• Wednesday-What'sUP July 3 - 07:56 am

Most of us think about going over the Mackinac Bridge, but there are some vessels that travel under it on a regular basis. Philip Odum was recently on hand there at the Mackinac Straits to capture a few of those vessels that use the waterway, rather than the famous Mackinac Bridge to get around.

His first photo shows the Algoma transport as it is just going under the bridge. I've always hoped that while crossing the bridge, there would be a big freighter passing underneath. We've crossed with them heading toward the bridge, but never with us on the top and them underneath us. Great shot!

Philip's next picture is one of the Star Line Mackinac Island ferry boats, sporting a "rooster tail" of spray as it crosses over to the Island. These boats don't always go under the bridge, but if I'm not mistaken, you can take a scenic tour on one that will go under the bridge, too. Maybe not, but if they don't, they should. ;-)

The third and last shot, is the Honorable James L Oberstar on her way somewhere. I'm guessing that out on the Great Lakes, is a pretty nice place to be on the HOT days of summer, especially on Lake Superior, since the temperatures are much cooler out on the water. A friend was fishing the other day out there and he commented that it was 86° in town and you could see your breath out on the Big Lake. Nature's air conditioning!

Love the colours on the first photo.
Nice job, Philip!

the rooster tail reminds me of watching the hydro plane races on the Detroit river. we use to go to belle isle to watch them practice.

Beautiful photos!!

We were crossing the Bridge one time and got stopped right on top but it turned out not so bad 'cause the unique Roger Blough passed right beneath us, giving us some good photos and video.

What a great bunch of photos to start my day off
with. Thanks for these!

Great summertime pix!

Superior pictures today! Pure Michigan comes through!

Is there a traffic jam on the middle span?

Cross over the bridge.....

"Change your reckless way o' livin'....." ;)

A Patti Page hit.

I also long for the freighter to be going under while we go over.
Last week we were in Calumet and the temperature was in Low to
mid eighties, as we drove down to the Water Works Park the
temperature dropped to fifty three. On returning to Calumet, it was
still in the eighties.

Great pics today, Philip! Now, that's how I would like to see the bridge. Freighters, ferry boats, clear skies . . . What is better than that?

In 1979 I spent a week, working on the Transport's
sister ship, the Enterprise during her maiden
voyage. Both were originally the Canadian
transport, etc and then later became Algoma.

I was on board repairing the passenger elevator.
The vibration from the huge engines would cause
the
elevator troubles. We spent most of the time in
Lake Ontario and then we went through the Welland
Canal. What a great experience that was.

thanks so much mary for posting my pics and everyone
for your kind words..hope to be visiting gods
country very soon..!!!!! theres nothing on earth
better than the U.P.!!!!!please have a safe and
happy 4th of july everyone on the pasty net.!!!!

Beautiful pic's! Miss the ol steelbelts hummin on the grates!

Excellent photos.