Michigan Writers … and the Mighty Mac

Posted on by farlane
Mackinac Bridge, Michigan by Dennis Sparks

Mackinac Bridge, Michigan by Dennis Sparks

My “real job” is building websites for Leelanau.com, and I love it when I have a chance to bring Michigan in Pictures into it!

I was recently contracted by the Michigan Writers nonprofit organization to build a new website that will help them them bring their mission of building community for writers. The geek in me is excited about how the new site allows the organization and members to post events, announcements & opportunities that help them grow the craft of writing, while the lover of Michigan in me is amazed at how the simple inclusion of this photo by longtime Michigan in Pictures contributor Dennis Sparks perfectly transformed the look & feel of the website. In this age where AI images are supplanting actual photography, I think it’s a good thing to remember that authenticity whether in images or words or actions never loses its value.

While we’re talking about the Mighty Mac, don’t forget that the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk happens this Monday, September 7th!

Dennis took this photo back in September of 2022. You can see more in his Water gallery including this great photo from the beach at Ludington State Park and follow him on Flickr for his latest!!

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(near) Total Eclipse TONIGHT!

Posted on by farlane
Mackinac Bridge Moonrise by David Marvin

Mackinac Bridge Moonrise by David Marvin

I’m very excited about the near-total eclipse of the full moon that begins at 10:33pm tonight (Thu, Aug 27) with the maximum 96% coverage at 12:12am on Friday.

If the forecast for mainly clear skies across Michigan’s Upper & Lower Peninsulas isn’t thrilling enough, there is a G2 (Moderate) Aurora Alert which means that Michigan has a better than usual chance to see the Northern Lights as well! I found a cool site from University of Michigan called AuroraTonight that gives you a good look at sky conditions & chances where you live.

David captured this shot of the full moon rising over the Mackinac Bridge back in July of 2024. Follow him on Flickr for his latest!

PS: It’s pretty darn cool & synchronistic that the August full moon was known as the Sturgeon Moon by Michigan Natives.

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Gordie Howe Bridge opens July 27th!

Posted on by farlane

Ford Fireworks from Gordie Howe International Bridge

At the risk of being the boy who cried wolf, I’m sharing the news that on Friday, Canada and Michigan (with the support of the US government) agreed to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, 2026:

Spanning the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, the six-lane, cable-stayed bridge features a main span of 853 metres, the longest of its kind in North America, and extends approximately 2.5 kilometres. The crossing also includes modern ports of entry on both sides of the border equipped with advanced screening and border management technologies, creating one of the most advanced and secure land border crossings in North America.

To support this opening and ensure that benefits are felt on both sides of the border, Canada and the United States have agreed to a series of cooperative measures focused on toll governance and transparency, as well as investments in the region, including through the establishment of a 15-year economic development fund tied to a portion of profits from bridge operations. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also work collaboratively with the Government of the United States on toll-rate adjustments, seeking concurrence for certain non-market related toll changes.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge shared these two shots of Detroit’s Ford Fireworks a couple of weeks ago. I also wanted to include this photo of a US & Canadian iron worker shaking hands in the middle after the two spans were connected in the center way back in June of 2024 because I love Canada & my Canadian friends!!

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Missed Connections: Gordie Howe Bridge Edition

Posted on by farlane
Connection Ceremony by Gordie Howe International Bridge

Connection Ceremony by Gordie Howe International Bridge

“Open the bridge!” – Lucas Legare

When I shared this photo two years ago of the Gordie Howe Bridge “topping out” ceremony when they connected the Canadian & US sides of the bridge, I had no idea building the bridge would be easier than opening it. I’d love to share news of when the now fully completed bridge will be opened, but since we are clearly on Manbaby Time at this point, the best I can do is this story about Lucas Legere, an actual child who has been waiting most of his life for the Gordie Howe to open.

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Gordie Howe International Bridge Ribbon Cutting is this Friday but the bridge itself opens on Monday which we didn’t know until hours after this post! (headline updated)

Posted on by farlane
Ready to Go by Gordie Howe International Bridge

Ready to Go by Gordie Howe International Bridge

Multiple news sources are confirming that the Gordie Howe International Bridge from Windsor, Canada to Detroit opens this Friday, June 12th 2026! The Freep story says in part:

Multiple news sources are confirming that the Gordie Howe International Bridge from Windsor, Canada to Detroit ribbon cutting happens this Friday, June 12th 2026 at 1pm! The updated Freep story says in part:

A source who wasn’t authorized to speak publicly about the matter said the ribbon cutting was planned for Friday in the early afternoon and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Gov. Rick Snyder were expected to be in attendance, though it was unclear if any federal officials would participate.

Although sources said a ribbon cutting is planned, it’s unclear exactly when the bridge will actually open to traffic after it takes place. One source with knowledge of the circumstances, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly, indicated a deal between Canada and the Trump administration might allow the new bridge to open the week after the ribbon cutting, though the Free Press hadn’t confirmed that.

Stay tuned to Michpics for Gordie Howe Bridge updates, because if there’s anything we know about this issue, it’s that there unquestionably will be more drama.

Here’s some more shots shared by the Gordie Howe Bridge Facebook page – can’t wait to cross on a bike!!

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The Gordie Howe Bridge will be opening…

Posted on by farlane

Gordie Gets Lit!! by Windsor Aerial Drone Photography

This Canadian Broadcasting Company article on issues surrounding the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge makes it pretty clear that the problem with opening the bridge is the problem with a whole of things these days:

For months, Canadian officials have maintained that the long-awaited opening of the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ont., is dependent on various testing and commissioning tasks.

But fresh comments from a Canadian cabinet member as well as two top U.S. officials suggests there is a link between the current trade war and the new border crossing’s opening timeline. A White House official on Friday said the Trump administration “continues to engage with all of our trading partners to resolve longstanding unfair trade practices.”

…Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said in a statement Friday that “[d]iscussions on the Gordie Howe Bridge continue.” CBC News had asked his office similar questions about the bridge’s opening and whether it’s tied to broader trade talks. Earlier this month, Hoekstra reportedly said that Trump himself has to sign off on the opening. “There’s a lot of issues right now between the U.S. and Canada. The bridge is one more,” he told the Detroit News.

Windsor Aerial Drone Photography shared these photos & the video below from the first lighting of the Gordie Howe Bridge on September 18, 2025. Follow them on Facebook for their latest and view & purchase their work at windsoraerialdronephotography.com.

Lots more of the gorgeous Gordie Howe International Bridge on Michigan in Pictures!

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Dancing Among (and above) the Clouds

Posted on by farlane
Dancing Among the Clouds by Eric Hackney

Dancing Among the Clouds by Eric Hackney

If you ever wonder how the sausage is made on Michigan in Pictures, it often goes a lot like this morning. I was about to repost Eric’s gorgeous photo of the Portage Lift Bridge from April 8, 2017 (seen below) when I stumbled on images from NASA’s Artemis II mission. Thoughts of astronauts looking down on us made me want to look up. That sent me to the Absolute Michigan photo group on Flickr to find a recent moon photo, and who should have a recent & perfect photo but Eric Hackney!!

For sure follow Eric on Flickr or Facebook for his latest and view & purchase his work on his website.

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Countdown to Canada: Gordie Howe Bridge opening soon?

Posted on by farlane
First Lighting of Gordie Howe Bridge by Windsor Aerial Drone Photography

First Lighting of Gordie Howe Bridge by Windsor Aerial Drone Photography

Yesterday the Gordie Howe International Bridge raised hopes that an opening is imminent when they shared the initial toll rates. Passenger vehicles will pay a standard flat toll rate of $8 CAD/$5.75 USD per crossing while commercial trucks, oversized vehicles, and larger passenger vehicles pay a standard per axle toll rate of $12 CAD/$8.75 USD. They also offer a Breakaway discount program.

While there are a number of unknowns that could impact opening, one thing to note is the date of Gordie Howe’s birthday: March 31st – 3/31 to the 313?

Michael took these photos and the awesome video below when they first lit the entire bridge on September 18, 2025. He wrote (in part) “For those fortunate enough to be in the area, the Gordie Howe International Bridge started testing their led lighting system and entire span of the Gordie Howe International Bridge was illuminated just in time for sunset. The testing actually began in late afternoon and by dusk the full spectacle of this magnificent structure could be seen for miles across Windsor and Detroit area.”

Fortunate indeed!! Check out a few more photos he shared to the Michigan in Pictures group and the video below. You can also view & purchase his work at Windsor Aerial Drone Photography.

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Testing the lights on the Gordie Howe Bridge

Posted on by farlane
Testing the lights on Gordie Howe International Bridge

The Gordie Howe International Bridge shares an interesting article & video on their ongoing Aesthetic Lighting Testing than 6,000 programmable, energy-efficient white LED fixtures have been installed across the bridge towers, stay cables, back span, piers, approach span and bridge deck. Each fixture is designed to last more than 100,000 hours with linear lights having the longest lifespan lasting up to 280,000 hours (10 to 30 years!).

Check out the video below along with some nighttime photos shared by the Bridge Authority, and see lots more about the Gordie Howe Bridge on Michigan in Pictures!

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Get all the Fall out of Pure Michigan!

Posted on by farlane
510 Bridge by smiles7

510 Bridge by smiles7

The Pure Michigan Fall Color Update says that parts of the Upper Peninsula including Marquette (60-80%) are nearing peak fall color while others like the Keweenaw Peninsula (40-60%) and Manistique (20-40%) are still a mix of fiery foliage and emerald green.

The Northern Lower Peninsula is flirting with 50% right now while southern Michigan is mostly just getting going, but they have estimates for peak color for Traverse City & Oscoda in the October 12-19th range and further south, Grand Rapids or Frankenmuth kicking off around October 20th with Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor & southern Michigan getting to peak around the 26th of this month.

Wherever you are, the cool weather has color coming on fast. As a bonus, Pure Michigan’s color report adds fun fall activities for every region – get out there & enjoy it!

Julie took this photo a few days ago near Marquette and writes “The old CR-510 bridge crosses the Dead River west of Marquette in the Upper Peninsula . It was erected in 1921 and carried traffic over the river until 2010 when a new bridge was built. The new bridge stands high above the river and has a spectacular view of the old one. One needs to Google this bridge and read its phenomenal history. (she’s right! I did and it looks like this bridge might have started its bridging in Pennsylvania!!)

You can see more from Julie’s travels in her U.P. of Michigan gallery on Flickr.

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