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

[baychef]

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.

Was it the bridge in Alexandria Bay?http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/baychef_album/TIbridge1.jpg
This is the start of the American side and then it goes into the Canadian side
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/baychef_album/aerialshotTIbridge2.jpg
Or was it the Ogdensburg Bridge?
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w169/baychef_album/Oburgbridge.jpg This one is the kind I hate too...the steel grates.
The reason I ask is because I live about 5 miles from the A'Bay (Thousand Islands)bridge. My DB in fact works on one of the islands just over the bridge. I have walked over it and it really is a scarey but fun thing to do. You can feel the bridge sway especially when the tractor trailers go over it.
Actually, the views off from this bridge are breath taking...in a good way!
Obviously, I do not fear bridges. Of course my mind goes into the "what if" mode...but every year there are men that hang from a scaffold and paint different parts of it and I think that they would notice if something were out of place! I bet they have life insurance!!!

I thought of an annoying song for you Chris...99 bottles of soda on the wall (beer would not be appropriate for young children!)

Can all of you earn badges for bravery?!?! Good luck and I KNOW you will all be fine but I can't imagine your fear. My secretary is a brave woman...but bridges scare the crap out of her.

 

[katie0128]

Chris I thought of you the second I heard this!

So did I!!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

50 Years last week!
DH is fascinated with the Big Mac......we have a video of how it was built. There is a Pizza Place downtown Mackinaw City called "Mama Rosa's" - they had an incredible Mackinaw Bridge Museum above the restaurant. Last year, the restaurant burned to the ground, and everything in the museum was lost. So sad. We were there in June - the Restaurant is back in business, and they have been getting donations and loans of memorabilia and were hoping to have the museum re-opened in time for the big Birthday Celebration this past week.

Aw, $#17! That bridge is even younger than I am.Actually, I remember when it opened. We lived in Jennison (when Becky's house was a cornfield behind our house) and the Spartan store in Grandville had a model of the bridge built in the produce aisle.

 

[pcchris]

Hi all!

Okay, so my ds and I were out for a pizza tonight, and he said "Mom, a bridge collapsed tonight." SAY WHAT?!?!?!?!?!? Then we got home, of course my first thought was to come on here and see what everyone had to say, to see if this thread was revived, but I instead turned on CNN to see what happened. So, as I have been freaking out all night, I only now have had time to come on here to read what you all have posted. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your concern. (makes me feel special!) So, THANK YOU all for thinking of me! I'm still freaking out, and REALLY nervous about my trip in 2 weeks and a couple of days. We're in the middle of our Day Camp week, and it's been atrociously hot here this week, so I haven't really had much time to think about the Mighty Mac. Boy, talk about a wake up call!

So, in closing, I just want to say that if you hear of the Mighty Mac collapsing on the 20th or the 22nd of this month, know that my worst nightmare has come true, and that I love you all!!

Had to get my peace out there.

(Nothing's gonna happen...but you never know!)

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Hi all!

Okay, so my ds and I were out for a pizza tonight, and he said "Mom, a bridge collapsed tonight." SAY WHAT?!?!?!?!?!? Then we got home, of course my first thought was to come on here and see what everyone had to say, to see if this thread was revived, but I instead turned on CNN to see what happened. So, as I have been freaking out all night, I only now have had time to come on here to read what you all have posted. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your concern. (makes me feel special!) So, THANK YOU all for thinking of me! I'm still freaking out, and REALLY nervous about my trip in 2 weeks and a couple of days. We're in the middle of our Day Camp week, and it's been atrociously hot here this week, so I haven't really had much time to think about the Mighty Mac. Boy, talk about a wake up call!

So, in closing, I just want to say that if you hear of the Mighty Mac collapsing on the 20th or the 22nd of this month, know that my worst nightmare has come true, and that I love you all!!

Had to get my peace out there.

(Nothing's gonna happen...but you never know!)

Awww Chris - you can do it! Just don't drive a Yugo....those have been known to jump the bridge!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

You know, we were avoiding that story for rather obvious reasons. Maybe you should pull that before Chris sees it?

 

[pcchris]

Okay, am I missing something? What story?? Now I'm curious...

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Alright, blame Becky for this.Two vehicles have gone over the rail in the 50 year history of the bridge.Leslie Anne Pluhar died in 1989 when her 1987 Yugo plunged over the 36 inch high railing. There's a reason for the speed limit on the bridge - it was a combination of high winds and her excessive speed that caused enough lift to make the light car fly.In March 1997, a 1996 Ford Bronco went over the edge. It was later determined to be a suicide.Remember, call and make arrangements beforehand, and someone will drive your car across the bridge.BY THE WAY...on August 7, an episode of Dirty Jobs will feature the Mighty Mac.

 

[pcchris]

Oh. Thanks for the info.

And, I do know about the Dirty Jobs episode....I plan on watching it! Hopefully it'll help me overcome my fear.

I know someone will drive my car across if I want them too...but in some insane way, I feel the need to conquer this fear. I'm nuts.

 

[katie0128]

You're not nuts (well, at least not about this bridge issue...). You are being a "big girl" and realizing that your reaction to some things is within your ability to control and change. What an example for this GSs you are taking!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Okay - sorry Chris! I would have pulled my post - but KG had already expanded on it!

BUT - The Yugo - she was being both careless and reckless - when you come to the bridge - there are always weather reports and special speed limits and instructions for driving - and if you follow those you will be fine!

And as for the recent bridge collapse - that was a totally different kind of bridge - and the Mac is one of the best maintained bridges in the USA! I guess it should be reassuring that maintenance is ongoing - at least we know that it's always being taken care of!

 

[Cindycooks]

On 9/11 my DH was on the 14th St Bridge when the plane flew directly over him and into the Pentagon. He saw the whole thing and then ended up being stuck on the bridge for almost 3 hours. He had a fear of bridges for the longest time afterwards!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

On 9/11 my DH was on the 14th St Bridge when the plane flew directly over him and into the Pentagon. He saw the whole thing and then ended up being stuck on the bridge for almost 3 hours. He had a fear of bridges for the longest time afterwards!

I guess that blows that whole conspiracy theory of the Pentagon Explosion being an inside job, huh?

 

[Cindycooks]

YEP - we argue that everytime!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

The Mighty Mac and the Golden Gate Bridge have something in common - a crew starts painting on one end, and when they get to the other end, they have to go back to the other end and start painting again.It takes seven years to paint the Mighty Mac from one end to the other.

 

[chefjeanine]

The Mighty Mac and the Golden Gate Bridge have something in common - a crew starts painting on one end, and when they get to the other end, they have to go back to the other end and start painting again.

It takes seven years to paint the Mighty Mac from one end to the other.

That's why there is always contstruction on the Mackinaw Bridge.

 

[chefann]

There was an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press last summer about Mighty Mac. One of their features reporters took suggestions from readers of places to go and things to do (within Michigan) over the summer. Someone suggested going up the support towers of Mighty Mac.

(Can't find the article - I think I need to register online to search their site that far back.) But they have an interesting article just today on fear of bridges: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007708030374

 

[ChefBeckyD]

The Mighty Mac and the Golden Gate Bridge have something in common - a crew starts painting on one end, and when they get to the other end, they have to go back to the other end and start painting again.

It takes seven years to paint the Mighty Mac from one end to the other.

There's Job Security!!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

There was an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press last summer about Mighty Mac. One of their features reporters took suggestions from readers of places to go and things to do (within Michigan) over the summer. Someone suggested going up the support towers of Mighty Mac.(Can't find the article - I think I need to register online to search their site that far back.) But they have an interesting article just today on fear of bridges: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007708030374

That article describes me perfectly!!! DH has even asked me how I can love rollercoasters so much - and parasailing - but be so terrified of crossing bridges! One time - I had to take my car for repairs - the Dealership was on a very busy street - but there was a Doughnut Shop I wanted to wait at on the other side of the street. There was a pedestrian cross-over bridge, (Just grates though - you could see the street below) so I thought I should be able to cross over no problem! I got to the middle and all of a sudden my knees gave out from under me. I ended up scooting on my butt the rest of the way, shaking like a leaf and almost hyperventilating....even had to scoot down the steps because my legs were like jelly! I called a friend from the Doughnut Shop, and had her take me back over to my car!!!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

There's Job Security!!!

I canned imagine that - this sounds like a brush off.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I've just put up a piece about bridges and the bridge collapse on my blog. If anyone else seem a little confused (and concerned) about the terms "structurally deficient" and "functionally obsolete" being tossed around without explanation, log on to http://www.jrmanning.com/ and see what you think.

 

[pcchris]

There was an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press last summer about Mighty Mac. One of their features reporters took suggestions from readers of places to go and things to do (within Michigan) over the summer. Someone suggested going up the support towers of Mighty Mac.

(Can't find the article - I think I need to register online to search their site that far back.) But they have an interesting article just today on fear of bridges: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007708030374

Dude! I read that article (or one just like it) last night!! Wow! How wierd that you brought that up! The one I read had the reporter that went up the tower. I read it and looked at the pic, and just freaked! NO *$)%*$)^ way could I ever do that! LOL!!!

 

[pcchris]

One time - I had to take my car for repairs - the Dealership was on a very busy street - but there was a Doughnut Shop I wanted to wait at on the other side of the street. There was a pedestrian cross-over bridge, (Just grates though - you could see the street below) so I thought I should be able to cross over no problem! I got to the middle and all of a sudden my knees gave out from under me. I ended up scooting on my butt the rest of the way, shaking like a leaf and almost hyperventilating....even had to scoot down the steps because my legs were like jelly! I called a friend from the Doughnut Shop, and had her take me back over to my car!!!

ROTFLMAO!!!

Becky, I'm getting quite a visual!! Thanks for sharing!

 

[pcchris]

I've just put up a piece about bridges and the bridge collapse on my blog.

If anyone else seem a little confused (and concerned) about the terms "structurally deficient" and "functionally obsolete" being tossed around without explanation, log on to http://www.jrmanning.com/ and see what you think.

I love reading your blogs, KG! You're such a wealth of information! Thanks!

I wonder how often the Mighty Mac is inspected?!?!?!? Hopefully more than every 2 years!

I heard a news report about the MN bridge in which they were saying that the 35W bridge was subjected to harsh weather and temperature changes and currents from the river and yada yada yada, and I started thinking...hmmm...like the Mighty Mac ISN'T?? Yikes!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

ROTFLMAO!!!

Becky, I'm getting quite a visual!! Thanks for sharing!

I seriously thought I was going to throw up all over the cars below me......and couldn't even eat a donut when I got the the shop!

And it was MARGES DONUT DEN - the best donuts in the world!!! (or at least in Grand Rapids.) Here's a link so you can see what they look like!

Marge's Donut Den of Wyoming Michigan - Since 1975 "Quality Comes First"

Little bit of trivia - until recently - Marges had a sign that read "Marge's Donut Den - We Never Close".......but as Marge got older - she decided she didn't want to be open 24/7 anymore - so they removed that part of the sign. I'm sure that police from all over the city were disappointed!

 

[pcchris]

MMMMMMMMMM!!! Those donuts look yummy! I suppose Wyoming, MI isn't anywhere near the Mackinac island..

 

[pcchris]

Becky, is your best show SERIOUSLY over $5,000?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

MMMMMMMMMM!!! Those donuts look yummy! I suppose Wyoming, MI isn't anywhere near the Mackinac island..

Do you consider 4 hours south of the bridge "near"?
You could take that way home......it's close to both 131 & 196 heading towards Chicago.....

(Take the long way home.....take the long way home.....anyone else getting a Supertramp 70's flashback?)

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Do you consider 4 hours south of the bridge "near"?
You could take that way home......it's close to both 131 & 196 heading towards Chicago.....

(Take the long way home.....take the long way home.....anyone else getting a Supertramp 70's flashback?)

Actually...

Milwaukee to St. Ignace via Escanaba.......365 miles
Mackinaw City to Milwaukee via Marge's.....513 miles

Total Trip: 878 miles

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Becky, is your best show SERIOUSLY over $5,000?

Yep - but it was a fundraiser I did for a dear friend w/ Breast Cancer - I personally headed it up, and worked on it - and it was the only thing I did that month. It was a labor of love.