Connecting the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, The Mackinac Bridge spans 5 miles from shoreline to shoreline.  Was I swimming to get this shot?  No, I was on a ferry to transport me to Mackinac Island.  Opened for traffic on November 1, 1957, this is a toll bridge on I-75 costing $4/car.

For the bridge buffs, the design engineer, David B. Steinman included stiffening trusses to support the bridge deck and an open-grid roadway to reduce wind resistance.  The road deck is shaped as an airfoil to provide lift in a crosswind and the center two lanes are open gird to allow vertical air flow, which fairly precisely cancels the lift making the roadway stable in winds of up to 150 mph!

Only open to pedestrian traffic once a year for the "Mackinac Bridge Walk," the 58th Annual Bridge walk, led by the Governor of Michigan will be held on September 7, 2015, starting at 7:00am from St. Ignace to Mackinac City.  I'm going to try to make it for this one and will wear my "the Walking Hawaiian" T-shirt!  This walk is free and requires NO registration!

By the way, this bridge separates Lake Superior and Lake Huron.  At this point, I was on Lake Superior!

 Hopping off the ferry on Mackinac Island, it was unusually cold for September and we had to bundle up in anticipation of our loop around the Island by bike! 

With an area of 3.8 square miles, a residential population of 492,  this Island is known for it's listing as a National Historic Landmark, State Highway M-185 being the only highway in the United States that is WITHOUT motorized vehicles, and it's delicious FUDGE with some confectioners operating for more than a CENTURY!  It also is listed as the second National Park, as Yellowstone was the first!

Of course, there are always exceptions to the NO MOTORIZED VEHICLE rule!  Usually, the Island can be reached by private boat, ferry and small aircraft. (There is a 3500ft. runway located in the  center of the Island!) But in the winter, you can use a SNOWMOBILE by travelling on an ICE ROAD on Lake Huron!  In addition, emergency vehicles and service vehicles are exempt!

Pausing for a photograph on our 8 mile perimeter bike ride, we stopped in front of "ARCH ROCK!" Soaring 146 ft. above the ground, this limestone arch is one of the most popular geologic formations on the Island.

Making their nationally, well-known FUDGE, yes, we did relent and indulged ourselves in this delicacy!

Starting as a habitation for Indians, then a fur trading center, turning into a Military residence, (Fort Mackinac), now a resort and a National Park, this Island has been through many transitions! 

Riding the ferry back to Mackinac City, we  spent the day recalling a past where life is unhurried, quiet, (no loud machinery or cars) and enjoying being with one another!  Remember what is really important!  A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again!)