Photos: Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Trip 2008

Linda and Chris participated in their 17th annual and consecutive Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Bridge Walk over Labor Day weekend 2008. It was also Rachael's third consecutive walk. This year, Linda & Chris invited their close friends, Kyle & Andrea, and their seven-month old daughter, Addie, along for the fun. Greatly simplifying the whole trip was Kyle & Andrea's procurement of another family member's minivan, which made travelling with four adults, a toddler and a young baby much easier.

Jump to: Sunday, August 31, 2008 • Monday, September 1, 2008

Monday, September 1, 2008

Rachael in her new child carrier on Chris' back as we head out from the minivan toward the start of the 51st Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Bridge Walk.
Rachael in her new child carrier on Chris' back as we head out from the minivan toward the start of the 51st Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Bridge Walk. That's her "picture smile"—she's not unhappy in this photo, as much as it may look otherwise. Chris, on the other hand, looks... excited.

A few moments later, Chris looks much happier and this version of Rachael's "photo smile" even looks improved.
A few moments later, Chris looks much happier and this version of Rachael's "photo smile" even looks improved.

Chris attempts to get both Linda and Rachael into the picture.
In an attempt to take a self photo, Chris attempts to get both Linda and Rachael into the picture. Behind them is the traffic on I-75 at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge.

The Bridge Walk was already underway as the six in the party arrived.
The Bridge Walk was already underway as the six in the party arrived. This is looking southerly from the St. Ignace side toward Mackinaw City.

Andrea looking extra-extra sexy with her cool shades
Andrea looking extra-extra sexy with her cool shades... at 7:30 am...

Kyle and Addie getting ready to begin the Mackinac Bridge Walk.
Kyle and Addie getting ready to begin the Mackinac Bridge Walk.

Walking across six lanes of Interstate freeway... You don't get to do this very often!
Walking across six lanes of Interstate freeway... You don't get to do this very often! This is looking south on I-75 with the Mackinac Bridge Fare Plaza.

A shot of the Mackinac Bridge as we start the Bridge Walk.
A shot of the Mackinac Bridge as we start the Bridge Walk.

Keep Off Center Median: Probably one of the most ignored signs during the whole Bridge Walk.
Keep Off Center Median: Probably one of the most ignored signs during the whole Bridge Walk. (The evil streak in Chris sometimes wishes the National Guard troops that help keep the walkers separate from vehicle traffic on the bridge would carry high-powered rifles and 'take out' anyone who dares walk on or over the center median on the Bridge...)

Andrea, Kyle and Addie walking ahead of Chris, Linda and Rachael just after leaving the causeway and onto the bridge proper.
Andrea, Kyle and Addie walking ahead of Chris, Linda and Rachael just after leaving the causeway and onto the bridge proper.

Another shot of Andrea, Addie and (part of) Kyle on the Mackinac Bridge Walk.
Another shot of Andrea, Addie and (part of) Kyle on the Mackinac Bridge Walk.

Chris with Rachael in the child carrier on the Mackinac Bridge.
Another try at a self-photo: Chris with Rachael in the child carrier on the Mackinac Bridge.

A general shot of the Mackinac Bridge Walk prior to reaching the suspended portion of the Mackinac Bridge.
A general shot of the Mackinac Bridge Walk prior to reaching the suspended portion of the Mackinac Bridge.

Rachael got out of the carrier and actually walked on the Mackinac Bridge for the first time ever.
For a short time near the north tower, Rachael got out of the carrier and actually walked on the Mackinac Bridge for the first time ever.

Kyle, Andrea and Addie resting in Mackinaw City after the Bridge Walk.
Kyle, Andrea and Addie resting in Mackinaw City after the Bridge Walk.

Linda and Rachael also resting in Mackinaw City after the Bridge Walk.
Linda and Rachael also resting in Mackinaw City after the Bridge Walk.

Chris and Andrea headed back over the Mackinac Bridge on the school bus shuttle to retrieve the minivan and pick up authentic Suzy's Pasties for everyone for lunch back in Mackinaw City.
After leaving Kyle & Addie and Linda & Rachael in Mackinaw City, Chris and Andrea headed back over the Mackinac Bridge on the school bus shuttle to retrieve the minivan and pick up authentic Suzy's Pasties for everyone for lunch back in Mackinaw City. Here Andrea and Chris are waiting for the MSP trooper to stop traffic on I-75 to cross.

Walking across I-75 just north of the Mackinac Bridge Fare Plaza after the State Police trooper has stopped traffic.
Walking across I-75 just north of the Mackinac Bridge Fare Plaza after the State Police trooper has stopped traffic.

A shot looking north along I-75 showing the southbound Labor Day traffic waiting to cross the Mackinac Bridge.
A shot looking north along I-75 showing the southbound Labor Day traffic waiting to cross the Mackinac Bridge.

Eating lunch at a park in Mackinaw City.
Eating lunch at a park in Mackinaw City. Andrea and Chris brought back Suzy's Pasties from St. Ignace.

Andrea giving the "thumb's up" when asked how her Suzy's veggie pasty tasted.
Andrea giving the "thumb's up" when asked how her Suzy's veggie pasty tasted.

Not to be outdone, Kyle gave two thumbs up for his Suzy's beef pasty.
Not to be outdone, Kyle gave two thumbs up for his Suzy's beef pasty.

Having devoured her pasty (with help from Rachael), Linda rests at the park in Mackinaw City after the Bridge Walk.
Having devoured her pasty (with help from Rachael), Linda rests at the park in Mackinaw City after the Bridge Walk.

Kyle, Addie and Andrea preparing to leave Mackinaw City.
Kyle, Addie and Andrea preparing to leave Mackinaw City.

Rachael wanted to sit in Linda's seat in the minivan heading home from the Mackinac Bridge Walk.
Rachael wanted to sit in Linda's seat in the minivan heading home from the Mackinac Bridge Walk.

Jump to: Sunday, August 31, 2008 • Monday, September 1, 2008

All photos taken Christopher J. Bessert and are all property of and copyrighted by Christopher J. & Linda M. Bessert. All Rights reserved. No photo shall be used without prior written permission.

This is a little website set up by Chris & Linda, Rachael's proud new parents, in response to repeated requests for photographs and the latest information on how Rachael is doing. As many of you know, Chris & Linda welcomed their daughter into the world six weeks early in late June, so the birth and first few weeks of Rachael's life have been a bit less than "usual."