Islanders Cross Lk. Huron's 'Ice Bridge'

Mackinac Island residents Jason St. Onge (left) and Brett Horn made the first trip from the Island to St. Ignace on their snowmobiles across the ice on Lake Huron Thursday, February 21. They were accompanied by Calvin "Cubby" Horn, not pictured. The men also made the first crossing last year, February 13.

Three residents from Mackinac Island crossed the ice to St. Ignace Thursday afternoon, February 21, passing a St. Ignace resident heading to the Island along the way. They were the first ice crossings this season.

Jason St. Onge, Cub Horn, and his son, Brett Horn, meandered through rough terrain, making the trip in an hour. The group left at 2 p.m. from Windermere Point and reached the mainland at the old railroad dock.

On the way, the Island trio passed Rob Frazier from St. Ignace, who was heading the other way.

"It was really bumpy because all the ice is pushed up from the wind," said Mr. St. Onge. "There was no open water, though; just a few pressure cracks."

Slabs of ice reached five feet, which slowed the men. Some of the snowmobiles tipped on their sides a few times as the men tried to make it over steep slabs, said Mr. St. Onge.

The three men were first to cross last year on February 13 and have been first for the past four years.

The ice bridge between Mackinac Island and St. Ignace is not sanctioned and is not considered safe by police or the U.S. Coast Guard. Islanders find the travel fast and convenient and an escape from isolation when ferry travel is suspended for the winter.

Arnold Transit stopped ferry service January 19. Great Lakes Air provides transportation yeararound.