Crossing the Big Mac
#7051616
11/16/20 08:00 AM
11/16/20 08:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446 Houghton Lake, MI
strike2x
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446
Houghton Lake, MI
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The Mackinac Bridge that is. Yesterday was the first time I crossed in such high wind conditions. The bridge was closed to all but passenger vehicles with no trailers. When I approached the bridge there was a line of vehicles stopped at the ramp. I followers suit and got in line. After sitting there for about 30 minutes I decided I was going to stay in the UP for the night so I pulled.out of line and started to head out. When I got to the front of the line I noticed a semi truck was the first vehicle in a long line of cars. Being curious I went down the ramp toward the bridge, payed my toll and crossed the bridge. It was windy enough it felt like a big blower at the end of the automatic car wash on steroids. Needless to say I made the crossing safely and drive home in windy and snow conditions.The moral of the story is....doing what seems right, getting in line, isn't always the right thing to do. It sometimes pays to be a leader instead of a follower.
Wish I had more time to trap....
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7051651
11/16/20 08:51 AM
11/16/20 08:51 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861
williamsburg ks
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Took a semi over that bridge headed north many times. I really like that little corner of the world
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7051660
11/16/20 08:59 AM
11/16/20 08:59 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,333 Hancock Co., Indiana
Kart29
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,333
Hancock Co., Indiana
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I don't even like driving across that bridge on a calm, sunny day.
I walked half way across and back a couple years ago. For some reason, that didn't bother me much at all. It wasn't nearly as unnerving as driving across.
I'm told you can stop at the toll booth and they will provide a driver to drive your car over the bridge for you.
I suppose your head told you that you are a capable driver and the operators of the bridge have plenty of experience in knowing when it is safe for cars or trucks to drive across and when it's not. So you didn't let other people put their fear into you.
What from Christ that soul can sever, Bound by everlasting bands? None shall take thee From the Strength of Israel's hands.
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7051669
11/16/20 09:13 AM
11/16/20 09:13 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446 Houghton Lake, MI
strike2x
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446
Houghton Lake, MI
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I have crossed the bridge as a passenger and driver many times with all kinds of vehicle but this was definitely the windiest. My wife would have had to been sedated for that one. She hates it on a call day but insists on walking it every year. The bridge worker told me to drive slow and be careful. Not many others were on the bridge.
Wish I had more time to trap....
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7051702
11/16/20 10:07 AM
11/16/20 10:07 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,333 Hancock Co., Indiana
Kart29
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,333
Hancock Co., Indiana
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I've heard that some small cars have literally been blown off that bridge. That would be one heck of a long drop!
What from Christ that soul can sever, Bound by everlasting bands? None shall take thee From the Strength of Israel's hands.
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7051804
11/16/20 12:32 PM
11/16/20 12:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,240 West Michigan
Getting There
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,240
West Michigan
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I have driven over the bridge on a motorcycle several times, the expansion joints can get you jumping the first time. Just go fast and at an angle and they are not a problem.
To Old U.S. Army 60-63 SGT.
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: Kart29]
#7051870
11/16/20 01:41 PM
11/16/20 01:41 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,109 Northern Michigan
J.Morse
trapper
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trapper
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 5,109
Northern Michigan
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I've heard that some small cars have literally been blown off that bridge. That would be one heck of a long drop! One car is known to have fallen off the bridge. What the Bridge Authority doesn't tell the public is the fact that the railings on the bridge are made of Nerf material. Most vehicles just push them over and then..... Sploosh. The rail then pops back up and nobody is the wiser..........
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: J.Morse]
#7051991
11/16/20 04:28 PM
11/16/20 04:28 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,333 Hancock Co., Indiana
Kart29
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,333
Hancock Co., Indiana
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One car is known to have fallen off the bridge. What the Bridge Authority doesn't tell the public is the fact that the railings on the bridge are made of Nerf material. Most vehicles just push them over and then..... Sploosh. The rail then pops back up and nobody is the wiser..........
Don't tell me things like that! C'mon man! Now I may never be able to visit the UP again. Maybe next time I can take a ferry.
What from Christ that soul can sever, Bound by everlasting bands? None shall take thee From the Strength of Israel's hands.
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: Boco]
#7052022
11/16/20 05:18 PM
11/16/20 05:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7,339 W NY
Turtledale
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 7,339
W NY
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My daughter wasnt too impressed by that bridge about 25 years ago,lol. Lol she doesn't look impressed, but what a cutie
NYSTA, NTA, FTA, life member Erie county trappers assn.,life member Catt.county trappers
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: J.Morse]
#7052201
11/16/20 08:14 PM
11/16/20 08:14 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,785 Northern lower Michigan
Feedinggrounds
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,785
Northern lower Michigan
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I've heard that some small cars have literally been blown off that bridge. That would be one heck of a long drop! One car is known to have fallen off the bridge. What the Bridge Authority doesn't tell the public is the fact that the railings on the bridge are made of Nerf material. Most vehicles just push them over and then..... Sploosh. The rail then pops back up and nobody is the wiser.......... I have been back and forth across that bridge too many times to count. I swear those railings are steel. Sure looks like it when they sand blast it for painting. The painting and maintenance never stop, other than for winter. M dot has pieces of the old grates up for auction, each piece is 2 tons.
you're only allowed so many sunrises... I aim to see every one of them!
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7052206
11/16/20 08:17 PM
11/16/20 08:17 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861
williamsburg ks
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if you dont like that bridge try the verazano into brooklyn about 6 a.m.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7052215
11/16/20 08:24 PM
11/16/20 08:24 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861
williamsburg ks
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Another fun part of the world is the two bridges on hwy 60 where it crosses the Mississippi then the Ohio rivers
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: danny clifton]
#7052238
11/16/20 08:46 PM
11/16/20 08:46 PM
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570 Dunbar, Wisconsin
Pike River
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 5,570
Dunbar, Wisconsin
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if you dont like that bridge try the verazano into brooklyn about 6 a.m. That's got to be a great view. I've never crossed that one but have used the Tappan Zee a few times.
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7052273
11/16/20 09:03 PM
11/16/20 09:03 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,861
williamsburg ks
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Those other bridges I mentioned are narrow. Real narrow. The Verrazano bridge would be wide enough except they painted in an extra lane on each side. In a semi You literally have your steer tires on the dividers. On coming traffic is not a problem. Where MO KY and IL all come together is a double bridge. You cross both the Mississippi and Ohio rivers with the bridges maybe a mile apart. They are so narrow it happens at least once a day that semis going opposite directions will tear each others mirrors off.
Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Re: Crossing the Big Mac
[Re: strike2x]
#7052300
11/16/20 09:21 PM
11/16/20 09:21 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,684 Williamsport, Pa.
jk
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,684
Williamsport, Pa.
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There is a fun bridge in Rhode Island. I forget the number of the road but you avoid the capital of Providence by using this route. You go up normally and then at the highest point make a 90 degree left as that pillion is on a small island. Took a buddy along on the way to my Moms years ago who liven on /cap Cod. He did not like heights and when we got to the top from his side of the truck he could not see any more bridge. He went wild until I let he see the rest.......jk
Free people are not equal. Equal people are not free. What's supposed to be ain't always is. Hopper Hunter
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