more room for all of the freight. Round trip airfare is $50.00, except kids and pets fly free as long as they fit on your lap. I wonder how long my kids will fit? Some how I probably won't be able to get away with holding a 12 year-old on my lap.


For a small plane, it sure can hold a bunch of stuff. Last year freight cost $2.50 per box or tub. I don't usually haul dog food or other heavy items on the plane because those are charged by the pound. I can't imagine what the cost would be for those 50 pound bags we buy. Luckily, before the boat quit, I laid in enough pet food to get us through the winter. (Hopefully!)


I just can't imagine living on Mackinac Island without that little plane...

16 comments:

Sam said...

Great view in the last shot!

You're wonderfully organised :-) I wonder what it was like before there was a plane service in the winter? I can't even make it through a few days, lol.

Loralynn said...

Amazing! I can't imagine not being able to run to the for anything I need at any given moment! You are so organized with your buying!

Mike Forrester said...

Great post, Liz! Amazing how much that plane holds. I think Brenda, Jill, Dawn and I will probably be able to make it over in one trip!

mary said...

love your blog!

Brenda said...

Love the photos, Liz. Gives us an idea of what to expect on our trip over in February. Laughing at Mike's comment - three women and their luggage - I wonder where Mike will sit!!!

Melody said...

A much as we'd love to move to the island someday...I still can't imagine having to fly to the mainland...I HATE FLYING! LOL!

Allie said...

Egads. I could never get on that plane. Someone should set up a zip line to the mainland, lol. When does the ice bridge take hold?

pam said...

Oh my goodness, Liz. Your island looks so tiny from the air. Just how big is it anyway?

Just seems like a few weeks ago that we were sharing last winter with you! I think summer on your island is way too short!

Liz said...

The island is two miles by three miles and about 2200 acres. 80% is state park - and he vast majority of the park is wooded with lots of trails. It is a delightful place to live.

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed reading your blog. I read that you have lived on the island for 17 years. How did it come about that you live there?

Liz said...

I had always loved the island and worked here during the summer while I was in college. The year I graduated there happened to be an opening at the school - and I've been here ever since.

Anonymous said...

I always love hearing about Mackinac on your blog. Someday I'll come visit you up there and we can meet!

Terry said...

I can't imagine living on the island, but I sure would love to visit there someday!

~ The Jolly Bee ~ said...

That's a whole different lifestyle. I can't imagine it! But, it sounds kind of exciting. You take care flying.

Ella said...

What a great lifestyle ! Seeing your pictures of the plane and the (relatively) small island you live on is simply amazing ! We are so jealous,looks like a GREAT time !

Kristyn Knits said...

Shame on me for living in Michigan for 11 years and not traveling up to your part of the state! Have to do this this year!!