I have a secret. I love bridges. I appreciate and am intrigued by their architecture and history. Bridges are fascinating super structures that greatly impact their landscapes but are often taken for granted. Many are unaware of their history and impacts to the infrastructure of a community. They are steeped in politics and influence where people live, work and recreate.
My fascination with bridges may have something to do with my growing up in Portland, Oregon from age 12 on. I learned to drive in Portland and became comfortable with bridge crossings. Known as the City of Roses, I’d say it’s safe to say Portland is also a City of Bridges.
Portland is divided by two rivers that are home to 13 bridges that were built for motorized vehicles and three Railroad bridges. Automobiles and trucks drive across the Willamette River on the Sellwood, Ross Island, Tilikum, Marquam, Morrison, Burnside, Broadway, Steel, Hawthorne, Fremont, and St.John’s Bridges. Autos and trucks cross the Columbia River via the Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 or Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge. I watched the Glen Jackson bridge being built and remember it’s 1982 opening day. I also was conscious when the Fremont Bridge opened in 1973.
I have driven across all of Portland’s bridges and walked across the the Tilikum and the Morrison bridges. In my professional life I spearheaded an exhibit and public program series that culminated in a special opportunity to climb to the top of the I-5 Bridge. In my adopted state of California I have walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. I have also walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, and crossed the mighty Mississippi walking from Minneapolis to Wisconsin. You could say I have a soft spot for bridges.
Today’s walk was along Crissy Field with my daughter. We walked the length of the field and up the hill to the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. We plan to walk across the bridge together later this week. Enjoy my pics! #iluvtowalk #bridges #goldengatebridge #sanfrancisco #crissyfield
There is only one life 
Me at the top of the I-5 Bridge, Vancouver WA Side
Perspectives From My Trail 