Bridging the Gap

Bridge. A structure that allows us to cross over an obstacle to reach the other side. There are other definitions of a bridge...such as the bridge of your nose, an upper deck of a ship, a type of card game and so forth. You might even say that the custom of shaking hands is a universal symbol of bridge building. But mostly we think of a bridge as some sort of a convenient link between one side and the other side. The first bridges were probably as simple as a fallen log across a stream or large stones placed across a narrow waterway. The Romans were among the greatest bridge builders in the world. They designed arched bridges and aqueducts...some of which are still standing today.

Many of us have to cross a bridge at least once a day. When I was a child, I used to be scared to death of riding over bridges. I would duck down in the seat of the car and not peer out until my dad said we were safely on the other side. Some bridges actually accommodate anxious drivers who are afraid to drive across by themselves...with "designated drivers". At the bridge entrance, a "professional bridge driver" will take over the wheel and carefully chauffer the vehicle across the bridge while the fearful driver sits nervously in the passenger seat. The 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge in Michigan offers this assistance.

I'm thinking about bridges because my husband and I recently drove over the spectacular Sunshine Skyway Bridge that spans the emerald green waters of Tampa Bay near St. Pete, Florida. I have to admit, it's a very high, long and scary bridge. But as bridges go...it's a supremely beautiful architectural wonder. This time I didn't hunker down and hide. Instead I snapped photos.

A massive barge emerges from under the Skyway Bridge in the morning fog.

Sunset highlights the twin "sails" of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

The twin towers of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge glisten like gold at sunset.

The top of the bridge offers drivers an amazing view.

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