October 17, 2010

A Cantilever Bridge Between Two States

This is the Lewis and Clark Bridge seen from the Oregon side going over the Columbia River to Washington. When it was built in 1930, it was the longest (nearly 1.6 mi/2.5 km) and the highest cantilever bridge in the USA. Until 1947 it was a privately owned toll bridge.

 Oregon, 2010

There is a soft view of Mount St Helens in the back, better seen when my photo is enlarged.

This bridge is posted for Louis' Sunday Bridges. Louis and others may be interested to know that this bridge was designed by Joseph Strauss, engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge.

On a personal note, I took this photo last January on our drive to Astoria from Portland where I had landed earlier in the day and my friend tapirgal/Sheryl had fetched me.  Mutual blogging friends may wish to know that she is currently with a close friend who recently suffered a heart attack and he is now on the mend. She will be back blogging with us as soon as she can.

20 comments:

Kay L. Davies said...

Wonderful post for a bridge meme, Francisca. I certainly know the Washington/Oregon border area but didn't know the details about the bridge.
I remember hearing Mt. St. Helens erupt, and having no idea what that loud noise was. I lived very close to the Washington/BC border at the time. Interestingly enough, because of the prevailing winds at the time, we didn't get any ash fall-out although I've since learned Alberta got quite a bit.

Kay (British Columbian living in Alberta)

Pat Tillett said...

I've been on that bridge a few times and had no idea of it's history.
thanks for the photo and facts.

Hope your friend mends all the way!

Lowell said...

It is an impressive span for sure. I do like Mt. St. Helens in the background (and I did embiggen your photo). The light on the forward mountains is beautiful.

Thank you for the info on Cheryl. I may know who the friend is...certainly hope he is OK, but you do indicate he's "mending."

Thanks for your comment on Florida Fotos...I think the sign was placed there to remind some of the young bucks that there is a deaf child living nearby and they need to slow down their huge pickyups!

Re your thought to start a blog for unusual signs: methinks that is a sign of impending dementia! Heh, heh. Don't you have enough to do?

Lowell said...

Ornery? Whatever do you mean?

Sheesh! I've never been ornery in my life. Well, maybe a few times. Possibly more than a few times. Could be quite often.

Nah, I think you're exagellating!

Unknown said...

i love your vantage point when you took this shot. great-looking bridge and the background light is just beautiful.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

I always wonder if you can have a house on two states?

You had a good weekend?

Cezar and Léia said...

It is all new for me, thanks so much for sharing!
I hope everything is okay now with your friends and have a nice Sunday
Léia :)

Prity said...

Wonderfully captured!! The history of the bridge makes it more awsome!!

Kaori said...

Where did you take this photo, Francisca? Gorgeous view! And I really love the name of the bridge :D

I hope your friend comes back to blog soon!

Birdman said...

My sister lives in Hood River, small world. I'll say.

Neva said...

What a gorgeous shot and your background....wow...this would make a beautiful picture framed!! Sounds like it was a good drive! Have a good Sunday.

T. Becque said...

So pretty! I've to Astoria and Portland before and they're charming.

jennyfreckles said...

Fabulous view - the bridge isn't as famous as the Golden Gate but its back drop is spectacular (especially when viewed large).

cieldequimper said...

Arggghhhh so many people seem to make me homesick for the PNW. Gorgeous.

Ebie said...

Wow! A well composed shot. You see everything, the beauty of the landscape and mountains with the golden colors. Even the reflection shot is so soft!

joo said...

Wow, Francisca, it'm more than bridge - it's the whole story in your photo! I'm impressed!
Hugs:)

Dina said...

So many very different things in your one photo. I'm enjoying looking at each one.

Louis la Vache said...

WOW! «Louis» had forgotten about this bridge. It has been more than 20 years since he has been on it.

Excellent contribution to Sunday Bridges.

VP said...

I knew that I had already seen something of this bridge. I'm sorry for our friend's friend, thanks for letting us know about this.

tapirgal said...

Francisca, this photo came out well, considering what an ugly industrial area it is, though interesting with the ships and logging. Thanks for the notice. I am home and he is recovering well. I will be sending out some notes to our friends. . . .