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Run Around the Island LbNA #50357

Owner:pjynx
Plant date:Sep 12, 2009
Location:
City:Town of Mackinac Island
County:Mackinac
State:Michigan
Boxes:1
Found by: Dancing Dolphins
Last found:Aug 4, 2020
Status:FOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Jan 4, 2016
My husband is an avid runner and we tend to travel out of town quite often so he can compete in races. Since my daughter and I are usually left to wander around town while the race is going on, I thought this would be a great opportunity to plant some letterboxes. I decided to start a running theme and plant a letterbox in each town we travel to for my husband's races. My daughter and I planted the first box of this theme on Mackinac Island, while we were there recently for the 39th annual 8-mile "Race Around the Island", where racers run, literally, the perimeter of the island.

CLUES:
Make your way to Arch Rock. There are a number of trails that you can choose from to get there. There is also a set of stairs leading from the paved road that runs around the island (M-185). Any method to get there is fine, but be forewarned....if you choose the route of M-185 to the stairs, there are 208 steps to get to the top.

Once you reach the clearing in front of Arch Rock, instead of proceeding up the final set of steps to go to the top of the Arch, instead look for a set of wooden stairs off to the left of Arch Rock. There will be a sign near the base of the stairs indicating "Nicolet Watchtower". Climb this set and go left. You will find a sign that says "Tranquil Bluff Trail".

As you are facing this sign, with the lake to your back, take the trail to your right. At 4 paces (1 pace = left plus right) the trail splits. Go right again. The trail starts to get steep going downhill. Not too far down, very close to the right side of the trail, is a skinny tree that has grown with an odd curve. It appears in the shape of an L or a backwards J. There is just enough room for one person to sit and rest.

Sitting at that tree, continue to face the way you were heading (the lake on your right), look downhill a bit. At 11 paces on the left are 2 rocks, partially covered with moss and vines. Go off the trail to the other side of these rocks and then continue heading forward, parallel with the trail. About 2 feet to the left of the base of the cluster of fallen trees is where you will find what you are looking for. You probably won't be able to see the box, but if you reach under a cluster of branches you will feel it. If you really can't find it, look straight ahead and see a small clearing on the other side of where you stand. Walk around to that clearing, crouch down and look under. You won't be able to reach the box from here, but at least you'll be able to see where it is.

When finished, please make sure the box is closed at all 4 corners and concealed well. If you notice the book getting full, please email me so I can arrange to have it replaced. Enjoy exploring the island!