Thursday, August 27, 2009

August 27

Today we went to Canon City, Colorado to see the Royal Gorge Bridge. In the morning we rode the train through the gorge, next to the Arkansas River. It was a beautiful ride. We then went to the bridge. It is the highest suspension bridge in the world at 1,053 feet. You can walk across it or drive across. I don't like heights, so walking across it was bad enough. I didn't drive it! This is one of the pictures I took as I walked across. Can you see the river at the bottom of the canyon?



Iona asked for a picture of the bridge, so here it is. In answer to your question, Iona, this bridge was build because of a bet. Two engineers were riding the train below and one bet the other one that he couldn't build a suspension bridge across the gorge. He drew up plans and the city agreed to pay for it. The bridge doesn't go anywhere, just across where there are more things to do. If you cross it one way, you will have to go back. That's why there is a bridge here and another one below. Hope this answers your questions!

15 comments:

Joanna Jenkins said...

From the mountains at the top in the distance to the river running down-- This is beautiful. What a beautiful country we live in :-)
xo

Susan said...

Scary isn't it!!!! But oh so beautiful.
Susan

Sandra said...

The pictures are beautiful!!

Sandra

sara said...

whew! that is a long way up!!! so pretty though. looks like you are having great weather!

My Vagabond Heart said...

It just takes my breath away!

Anonymous said...

What? No pic of the bridge? What is that bridge down below? And why did they need one up "on top" if they have access to the other side from the bridge below?

This is a great vista of the countryside. The water would be cool (read cold) and inviting.

I like the different layers of the landscape which brings us back to the deep canyon. Great job. But next time, give us the bridge too. :D

Renee said...

Your fear of heights hasn't stopped you from getting awesome photos! Good for you Mari at meeting your fear head-on!

bentonflocke said...

yes I did! Stunning shot you made!!! WOW!

Michelle said...

What a pretty view!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the edit and the inclusion of the bridge photo and the narrative of why/how it was built. How nice to be able to build a bridge just on a bet!! lol And he managed to get the city to pay for it on top of everything else?? Wow. Maybe we need that guy in Wash. DC??

TJ said...

I have been there before. It is awesome even though heights almost make me trenble. Great pictures. I remember the train looked so small.

Brenda said...

That is beautiful.
I haven't been to the Royal Gorge since I was a little girl 'tho I grew up in Pueblo. Looks like we need to take a day trip!
Alot of my dad's family live in Canon.
Glad you've enjoyed our neck of the woods.
Safe trip home!

Unknown said...

Wow ... this is stunning .... and what a performance ... your most confident about and which the engineers over there ....

Laura said...

I think you should have had Dad take a picture of you on the bridge to prove you actually did it because I'm having a hard time believing it! I'm very proud of you!

Debra said...

Love these pics! I lived in Canon City for three years when I was a teenager and seeing these pictures makes me miss it.