October 23, 2008
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The Bridges of (NOT Madison) County
Some more pictures from my recent outings…..
This old bridge a few miles north of my home is scheduled for demolition. I thought I should take some pictures before it is gone. It was closed 35 years ago when a new bridge was constructed adjacent to it. It was left standing in the hopes that it would be used as part of a trail, but those plans never developed. It has deteriorated to the point that it is now considered a safety hazard, but at one point it was listed on the county’s historical register. It’s “unofficial” name is the “Oxbow” bridge.
This moss was growing on the concrete bridge deck, so it really is sadly neglected, and fears about it’s safety are probably quite justified. It’s sad (but not unusual) that something so beautiful can also be so dangerous.
This next bridge is called the “high” bridge. It is an old wooden structure that crosses over the railroad tracks. It looks to me as if it has suffered some fire damage at some point, but it is still open to restricted traffic (load limits apply). I have driven over it safely a number of times, but after taking a closer look at it, I’m not sure I feel safe crossing it anymore!
The third old bridge (there are many more in my county, but I am drawn to the old ones), the “park” bridge. This particular bridge crosses the river that runs through town next to the city park, hence it’s name. I’ve taken pictures of it before, in the wintertime. I’ll post them as well (for comparison).
And finally — proof that I was wearing totally inappropriate footware for my impromptu photo excursion — cute, but really, REALLY inappropriate (especially for tromping around in ditches, which I did a lot of, particularly near the high bridge). I should have gone home and changed when I decided to take pictures, but home was “out of the way”, so I just kept schlepping along…muttering about my stupid shoes the entire time!
Tomorrow’s photographic subject will be “Buildings” I hope you come back!
“One of the hardest things in life is knowing which bridges to burn, and which to build.” Unknown
Comments (13)
breathtaking photos … the reddish-copper color of the structure really catches your eye — the strength that has lasted all these years … and all the people who worked to build them … too bad about the demolition …
Wow ,I love this post,bridges are one of my favorites,I grew up by one ,I guess that did it!
@menskeet - That’s why I wanted the pictures — it captures a little piece of history.
@seedsower - I grew up near a bridge too! I’ve had lots of dreams about bridges (most often about the bridge near where I grew up), which apparently are supposed to symbolize passages or transitions in life.
Some awesome pics there!!! I love the snow ones. ‘Tis sad that they are going to demolish that bridge!!!
I love, love, LOVE the winter photos!
ooooo, bridges. Nice stuff. Thanks for sharing.
I love your bridge photos, of course the quote fits so perfect too!!!
Wonderful pictures. Great shoes! But what were you thinking?????
What an awesome post – these pics are GORGEOUS! And I LOVE that quote at the end! Have a great weekend!
you’ve taken some pictures of the park bridge in the summer too!
Carolynn
what amazing photos! and totally cute shoes as well. i want me some.
@Neeka1 - It is sad, but it has been neglected for so long it would cost a fortune to renovate it.
@sarahb_86 - I think snow always makes things look beautiful! And I always appreciate new friends and subscribers — thanks!
@roamingchile - You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by and commenting
@firefighterswife - Bridges are very symbolic of connections – not just between places but between people as well. I think that might be why I like them so myuch. Thanks for your comments, your subscription and the friend invite!
@mmork - that’s what I kept asking myself all morning long
Grabbing the camera as I headed out the door was an impulse –I wasn’t thinking about it when I got dressed for the day, unfortunately!
@meganbarnard - Thanks you — I hope your weekend is wonderful as well!
@Carolynn - Ah, but that was before I “converted”! (to digital, that is). I do remember those pictures well!
@SoImaNeatFreak - Glad you like the photos — imagine what great scrapbook pages they would (will?) make! The shoes are “Bare Traps” brand, in case you want to look for some. I don’t think I’ll be shoe shopping today…too bad.