under the bridge

Some of the ubiquitous photos of my horse's ears and No Hands Bridge. I've taken this picture so many times.

But I'd never been UNDER the bridge. On a rare overcast days few weeks ago, I needed a little adventure, and took a quick trip down the road to the American River Confluence. For a different view.

downstream, the bridge stands since 1912

stills standing on old supports, which have been reinforced

remnants of other bridges, constructions

queen anne's lace seems too delicate for here

serpentine rock and failed bridge concrete abutment

among rocks the purple glows

lavender flowers in the shadow of the bridge

gracefully arching over the river

a happy bee finds a bedraggled flower

black swallowtail

bore hole tests rocks strength

the remnants of the 1948 bridge from the flood of 1964

fuzzy plant, I'll call her Audrey

the bridge with all that history...the rock holds more

I don't think this newer bridge will ever have the appeal

still waters run deep? Not here, cold and fast, deceptively so

There is a reason this bridge has stood through time. Built to last, next weekend it will see the Tevis riders cross in the dark one more time. Another chapter in history. More stories to tell.