Can I Survive Crossing the Mackinac Bridge with My Girl Scouts?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a participant's anxiety about crossing the Mackinac Bridge while driving a group of Girl Scouts. Various participants share their personal experiences and coping strategies for dealing with bridge-related fears.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses fear of bridges and seeks advice on managing this while driving a group of girls.
  • Another participant suggests driving in the middle lane and gripping the wheel tightly as a coping mechanism.
  • One participant shares that singing songs with the girls could help distract from the fear of crossing the bridge.
  • Several participants mention specific songs that could be sung during the crossing to alleviate anxiety.
  • Another participant notes the importance of staying in the outside lane for a smoother ride.
  • One participant recalls their own dislike of bridges but shares that they managed to cross the bridge in winter.
  • Another participant mentions the bridge's safety record and encourages not to obsess over it.
  • Several participants discuss the pronunciation of "Mackinac" and "Mackinaw," sharing their thoughts on local dialects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to cope with the fear of crossing the bridge, with some participants suggesting singing as a distraction while others focus on practical driving tips. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and fears related to driving over the Mackinac Bridge, particularly in the context of managing a group of young girls. Participants share a mix of humor and concern regarding the experience.

Who May Find This Useful

Participants in the consultant community who may face similar fears or challenges when traveling with groups, particularly in contexts involving children.

  • Thread starter
  • #61
HA HA HA! I've been across the Hoan in Milwaukee! Didn't care for that one either! (ICK!) However, I have no problem with the High Rise. Don't understand...well, I guess I do. The Hi-Rise isn't a suspension bridge...with cables and all that!
Note: when we went to Florida a few months ago, we had to cross the bridge going into Louisville on Hwy 65...well, we hit at rush hour, and of course were stopped on the bridge due to traffic. Man, that baby was MOVING! I thought I was going to have a stroke! Fortunately for me, I was not driving, so I slumped down in my seat and closed my eyes...didn't make it much better, but I survived!
Great idea, though...will have to try the Hoan. Either that or the one in Green Bay. (ick!)

BTW, KG - love your topics on your blog!
 
I keep looking that the bridge cam for the Mighty Mac and think of you every time it's raining or foggy.I know the bridge you're speaking of in Louisville and that one is not that bad. I hate the bridge on I-43 over the Fox River, too. I'd rather cross the Mac. I usually take WI 172 over to 41 and go north.
 
I don't have any advice for you, just know that I said a prayer to help you over the bridge! (both times!)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #64
KellyTheChef said:
I don't have any advice for you, just know that I said a prayer to help you over the bridge! (both times!)
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Thanks, Kelly! I appreciate it!!
 
I apologize now, because I know this isn't going to help:

Can I tell you that I used to have this reoccuring dream (maybe 10 years ago) of going up a really steep bridge and then the car had a problem and we started to roll backwards and lost control and wound up in the water. I avoided bridges for a long time, and finally, I stopped having the dream, and I would just deal with the bridge.

Well, 2 years ago, we went to Thousand Islands with my in laws. FIL wanted to show us this really great bridge. We paid the toll and got close to it. I took one look--OMG, the bridge from my dreams. I freaked out, I mean fr-eaked out--in front of everyone--5 other people, I became uncontrollably hysterical, and I very much like to remain in control of myself at all times. My FIL pulled over and said that we didn't have to go over it, he turned around. My DH thought I was nuts. About a week or so later, there was an accident on that bridge.
 
Holy crap Anne! Delete your post right now!

You are going to give her a stroke right here and now!
 
I'm sorry! I just believe sometimes we have a fear for a reason. :(
 
  • Thread starter
  • #68
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
I keep looking that the bridge cam for the Mighty Mac and think of you every time it's raining or foggy.

I know the bridge you're speaking of in Louisville and that one is not that bad.

I hate the bridge on I-43 over the Fox River, too. I'd rather cross the Mac. I usually take WI 172 over to 41 and go north.
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You know, it means SO much to me that you think of me! How sweet!! Lousy circumstances, but sweet nonetheless!! :o LOL!!!

I do not believe that I've ever taken the I-43 bridge over the Fox. Now, I'll make sure that I don't !! The Louisville bridge isn't that bad unless you're stuck on it and can feel it moving. :eek: ICK!

:)
 
pcchris said:
Great idea, though...will have to try the Hoan. Either that or the one in Green Bay. (ick!)

BTW, KG - love your topics on your blog!
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That would be the one!
 
I was kind of laughing when I posted back to you....I hate that we can't "hear" how someone is talking on this board.

I just don't want to give Chris anything else to think about going over that bridge.

Your story gave me goosebumps... I think sometimes we are given information that doesn't make sense to other people, too. Glad you guys didn't go over that bridge!

Sorry if I sounded like I was really yelling at you...that's not what I was trying to do!!
 
pcchris said:
The Louisville bridge isn't that bad unless you're stuck on it and can feel it moving. :eek: ICK!

:)
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Love that Resonance Effect!
 
Check out the http://www.mackinacbridge.org/bridge-cam-20/.http://cam.mackinacbridge.org/fullsize.jpg
 
Last edited:
Kelly, I didn't think you were yelling! LOL

I still love ya! http://smileydatabase.com/s/556.gif
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Check out the http://www.mackinacbridge.org/bridge-cam-20/.
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Yikes..............
 
AJPratt said:
Kelly, I didn't think you were yelling! LOL

I still love ya! http://smileydatabase.com/s/556.gif
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Aaawwwwww, shucks!:o :o Love you too!

Glad your not mad at me! :D
 
Get a room you two - oh, you're in different waves. Never mind.
 
KellyTheChef said:
Aaawwwwww, shucks!:o :o Love you too!

Glad your not mad at me! :D
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Didn't think anything of it. You made me laugh when you said, "holy crap!" LOL
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Get a room you two - oh, you're in different waves. Never mind.
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You wish!!!!!!!!!
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Get a room you two - oh, you're in different waves. Never mind.
Click to expand...



AJPratt said:
You wish!!!!!!!!!
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We are NOT sliding down that slippery slope again!:eek: :eek:

Poor Grande isn't even posting here from what happened the other day!
 
No way, Jose!!!!!!!!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #81
AJPratt said:
I apologize now, because I know this isn't going to help:

Can I tell you that I used to have this reoccuring dream (maybe 10 years ago) of going up a really steep bridge and then the car had a problem and we started to roll backwards and lost control and wound up in the water. I avoided bridges for a long time, and finally, I stopped having the dream, and I would just deal with the bridge.

Well, 2 years ago, we went to Thousand Islands with my in laws. FIL wanted to show us this really great bridge. We paid the toll and got close to it. I took one look--OMG, the bridge from my dreams. I freaked out, I mean fr-eaked out--in front of everyone--5 other people, I became uncontrollably hysterical, and I very much like to remain in control of myself at all times. My FIL pulled over and said that we didn't have to go over it, he turned around. My DH thought I was nuts. About a week or so later, there was an accident on that bridge.
Click to expand...

Oh, thanks Anne...
That really helps!

Now I'll probably start dreaming of that dang bridge!

(I'm being sarcastic...it's hard to "read" emotions!)
 
pcchris said:
Oh, thanks Anne...
That really helps!

Now I'll probably start dreaming of that dang bridge!

(I'm being sarcastic...it's hard to "read" emotions!)
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Sorry! LOL
 
pcchris said:
Hi everyone! I'm freaking out...

We are taking our Girl Scouts to Mackinac Island in 2 months. I am scared to death of bridges................and of course, anyone who's ever been to the island knows about THE BRIDGE we're going to have to cross. How does a person who's scared of bridges manage to cross this sucker with a carload of 13 year old girls? Another driver isn't an option...any advice? Normally when our family travels, my DH drives, so I can close my eyes when we go over bridges...unfortunately this is not an option for me (to close my eyes...I am driving!) Any advice?
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Hey there... we went to the island a few years ago and caught the ferry on the lower side. Didn't have to do the bridge at all.

I am not a fan of bridges. What I do when I have to deal with them is drive in the very center lane, breathe deeply, have some great music on and just concentrate on the road. Think of it as a challenge (as if driving a carload of 13 year old girls isn't enough!) and a chance to conquer your fear.

You can do it!
 
Isnt that the island in Somewhere In Time? Or just similar names.

My town is full of bridges - you dont want to come here! Im sorry - I feel for you! Pray first - sing songs with the girls! Hold on tight and be careful!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #85
Cindycooks said:
Isnt that the island in Somewhere In Time? Or just similar names.
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Yup, that movie was filmed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island...we're going to the hotel for lunch. :)

Regular bridges don't really bother me....just suspension bridges with the towers and cables and stuff scare the bejeebies out of me! The Mackinac bridge is like 5 MILES long....although the whole 5 miles is not the cable/tower part. ICK! :eek:
 
Looked at the website and that bridge does LOOK SCARRY!!! I not to found of bridges either and we have this one I have to cross to go to my hubby's military base. When I was little everytime I crossed this bridge I needed to be laying down on the floor boards of the car!!! But I have found since I am driving the bridge myself it isn't as scarry. I am still leary but it is much better when I am the one in control. I always stay to the inside lane and go....Good Luck. I am sure you will do fine. I think the worst part is worrying about until you get to it!!!
 
PamperChefCarol said:
Hey there... we went to the island a few years ago and caught the ferry on the lower side. Didn't have to do the bridge at all.

I am not a fan of bridges. What I do when I have to deal with them is drive in the very center lane, breathe deeply, have some great music on and just concentrate on the road. Think of it as a challenge (as if driving a carload of 13 year old girls isn't enough!) and a chance to conquer your fear.

You can do it!
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Yes, but I think that they are coming through the U.P. and staying in Mackinaw City - so they have to go over the bridge!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #88
ChefBeckyD said:
Yes, but I think that they are coming through the U.P. and staying in Mackinaw City - so they have to go over the bridge!
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Yep! That is correct! I wouldn't have minded staying in St Ignace and catching the ferry to the island from there...but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! We have to stay in Mac City. Hence, the bridge. ugh. Why, I ought to slap my co-leader right in the melon for this!

My DD has a whole list of obnoxious Girl Scout songs that she's ready to sing when we go over the Mighty Mac...sure hope it works! Either that, or I'll find a truck to tag behind so I can just look at the back on the truck...my dad gave me that idea today!

Thanks for all the ideas and thoughts...I'm sure it'll get worse the closer the date gets!
 
pcchris said:
Yup, that movie was filmed at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island...we're going to the hotel for lunch. :) Regular bridges don't really bother me....just suspension bridges with the towers and cables and stuff scare the bejeebies out of me! The Mackinac bridge is like 5 MILES long....although the whole 5 miles is not the cable/tower part. ICK! :eek:
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It is NOT 5 miles long!It's 28 feet short of 5 miles.
naekelsey said:
Looked at the website and that bridge does LOOK SCARRY!!! I not to found of bridges either and we have this one I have to cross to go to my hubby's military base. When I was little everytime I crossed this bridge I needed to be laying down on the floor boards of the car!!! But I have found since I am driving the bridge myself it isn't as scarry. I am still leary but it is much better when I am the one in control. I always stay to the inside lane and go....Good Luck. I am sure you will do fine. I think the worst part is worrying about until you get to it!!!
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It's really not that scarey, but I can guarantee that PCChris won't be on the inside lanes - they're steel decking and sing when you drive on them.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #90
Oh, gee...thanks KG!

No inside lane for me...unless I have no other choice.
 
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