Astoria, Oregon ~ September 15, 2012
Astoria-Megler Bridge
I'm still in drive-by mode here. The bridge dominates so much about Astoria, including the views as we move about town. This isn't much of a photo, but it brings to mind several things.
1. I get a feeling when I'm this close to the bridge similar to the feeling I get standing near a moving freight train - a sense of how huge and powerful it is. I don't know why a bridge feels "powerful" exactly, but it does. Does it feel "alive"? I think so.
2. In so many other places I've traveled to or lived, this much concrete in the sky means only that you're passing under a freeway. While their engineering and usefulness is also a wonder, they don't usually bring us to thoughts of awe and beauty. Our bridge can do both. I love living in a town where this monument is part of my life.
3. Something to think about: When the bridge was opened, tolls were collected to pay for its construction. At some point it was paid for and the tolls were ended. Can you imagine?
2 comments:
Yeah Ive never heard anyone describe the feeling about the concrete before and you really make it come to life. As for the toll, the States looked for ways to preserve the toll but simply could never get past the language that the toll wold be removed once the bridge was paid for. ha ha
If you are stopped up there, due to construction, and a truck goes by, you will feel the bridge moving beneath you.
I got stopped in my van many ears ago, and felt the wind pushing it to my right. Didn't like that.
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