This photo is of bridges across the South Yadkin River just east of Spencer & Salisbury, NC. Three bridges can be viewed clearly, with support columns for two additional bridges barely visible under the first three bridges. a little farther down river. Most of these bridges are of different design, representing different periods of construction.
This location is also in the vicinity of the old Trading Ford on the Yadkin River, a major crossing point in the area for wagons and settlers heading west.
I also hear there’s some decent fish in these parts — a number of boats were being pulled out at this access point as I arrived, returning from very much earlier morning fishing runs. They were of hardier stock then I on this cold January morning.
Note: The crossings include, in order of the bridges near to far:
State Highways 150/70/29
Southern Railroad
Interstate Highway I-85
Bridges are always interesting, not just in themselves, but also because of where they are with respect to their position geographically and for the reason they were built. That looks like a typical American scene with a big wide river, we don’t tend to see such grand scenes in the UK except near to the sea when things get tidal.
Colin, sometimes I need to remind myself that what is normal for me may be unusual for others. This is not a particularly large/wide river for the America but having lived in the UK for three years I can appreciate that it is wide for that geographical inland area — good point.
This scene caught my interest mainly due to there being five bridges within several hundred meters of each other.
I have always been attracted to bridges and these are outstanding. Do you have any images of them taken from a closer point?
Steve, thanks, this is the first time I’ve photographed these bridges. The location makes it hard to find a good vantage point for making photos. But I certainly intend to go back for a better view. Stay tuned!
What a beautiful image! Even though the bridges are manmade structures they seem so well incorporated into the landscape. The different shades of blue in the sky, the bridges and the water bring everything together. And I really love how you framed the photograph with the trees on the left.
Martina, thanks. It was early morning, with the sun low, giving the beautiful blue water reflections. I felt the trees on the left also helped to give a little scale to the scene. Have a great weekend!
Indeed they are, being at sea this time of the year is plain insane. But it’s good a few find it being such a wonderful occupation. They probably think the same about us, but the opposite, even feeling a bit pity for us. :)
Ove, I realized I did not do a good job with my description — and English is my first language! :-) These were local fresh-water fishermen who go out in their small motored fishing boats before sunrise to fish on the local river and lakes. They fish until a little after sunrise and then load their boats back onto trailers going home and perhaps to their normal day jobs. Not nearly as hearty as open-sea fishermen…but still heartier then me. :-)
A curse comes to my mind, and if you know about the adventures of Tintin you might recognise it. The origin is French, and I’m not aware how it’s been translated into other languages than mine. In the Swedish translations of these comics, Captain Haddock used to cry out sweet water pirates, an epithet only befitted worthy the lowest of the low. It say it all in one word (in Swedish, sweet water pirates actually is one word). :-)