I had a meeting this morning. I've driven past this bridge thousands of times since I've lived here, but never crossed it...until today. My tires clattered as I slowly rolled over the antique timbers.
This bridge is no longer open to the public. At one time local coal companies used 18 wheel haulers to a staging facility next to the river. A giant arm hung out over the water. Tug boats positioned empty barges underneath the arm and it loaded coal into the giant metal tubs.
When the barges filled, the tugs pushed and pulled them downriver to ports and depots in lower parts of the state. Coal was the lifeblood of this county. There are fewer miners now, but the industry still provides jobs here.
It's been years since I've seen a coal barge this far upriver.
I thought about these things today.
The session lasted no more than 15 minutes and then I was driving back across the bridge. I had some time before my next appointment, so I stopped at the end of the bridge and walked back to snap a few pictures.
Morning light can be harsh. When I snapped the pictures, the difference between the intensity of light on the trees and the shadow of the bridge was dramatic. It occurred that a black and white photo might serve well in this circumstance.
I think it did.
This bridge is no longer open to the public. At one time local coal companies used 18 wheel haulers to a staging facility next to the river. A giant arm hung out over the water. Tug boats positioned empty barges underneath the arm and it loaded coal into the giant metal tubs.
When the barges filled, the tugs pushed and pulled them downriver to ports and depots in lower parts of the state. Coal was the lifeblood of this county. There are fewer miners now, but the industry still provides jobs here.
It's been years since I've seen a coal barge this far upriver.
I thought about these things today.
The session lasted no more than 15 minutes and then I was driving back across the bridge. I had some time before my next appointment, so I stopped at the end of the bridge and walked back to snap a few pictures.
Morning light can be harsh. When I snapped the pictures, the difference between the intensity of light on the trees and the shadow of the bridge was dramatic. It occurred that a black and white photo might serve well in this circumstance.
I think it did.
First, I give you so much credit for crossing this bridge...oh my! It's a rusty bridge all right but what a stunning photo! This would win first prize at the county fair in the "bridge" category!
ReplyDeleteScary bridge, great photo.
ReplyDeleteI love this bridge which looks like an old railway bridge. The black and white captures the image of a bygone era
ReplyDeleteInteresting story about the bridge. Black and white is perfect for this shot.
ReplyDeleteLisa
What an experience. Echoing everyone else about the black and white photo.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to walk across that bridge, regardless of how rusty it might be.
ReplyDeleteA brief but interesting insight into the history of mining in your state.
Alphie
Beautiful picture and a reminder of times past.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, what memories that design can bring up. I always loved it. The story is interesting, ans as you say, Life Changes, and Life Goes On!
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack
Bridges like this in the midwest are dangerous, but only small farm equipment cross it, carefully. B/W is perfect.
ReplyDelete