Not great, but not bad considering Murphy's shenanigan earlier today and the fact that I didn't get underway until 1:00 p.m. It was a beautiful day with temperature in the low to mid 70's and relative humidity running in the 40-65% range all day.
Picture # 1: Made quick time to the Mackinac Bridge , also known as the Mighty Mac, she has some very impressive specs. for those of you who find those things interesting. Or click on the hyper-link above and learn even more. Total length of bridge: 26,372 ft.
Length of suspension bridge (including anchorages): 8,614 ft.
Height of main towers above water: 552 ft.
Maximum depth of water at midspan: 295 ft.
Maximum depth of tower piers below water: 210 ft.
Height of roadway above water at midspan: 199 ft.
Total length of wire in main cables: 42,000 miles
Number of wires in each cable: 12,580
Diameter of main cables: 24.5 inches
Diameter of each wire: 0.196 inches
Total weight of bridge: 1,024,500 tons
Total number of steel rivets: 4,851,700
Total number of steel bolts: 1,016,600
Total number of blueprints : 85,000
Some important dates:
Began construction: May 7, 1954
Open to traffic: Nov. 1, 1957
50 millionth crossing: Sept. 25, 1984
100 millionth crossing: June 25, 1998
Picture # 2: Traveling across the lower part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Hwy #2 which follows the northern coastline of Lake Michigan for many, many miles. Gorgeous weather and perfect riding temperature. I am finding the Beemer does not like the posted speed limits however. This could get to be a problem before this trip is over. Yikes!
Picture # 3: What Murphy hasn't quite figured out yet, is that he's going to Alaska like it or not. After the trouble he's caused, he's going if I have to drag his butt behind a Beemer Boxer twin the entire way kicking and screaming... haaaaaa.....
If you'll remember, I said this game wasn't over yet. I saw this in a little novelty shop somewhere in the Upper Peninsula and the cashier made me a deal I couldn't turn down. I'm apologize for having forgotten her name but thank you who ever you are for Murphy's arm. I couldn't help myself.
Picture # 4: For his shenanigans earlier in the day, Murphy got to had to cut firewood for the campsite tonight. I promptly instructed him to cut until I said stop. Yeap............that should just about be enough to get us through til morning light. Actually, it's an example of the extensive lumbering operations still occurring daily in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
3 comments:
Whoohooo...We are so excited for you. Finally you are getting to live your dream. Enjoy every minute and leave Murphy to the "crazy red head" I know how to deal with his kind. :-).
Take care Mack.
Love,
Kandy
A few tips on camping in Alaska... each night before turning in, be sure to rub yourself down with bacon grease..
the big brown bears are really friendly.. they don't mind posing for pictures, being petted and will share their fish with you...be sure to leave food in your tent at night for them...
Don't pay any attention to the global warming idiots.. the ice is not too thin to walk on.. you can even to take your bike out in the middle of the lake....
You can always get another mile out of a tank of gas, so don't pay any attention to the "last gas for 100 miles sign".. it's just a scam to get your money.....
Don't let the moose hog the road, you have right of way.. take it.
While you will be a little closer to the magnetic North Pole.. you can always trust your compass, ignore the road signs........
When you see a guy with a fur hat, an AK-47 and speaks funny.. it's time to turn around
Yer Cuzin with good advice.....
I was going to ask to keep me up to date on your travels, but this is over the top. Good luck and be safe.
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