Story and photos by Susan Hintz
The day had arrived, April 26, 2019, when we and 800+ of our “closest friends” invaded St. Ignace and the Mighty Mac for the fourth annual Jeep the Mac.
It was our first JTM excursion and we had been stoked since making our reservations in March. It was a brisk, sunny morning with some scattered snow remaining on the ground, but spring fever was in the air and we were ready for adventure. We were excited as we loaded the last of the gear into the Jeep. I was a little apprehensive about driving on the highway, as we had only ever driven the local and back roads, but my husband assured me there was nothing to worry about. So, apprehension aside, we piled in, got situated and took a quick selfie to mark the start of the adventure. One last check of the weather: high 30s to low 40s and BREEZY. Not good when crossing the Mighty Mac. Oh well, we’re off.
There wasn’t much Jeep activity until we reached Gaylord, then the convoy began. Excitement was building with each passing Jeep and the occupants’ signature Jeep wave to us. As we approached the bridge, the LED sign flashed “High Winds Reduce Speed.” Excitement quickly turned to anxiety. I constantly glanced at the speedometer and reminded my husband to keep to the posted 20-m.p.h. limit, even though he was abiding by the rules. The wind was gusty and Lake Michigan was angry. Not ideal conditions, by any means. Other than being pushed by the wind a few times, the bridge crossing was uneventful. Safely on the other side, we presented our toll pass and were now in the trip’s final leg. St. Ignace here we come!
Arriving at the Little Bear Arena’s staging area, we found the party in full swing. Music was blaring and there were several hundred Jeeps already lined up. There were Jeeps in every size, color, vintage and condition. Some were adorned with American and military flags. Others were bare boned. Each was unique and equally loved by its owner.
A mandatory meeting at 2:30 p.m. was followed by the release of the first wave of Jeeps by police escort over the bridge and back. Once our row was released, we maneuvered our way through the streets of St. Ignace. Residents, store owners and even a Yeti were gathered street side and waved as we passed by. By the time we reached the bridge, the first Jeeps to cross were already making their return trip. It was a quite a sight to see an army of Jeeps, and only Jeeps, crossing the bridge in both directions. It was exciting to be part of the cavalry.
Although the majority of drivers followed the group through town and immediately returned back across the bridge, there were a few, like us, who strayed. We ponied up to the Dixie Saloon for a beverage and appetizer before heading back. Our rebellion was cut short as our free return bridge pass was due to expire at 5 p.m.
Back at the Arena, we had a bite to eat and then decided to use the casino coupons included with our package. It appears others had the same idea; the coupon redemption line was deep. Rather than wait in line, we gave our tickets away and headed for the “Wheel of Fortune” machine – my favorite. After only a few spins, we were up $150 and quickly cashed out and headed to the hotel.
Morning brought another crisp, yet sunny day. We enjoyed a continental breakfast and grabbed a coffee to go. With maps and guide in hand, we were off to Detour to catch the ferry to Drummond Island – the Jeep’n place.
Arriving in Detour, we were surprised to find that Jeep traffic was backed up around the block from the ferry. Nearly two hours later, we finally boarded the ferry. After a short ride, the Jeeps disembarked and were off to explore – in every direction. Our first stop was to meet up with some friends at their newly purchased condo. After a short visit and a personal tour, we headed northeast.
As this was our first excursion, we weren’t “in” for anything too harrowing. Drummond Island has 40 miles of ORV trails and 70 miles of ATV trails ranging from easy to intermediate to challenging. The trails are not merely a two-track system through the forest that connects to other challenges and obstacles, as many ORV Parks have. Here, sometimes the road in is just as challenging! This particular year proved even more challenging. Some trails were inaccessible due to snow, while others were flooded due to thawing snow.
There were experienced “guides” stationed at some of the trailheads to provide information and directions. At one trailhead where we got out to stretch, a guide who was a 40-year resident of the island began telling us about a bear that he had spotted here a couple of nights ago, after a couple of eagles flying overhead caught his attention. The conversation quickly turned to eagles. Fellow Jeepers were awed by their presence and cameras began to shutter.
Back on the trail, we headed toward Fossil Ledge. It was a long, winding road in – with several areas completely submerged in water. The road dead-ended at Fossil Ledge, and it was evident that it was for Jeep parking only. Jeeps were parked on the road, off the road, in snowbanks and wherever else they could squeeze. Fellow Jeepers were outside their vehicles and enjoying the sunshine, food, beverages and camaraderie. We walked down to the lake and were immediately greeted with a stiff north wind to the face. Although the shoreline, “Fossil Ledge,” was encapsulated in ice, the fossilized details of the ledge were still visible. Unfortunately, exploring any further was just too treacherous.
After a quick beverage, we decided to head to town to grab a bite to eat at a local establishment. The place was packed. The food was good, but the service was less than desirable, understandably. We met a nice couple from downstate who later tagged along with us. We decided on a trail that was more challenging than what we had been on thus far. Arriving at the site, we slowly meandered through the woods, going over boulders and downed trees, through puddles and down steep, rocky embankments. As daylight began to fade, we found ourselves at a crossroads. Do we continue or turn back? Ahead of us, the road was totally submerged, and we had no idea how deep the puddle was, nor how long of a journey remained – that is, if we made it through. There was no indication anyone had made it through and there was no one around to ask, so, erring on the side of caution, we went with what we knew and turned around. This was a feat all its own. We slowly backtracked. Once we reached the paved road, we were golden and I was relieved! It was only a few miles to the “Migration Bash” for the awards’ ceremony, more food and live music. We totally missed the Mud-Bog event, but it was evident who participated.
It was a fun-filled day that went by way too quickly. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful and considerate. We expected to be able to see the entire island, but we were overzealous. There is just too much terrain to cover. Marblehead was on our radar, but conditions were not favorable and, come to find out, it was beyond our expertise and comfort level. Perhaps another time.
Jeep the Mac is a well-organized event that occurs the third weekend in April (held in October this year, due to Covid-19) and draws over 800 Jeepers. If you’re a Jeep owner and you haven’t yet participated, you need to. It’s a great way to spend a weekend with like-minded people exploring the great outdoors. And if you’re not a Jeep owner, you need to be. o|||||o
