By Jeannette Doud 847-3301

The autumn season came to a close Sunday, October 30, with the most beautiful weather imaginable. The brilliant warm sunny day, with a temperature hovering around 61 degrees, brought crowds of visitors to see Mackinac in all of its fall splendor. The coloring of the leaves, the green of the lawns, the radiant mum plants in various gardens, and the lighted Halloween decorations all over the Island were very inviting to all our guests. Folks arriving on the Arnold ferry Friday afternoon, October 28, reminded everyone of a busy day in August. Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants were all filled for the weekend. There were more than 1,300 runners Saturday morning, October 29, participating in the fall road race. Halloween parties were held at the Pink Pony, Horn's, Patrick Sinclair's Irish Pub, Seabiscuit, and Goodfellow's. Business was brisk and Main Street was a very busy place. Bargains were available as happy shoppers were doing some Christmas shopping. Folks rode horseback, biked, hiked, and took the carriage tours around the Island. Roses in many gardens are still in bloom. The unseasonable weather brought a happy ending to the 2005 season.

We welcomed Dr. Jesus Neri of Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, who was the doctor in residence over the weekend, covering for Dr. Don Weersing.

Enjoying the wonderful fall weather at their cottage over the weekend were Alice and Joe Mottilo of the Detroit area. Their porch has a spectacular view of the harbor and the Straits.

Dr. Mike and Jane Bacon of Petoskey had a most enjoyable time at their Harbor View Inn over the Halloween weekend. Pumpkins in their spacious front yard welcomed many guests.

Home for the weekend was Richard Chambers, who is a student at Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Mark Chambers, and Olivia, Clara, and Robert were guests of Nancy and Jean LaBorde at their new log home in Crivitz, Wisconsin.

The Star Line ferry has stopped running for the 2005 season. The last trip was made Sunday, October 30, and they gave everyone a farewell salute. We wish the crew a healthy, happy winter.

John Murray Dennany of Gaylord spent the busy Halloween weekend on Mackinac.

Nice to see the John Findleys back on the Island. They're closing their Small Pointe Bed & Breakfast for the 2005 season.

The Pat Shannon family of Sault Ste. Marie spent the weekend at their cottage in Trillium Heights and enjoyed the gorgeous fall weather.

Sales, sales, and more sales. Lots of great bargains were offered by the shops on Main and Market Streets.

It's Monday morning, October 31, and a large group of horses from the Gough Stables were brought to the Arnold pier for transport to the mainland and then on to Pickford, where they will spend the winter on the farm.

This past Friday morning, while I was waiting to board the Arnold ferry, to the east was a magnificent sunrise, which illuminated the Straits and the entire area. It was brilliant red, very picturesque and breathtaking as many ducks swam in the harbor.

Anna Mary and Gary Cusack of Petoskey were guests of Anna Mary's mother, Helga Doud, over the weekend. Anna Mary celebrated her birthday Saturday, October 29. The family enjoyed a birthday dinner at the Chippewa Hotel. Anna Mary's daughter, Kate Koboski, along with friends from Petoskey, stopped by to wish her mother birthday greetings.

Sandra and Debra Orr returned to their Island home Friday, October 28, from Traverse City, where Sandra received treatment for her fractured leg and badly sprained ankle. We send best wishes to Sandra for a speedy recovery. Debra and Sandra hope to leave for their winter home in Naples, Florida, Tuesday, November 1. Their Seabiscuit Restaurant will be open through the first week in November.

Mel, Gene, and Jim Hagenbaugh flew to Georgia over the weekend to attend the wedding of Gene's niece.

Market Street Inn is closed for the winter months and managers Greg and Peggy Woodard will spend the winter in Texas with their family.

Jessie's Chuckwagon has closed for the season and Jessie is spending the winter in Grand Rapids.

Cloghaun Bed & Breakfast was gaily decorated with colorful mum plants and lighted pumpkins. Orange Halloween lights lined the second floor. Manager Marti Carey and her son, Paul, departed the Island Wednesday for their winter home in the Detroit area.

Jill Sawatzki loves being on Mackinac and was sad Saturday, October 29, when she went to be with her family in Lansing. Jill was employed at the Island Bookstore.

The Phil Kromers of Mission Point entertained Phil's parents over the weekend.

Mary Dufina has just returned from a two-week trip to Turkey.

Don't forget to make a donation to the Christmas Bazaar, which will be Saturday, December 3, through Monday, December 5. We still need auction items, items for the White Elephant booth, and items for the children.

John Hulett of Grand Hotel has returned to winter offices in Okemos.

Congratulations to the Mackinac Island soccer team, who took second place in the District finals. They had a great season.

Fran and Peter Marabell closed their shops and are now residing in their winter home at Pointe Nipigon.

Jane and Leonard Johnson are visiting family members in Lower Michigan while awaiting the arrival of their new granddaughter. They will spend the winter months in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.

Joyce and David Dodge are spending the winter in Naples, Florida.

We miss all our many friends and sincerely hope that they will enjoy a happy healthy winter.

I was pleasantly surprised this past week to receive a visit from summer cottagers of Hubbard's Annex, who were spending a week at their Island home, leaving their winter Florida residence in North Palm Beach. Rosalie and Jacob Roush, owners of the former Gunn Cottage, were escaping from Hurricane Wilma. Their daughter, Rebecca, is a senior at Wellesley College. We give them a warm welcome to Mackinac. Hopefully, they're back safe and sound in their Florida home.

Shortly after Ann and Tim Timmons left for their home in Palm City, Florida, we received a note from them, postmarked Atlanta, Georgia. The Timmons' did get to escape Hurricane Wilma. They flew from Atlanta to London, where they met their son, Mark Timmons, and family. They boarded the Queen Elizabeth II for a 16-day cruise in the Mediterranean Sea.

Loretta and Tony Spata are now residing in their winter home in Traverse City.

I hope everyone gets some rest and relaxation.