DaViking, (Chuck) my husband, casually mentioned, “How about a helicopter ride over The Straits of Mackinac?” “Wait? What?” I was thrilled to get a chance to see these landmarks from a new perspective!
Take Off!
After a quick debriefing, Andrew, the pilot, invited us to the helicopter. Chuck took the backseat, allowing me to soak in the views from the ‘bubble windows.’ We put on our headsets so communication would be possible during the flight.
I had so many words flitting around in my head, but knew I had to be quiet during take off and landing. Chuck is a pilot, so I’ve had the opportunity to practice this skill. It’s sooo challenging for me to be silent, but I managed.
I felt the seat push against me as we ascended over the water. As we jostled sideways I was thankful that I’d experienced flights with Chuck, so I wasn’t nervous. I was looking forward to seeing the islands: Mackinac, Round and Bois Blanc.
The Islands Came Into View
Mackinac Island, shaped like a turtle, was easy to recognize with the airport’s runway. Round Island sat quietly in the water and Bois Blanc rested easily in the distance.
Approaching Mackinac I was impressed with how large the island looked from above. I had biked around the land before, but this was a whole new viewpoint.
Bois Blanc (background) is 34 square miles.
Bois Blanc Island, named for the white beech trees, has supplied wood for the Fort on Mackinac Island. Currently sixty-three year round individuals call Bois Blanc “home.” There is a two room school serving students in grades Kindergarten through eighth. High schoolers attend classes in Cheboygan, on the mainland, or on line.
The Mackinac Bridge
Andrew moved the controls and we leaned to the west. The five mile suspension bridge connecting Michigan’s landmasses spread proudly between the Straits. Seeing this structure from the high vantage point permitted me to take in this marvel of engineering. Due to the high winds in the Straits, the Mackinac Bridge was constructed to sway up to 35 feet in the center.
Photo Credit: Addicted to Mackinac Facebook Page
Landing
Andrew turned us toward the St. Ignace airport. I couldn’t believe we were already landing! I had been so captivated by the perspective that I hadn’t said a word the whole trip. Can you believe it?
I had been made speechless! I couldn’t believe it! Maybe that had been Chuck’s intent all along? (Smile) As we descended I hoped that someday soon Chuck and I would be able to fly into the Mackinac Island airport and be immersed in this vista again!
Related Links
“Cupcake,” Chuck’s friend, had gone on a trip to Round Island. They’d started with a helicopter ride! Here’s their video!
Check out our video as we explored Bois Blanc Island!
Join us for the Christmas Tree lighting on Mackinac Island in this video!
Restless Viking merchandise is now available here!
3 thoughts on “A Helicopter Ride Over The Straits of Mackinac”
You were a _teacher_?? Or maybe involved in a preschool program? Lovely pictures, though.
Carol,
In my early days I was a babysitter and a nanny.
Then, I taught first and second graders for 27 years in Lowell, Michigan.
Thank you for your compliment!
Martha “Poppins” Hayden
perimeter is 8 miles ride… 5 miles is the Mighty Mac length.