We just returned from a family trip - just the three of us - from Mackinac Island. According to Olena we went to the "very tippy top of Michigan , the lower half" and then we "went over the longest bridge to the upper half of Micigan and we stayed at the bottom!" Translation: We camped in Mackinac City and even took the Mackinac Bridge over to St Ignace for a car show.
Some fun facts:
The Mackinac Bridge is currently the third longest suspension bridge in the world. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere. The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet. The length of the suspension bridge (including anchorages) is 8,614 feet. The length from cable bent pier to cable bent pier is 7,400 feet. Length of main span (between towers) is 3,800 feet.
All suspension bridges are designed to move to accommodate wind, change in temperature, and weight. It is possible that the deck at center span could move as much as 35 feet (east or west) due to high winds. This would only happen under severe wind conditions. The deck would not swing or "sway" but rather move slowly in one direction based on the force and direction of the wind. After the wind subsides, the weight of the vehicles crossing would slowly move it back into center position.
Then on Sunday we took the Ferry over to Mackinac Island. Spent some time walking around, and then rented a horse and carriage, which was drive yourself and probably one of the coolest things I have had the opportunity to do. I told Jason that it was my new choice of transportation. It is so relaxing! :)
In the 1890's wealthy Midwestern industrialists who wanted to spent more than a few nights on Mackinac built their own summer cottages on the east and west bluffs. Soon a social life including tennis, hiking, bicycling, examining the local natural wonders, and at the turn of the century, golf at on the new Wawashkamo Golf Course.
With over 80% of Mackinac Island in public hands you would expect little development and, fortunately, that's true. Concerned with the disappearance of America's finest natural treasures, Congress took steps in the early 1870s to ensure that some of these treasures would be preserved for posterity. In 1872 the federal government designated Yellowstone America's first national park. In 1875 portions of federal land on popular Mackinac Island were given similar protection.
All in all it was a fabulous trip. We enjoyed low 80s and lots of sun. While here at home, it was in the 100s, stormy and HOT and HUMID! We beat the Holiday crowds so thankfully it wasn't too crowded. We camped at the Historical Mill Creek which was a beautiful and a very comfortable camp ground. We can't wait to go back.
We had lots of fun in Lake Huron, sitting in our chairs in swallow water yards from the shore, minnows nibbling on our toes. Olena thought it was so cool that there were waves and she could walk out so far from the beach and still be in knee deep water. It was so warm, blue and clear....absolutely beautiful. Living in Michigan I sometimes forgot all the nature beauty and history our State has to offer.
Oh, and Olena pulled her other front tooth while swimming at the pool! some pictures you see her "chicklet" and I posted a picture of the newest smile.
Some fun facts:
The Mackinac Bridge is currently the third longest suspension bridge in the world. The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere. The total length of the Mackinac Bridge is 26,372 feet. The length of the suspension bridge (including anchorages) is 8,614 feet. The length from cable bent pier to cable bent pier is 7,400 feet. Length of main span (between towers) is 3,800 feet.
All suspension bridges are designed to move to accommodate wind, change in temperature, and weight. It is possible that the deck at center span could move as much as 35 feet (east or west) due to high winds. This would only happen under severe wind conditions. The deck would not swing or "sway" but rather move slowly in one direction based on the force and direction of the wind. After the wind subsides, the weight of the vehicles crossing would slowly move it back into center position.
Then on Sunday we took the Ferry over to Mackinac Island. Spent some time walking around, and then rented a horse and carriage, which was drive yourself and probably one of the coolest things I have had the opportunity to do. I told Jason that it was my new choice of transportation. It is so relaxing! :)
It was the Victorians who made Mackinac Island one of the
nation's most favored summer resorts. In the post-Civil War industrial age and
before automobiles, vacationers traveled by large lake excursion boats from
Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and Detroit to the cooler climes of Mackinac Island.
They danced to Strauss' waltzes, listened to Sousa's stirring marches, dined on
whitefish and strolled along the broad decks. To accommodate overnight guests
boat and railroad companies built summer hotels, such as the Grand Hotel in the late 19th
century. Victorians, like travelers everywhere, shopped for souvenirs, and
Mackinac shops supplied them.
In the 1890's wealthy Midwestern industrialists who wanted to spent more than a few nights on Mackinac built their own summer cottages on the east and west bluffs. Soon a social life including tennis, hiking, bicycling, examining the local natural wonders, and at the turn of the century, golf at on the new Wawashkamo Golf Course.
Perhaps the most noticeable first impression visitors get of
Mackinac Island is the absence of automobiles! Visitors and residents travel by
foot, bicycle or horse drawn carriage. This
tempo is more comparable to the 19th century. Tour carriages and taxis will take
you wherever you want to go and it's not long before you adjust to a slower pace
most visitors have never known.
With over 80% of Mackinac Island in public hands you would expect little development and, fortunately, that's true. Concerned with the disappearance of America's finest natural treasures, Congress took steps in the early 1870s to ensure that some of these treasures would be preserved for posterity. In 1872 the federal government designated Yellowstone America's first national park. In 1875 portions of federal land on popular Mackinac Island were given similar protection.
All in all it was a fabulous trip. We enjoyed low 80s and lots of sun. While here at home, it was in the 100s, stormy and HOT and HUMID! We beat the Holiday crowds so thankfully it wasn't too crowded. We camped at the Historical Mill Creek which was a beautiful and a very comfortable camp ground. We can't wait to go back.
We had lots of fun in Lake Huron, sitting in our chairs in swallow water yards from the shore, minnows nibbling on our toes. Olena thought it was so cool that there were waves and she could walk out so far from the beach and still be in knee deep water. It was so warm, blue and clear....absolutely beautiful. Living in Michigan I sometimes forgot all the nature beauty and history our State has to offer.
Oh, and Olena pulled her other front tooth while swimming at the pool! some pictures you see her "chicklet" and I posted a picture of the newest smile.
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