We woke up at the relatively early time of 7:30am today so that we had enough time to get ready for the 55th annual Labor Day Bridge Walk across the mighty Mackinac Bridge. While we had planned on leaving the campground by 8:30am to start our trek, it was of course later than that by the time we actually left. We did manage to start our walk shortly after 9:00am, so I guess all things considered we weren't too late. It took us close to two hours to complete the walk this year, and I'm not really sure why our time jumped so much. We usually do the walk in about 90 minutes... the only thing I can really think of is that we had Jayden's little legs with us (not in a stroller) and that, to me at least, it seemed more crowded this year.

    On our way back from Mackinaw City the kids and I all rode in the back of the pickup. While this is no longer legal, it isn't pursued by the police today. We figured we would give the kids their one chance to experience riding this way. As we approached the bridge a group of people yelled to us about getting a ride. Tara said "sure", and on of the group took us up on the offer. Thankfully she was a very nice lady, who lived in Sault Ste. Marie and was participating in her first bridge walk. She had kids all over the state, and she just wanted a ride to her car so that she didn't have to walk to the bus stop for a ride back across the bridge. We dropped her off at the Welcome Center before heading back to the KOA ourselves.

Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk
	There was a long walk just to get to the starting line, on top of the 5-mile walk across the bridge!
	Jayden, Tara, Tyler, and Gary approaching I-75.
	The Mackinac Bridge toll booths.
	A look north provides a welcome to the Michigan's upper peninsula.
	Jayden looking back as she holds Tara's hand.
	A recreation of Rodney's only published photograph.
	Drew, Sam, Jay, Tara, and Tyler making their way towards the bridge.
	A look at the sun high above the islands.
	Jayden got to ride on Rodney's shoulders for much of the bridge... this photo was taken with her going for her ride.
	A look at some of the guardians of the bridge.
	Here we go!
	At one point or another everyone braved the grating. Here are Sam and Tara's feet as they make their way across.
	A look down through the grating at the support structure below.
	A look at one of the two tall towers supporting the bridge.
	Another look at one of the towers (the other can be seen in the distance).
	This lady was definitely not dressed age-appropriate - nor did she act it, as she hugged all the young military men guarding the bridge (as an act of support, probably, but the look on their faces indicated that her support wasn't always welcome!).
	Tyler looking back as he makes his way across the bridge.
	A look at the crowd making their way south.
	Gary, Drew, Sam, Rodney, and Jay walking.
	Another look at Gary, Sam, Drew, Rod, and Jay.
Please click here for page two of the photos