[orthodoc]

Arrived back in PA tonight slightly wilted after an 11-hour trip. The drive itself is only about 9 hours, but we stopped at a Cabela's before leaving Michigan and got lost in its delights. Went in to pick up some ammo for the .22Mag and came out with scads of other things (but no ammo - none to be had, strangely). Great stuff for fall! I suppose it won't be exactly appropriate in DC but come November, I'll be able to get back in the woods.

I'm too tired to organize photos tonight but I have to say that Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. It has the cool, clear, fresh air of the northern summer, a peaceful, slow pace that comes from having no motorized vehicles, a spectacular view of the Straits of Mackinac, and every house on it is postcard-perfect. There are plenty of privately-owned residences in addition to the numerous B&Bs and small hotels, and every building is neatly kept with fabulous flower gardens. It was unbelievable - hollyhocks everywhere (I haven't seen hollyhocks since I was about 7), enormous perennial borders, huge baskets of annuals, hydrangeas, herbs ... everything thriving and looking like an ad for Miracle Gro.

I'll try to get some pics posted tomorrow afternoon. They won't do it justice, but I'll try to give a sense of the place.