Labor Day on the Bridge

Today this the 53 year for the Mackinac Bridge walk between the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.  It is one of the best most unusual walks you could take and dear hubby and I have done it a few times. We took a pass this year as my eyes are still healing and it just wasn't a wise move for us to plan something like this just a few days after surgery. 

Photo from Bridge Walk Website

The Mackinac Bridge is 5 miles long and spans the straits of Mackinac. The straits connect Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and the bridge connects the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula.  Each year on Labor Day the Governor of Michigan takes the walk along with several thousand walkers across the bridge leaveing St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula enjoying the five mile walk across the bridge to Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula.  Its the only day of the year that anyone is allowed to walk across the bridge. 

If you ever get the opportunity to spend Labor Day in Michigan give this walk some thought.  Its something you'll always remember as you leave the bridge and get your feet firmly on the ground in Mackinaw City.

The winds across the straits make the span sway and can be very scary the first time you experience it.  Looking down through the grates of the bridge and seeing the water moving AND the bridge span moving gives you a rush of dizziness that is hard to explain.  These winds can be brutal as a couple of drivers have found when their vehicles were blown over the bridge and into the straits.  Some drivers are so afraid of driving over the bridge that the state of Michigan actually provides drivers for those who don't feel comfortable driving the span.  So walking the bridge is not for sissies for sure. 

So if you're ever in the neighborhood look for me at the start we can spend a couple of hours walking the bridge.