Wuksachi Lodge

My mother-in-law, Janet, loves to travel. She has a bucket list of sites she wants to see and places she wants to stay; and this year that list took us all to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. 

Our first stop on this grand adventure was Wuksache Lodge, located right inside Sequoia National Park.

Sequoia National Park was breathtaking. I'm a Michigan girl through and through, and while I can't imagine not living in the midst of the Great Lakes, I can appreciate the beauty of the mountains. In this part of California, they're gorgeous. When we landed in Fresno, the air quality was so poor we couldn't see the mountains, but once we left the city, the smog disappeared.

Wuksache Lodge was a lovely spot. It was in the high nineties (about 35 C) when we left Fresno, but up in the mountains it was in the high seventies (about 25 C.)

The buildings have the feeling of a historic hotel, but they were actually built in the 1990s.

The hotel is located at 7,050 feet. Mackinac Island has an elevation of about 600 feet, so we were concerned the elevation might bother us. Thankfully, we were all OK.

The food was great (especially lunch), the rooms were clean and well maintained, and the staff was quite helpful. When my son's roll-away bed was delivered, the staff person apologized, "I'm sorry it took so long," he said, "I'm new and I don't know where everything is yet." 

"No worries," we told him, and let him know we would happily make up the bed. Later on, when we tried, we discovered he'd given us 16 pillow cases instead of sheets; too funny! Comfy beds were important - our first hike in the Sierra Nevada Mountains started at 7:30 the next morning.

 

Getting There is Half the Fun

Lots of people wonder what people who live in a vacation destination do when it is time for their vacation. For us, it means visiting other vacation destinations. It's our chance to remember what it's like to see amazing things for the first time. This year that meant a trip to California. (A state none of us had visited.) After traveling by horse-drawn taxi, a ferry boat, and by car, we boarded a plane in Traverse City.

Except for a few crying children, a four year-old seat kicker, and a short delay, we landed in Fresno without incident. (Luckily, I'm one of those people who can often tune those noises out; the rest of my family, not so much. But the flights were short...) Thankfully, the car rental's computer system decided to start working again five minutes after we arrived at their counter and we were on our way. (We were a little worried because it was 10:30 pm and we thought we might have to come back when they opened in the morning - at 7:00 because, "We can only hold your reservation for 24 hours." Thankfully it all worked out.) My husband is not a fan of traveling by air, so I was thrilled that we had no major hiccups.

If you've never been in the Fresno airport, they have a really neat display of a sequoia grove to walk through on your way out. They were fun to look at, but I'm looking forward to seeing real ones!

A Lilac a Day, Day Twenty

This will be my last lilac post for 2026. While the lilacs are starting to fade, it's because I'm going away for a little while and won't be able to take any more pictures.

I'll tell you all my trip when I get back! 

A Lilac a Day, Day Ninteen

Marquette Park's lilacs always look perfect...

A Lilac A Day, Day Eighteen

I love Mackinac mornings. First thing, before the first boat docks, it's calm, cool, and quiet. 

A Lilac a Day, Day Seventeen

You can't avoid seeing lilacs on Mackinac Island this time of year. They are literally everywhere!

A Lilac a Day, Day Sixteen

It's hard to be grouchy walking past a lilac bush in full bloom! 

A Lilac a Day, Day Fifteen

My neighbor's lilac trees are so heavy with flowers, the branches can't hold the blossoms up!

A Lilac a Day, Day Fourteen

We've reached the point where, sometimes when you're out and about, the smell of lilac just hits you as you're riding down the street.

A Lilac a Day, Day Thirteen

This year quite a few of the Island's businesses upped their lilac game. There is some super cute lilac merch for sale this season.

A Lilac a Day, Day Twelve

These white laced lilacs grow around the State Park sign on Doud's Corner (the corner of Fort and Main.) They don't have a strong scent, but they sure are pretty.

A Lilac A Day., Day Eleven

These lilacs on the East Bluff looked just beautiful as I walked home last night.

A Lilac a Day, Day Ten

This year I've noticed just how much better the lilac trees in full sun look than the more shaded trees. The full sun trees definitely have more blossoms.

A Lilac a Day, Day Nine

 Each day the Island seems a little busier...

I'm Going to Sleep Well Tonight

Between walking to and from work, and spending the day cleaning a four story home on the island, I climbed sixty-six floors today and walked a little over 10 miles. I don't expect any issues falling asleep tonight! 

A Lilac a Day, Day Eight

I'm always surprised at how the colors of the lilac flowers change as the buds open.

A Lilac a Day, Day Seven

The Island just keeps getting prettier... 

A Lilac a Day, Day Six

I know the rules of professional photography tell you not to shoot right into the sun, but I love this picture.

Happy

I know Fort Holmes doesn't look very happy, but he's actually thrilled that today is the last day of school on Mackinac Island. For me, summer begins today at 3:00 pm, and I'm ready - so ready. Please understand, I'm not bad mouthing my students or their parents; teaching is just emotionally tiring, especially during the last month. I'm ready for summer break so I can recharge my batteries.

Not a Lilac, but Still Gorgeous

One of the loveliest thing about spring on Mackinac is the trillium. They grow wild all through the State Park and, if you're lucky, they just might pop up in your garden. (I somehow managed to get three!)