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Every year on Labor Day, a bridge walk takes place on the Mackinac Bridge. The Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas in Michigan. The bridge opened to traffic on November 1, 1957 and the annual bridge walk has been held every labor Day since 1958. In an average year, 50,000 to 65,000 people take part in the bridge walk.
My Mom has always wanted to do the bridge walk and decided this year was her year! My Aunt Terri and I also went along for the fun.
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We left early on Sunday and headed up North stopping along the way in Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Harbor Springs.
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We stopped for photos at this beautiful spot right between Petoskey and Charlevoix. How pretty is Lake Michigan?
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{ me & Mom }
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{ Mom & Aunt Terri }
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Getting closer...
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We stayed in Harbor Springs - about a half hour drive from the bridge. After checking in to our hotel we went for drinks at Little Traverse Bay Golf Club & Restaurant.
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We ended up going to The Pier for dinner based on good things we had heard, but it wasn't that great. We wished we had stayed at the golf club because the food looked really good! Next time, I guess.
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The next morning we got up VERY early and drove up to Mackinac City. We parked and then joined the masses and walked to the buses. They had tons of buses to take walkers to the other side of the bridge where the walk starts. While we were waiting to board the bus we saw a rainbow. Pretty cool!
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OK, here we go!
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The two Northbound lanes are open to traffic and the two Southbound lanes are for the walkers.
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It was a gray day, but lucky for us it never rained.
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One of the lanes is paved and the other is open grates. A little scary to walk over. Actually, a little scary to drive over too!
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All done! Five miles did not feel as long as I thought it would. We made it across in 1 hour 20 minutes. Not bad!
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Pretty view at the end:
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This was such a fun experience. How often do you get to spend five miles walking across a bridge? I think that every Michigander needs to do this at least once!
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Mom & Aunt Terri - I'm so glad we did this. It was fun!
.
We left early on Sunday and headed up North stopping along the way in Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Harbor Springs.
.
We stopped for photos at this beautiful spot right between Petoskey and Charlevoix. How pretty is Lake Michigan?
.
.
.
Getting closer...
.
We stayed in Harbor Springs - about a half hour drive from the bridge. After checking in to our hotel we went for drinks at Little Traverse Bay Golf Club & Restaurant.
.
We ended up going to The Pier for dinner based on good things we had heard, but it wasn't that great. We wished we had stayed at the golf club because the food looked really good! Next time, I guess.
.
The next morning we got up VERY early and drove up to Mackinac City. We parked and then joined the masses and walked to the buses. They had tons of buses to take walkers to the other side of the bridge where the walk starts. While we were waiting to board the bus we saw a rainbow. Pretty cool!
.
OK, here we go!
.
The two Northbound lanes are open to traffic and the two Southbound lanes are for the walkers.
.
It was a gray day, but lucky for us it never rained.
.
One of the lanes is paved and the other is open grates. A little scary to walk over. Actually, a little scary to drive over too!
.
All done! Five miles did not feel as long as I thought it would. We made it across in 1 hour 20 minutes. Not bad!
.
Pretty view at the end:
.
This was such a fun experience. How often do you get to spend five miles walking across a bridge? I think that every Michigander needs to do this at least once!
.
Mom & Aunt Terri - I'm so glad we did this. It was fun!
What a fun time! Looks like an absolutely gorgeous day.
ReplyDeleteWow Alissa, what a wonderful experience! I enjoyed looking through all of your pics!!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the bridge and Lake Michigan! I was only an infant when my mom walked the bridge with me and have never done it as an adult. It will be something I have to try! Enjoy your wine tasting up North! The colors are starting to turn.
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible view! If I had a view like that while walking, I think I could walk an hour and twenty minutes every day :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing pictures, Beege! LOVE the very first one looking up on the bridge, that is awesome. And that one of you and Mom on the drive up, adorable. That is a framer for sure, you both look so cute. P.S. Glad Mom was rocking my fleece from 2000...
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun thing to do with your mom and aunt! Your photos are gorgeous, as usual! Have a fabulous weekend Alissa - anything exciting happening?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! I've always wanted to go to Mackinac Island! I've heard amazing things! :)
ReplyDeleteSimply breathtaking! Hanging out with your Mom and Aunt and making this memory is even better than the views :)
ReplyDeletelove this alissa!! I've never been to Michigan..it looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to do this! This bridge is just amazing - and I bet walking across it is quite the experience. Actually, one of my co-workers drove all the way from MN to walk the bridge this year :)
ReplyDeleteLove Traverse and the areas along the west coast... so stunning. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Very cool experience! Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteThis post caught my eye! I live in Petoskey and grew up in Harbor Springs! I think that it is probably one of the most beautiful places in the country...but I am sort of biased;) I also agree with you...The Pier is way to hyped up;)
ReplyDeleteFirst time look at the pictures,they are very GOOD.I might have to have a copy of the two of us & Aunt Terri & I. I love the last picture.
ReplyDeletemom
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ReplyDeleteThank you very much. Have a nice day!!
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ReplyDeleteYes. I enjoyed it, It's great. You did very well. Wish you happy.