Manitou makes a hard left turn as he comes up upon the tip of the mitt; visions of zbars dipped in peanut butter are no more, it's all about the Mackinaw Bridge. It's quite a sight to behold as you make your way through the strait.
The bridge was designed by the great engineer David B. Steinman and opened on November 1, 1957. The structure took 48 months to complete with over 3, 500 workers and $99,800,000 dollars. Also know as the "Big Mac" or the "Mighty Mac", the bridge stretches 8,614 feet making it the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. With a total span of approximately 5 miles, the Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan uniting the communities of Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, Michigan. The main bridge cables are made from 42,000 miles of wire and the towers stand 554 feet above the water and 210 feet below to the bedrock. The engineering of the Mackinac Bridge was designed to accommodate the high winds, temperature changes and constant changes of weight. In severe conditions the deck at center span could move up to 35 feet. Under more subtle conditions, the deck could move slowly in one direction based on the force and direction of the winds.
Factoid: * 1951 Chevrolet Styleine Deluxe owned by Albert Carter was the first car to cross the Mackinac Bridge.
Like the war movie "A Bridge Too Far" epic in scope of production and star power, we turn our sights on marquee of Hollywood and contract negotiations with Michigan Out of Doors Television; as we speak Gabe Van Wormer is making his way to meet up with Manitou and get some footage for an up-coming show.
Till then, stay salty my friends!!
The Capt'n
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