It has been such a pleasure hosting Squares this month, and the geometry has been incredible. I do hope you have had as much fun as I have with your geometric squares and with visiting other members of the gang. I thought I’d finish with a structure that is all about geometry.

You’ve guessed it, it is my sixth bridge of the challenge! 

Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People

It is a 21st century one this 4-pier cable-stayed bridge and it was designed by TriMet, the regional transit authority in Portland. It crosses the Willamette River and is approximately 1,720ft in length – nearly third of a mile. There is no space for cars; this bridge is specifically designed for transit, pedestrians and cycles. For those who don’t know Portland this 2 minute film provides a wonderful overview of the bridge and its location.

I have walked across it both sides and both ways. I experienced the wobbles on the return when my basophobia suddenly struck. I was about half way on the walk back so abandoning the walk and catching the MAX Orange Line wasn’t an option. I had to find a way to keep going.

If I hadn’t wanted to get close to the railings to take photographs I probably would have been fine as the path for cyclists and pedestrians is 14ft wide. However I did make the move, and wow that was not the best move I’d ever made! I froze for a few seconds and it took quite a while even after I moved away from the railings before the anxiety calmed a little bit. In fact it wasn’t until I was off the bridge I really felt okay. A walk when I really missed Robert’s reassuring presence.

Looking back to where I had come from

There’s a reason I have chosen to end the challenge with this bridge, and that’s its name.

“Tilikum” is Chinook Wawa, a trading language that developed in the Pacific Northwest and it means people. It commonly used to describe friendly people – our tribe, relatives and friends. The bridge naming committee chair, Chet Orloff, said “Tilikum symbolizes coming together. It conveys connections, in not only the relationships between people, but in the connections we make as we ride, walk, run and cycle across this beautiful new bridge“

If you replace the last part of that sentence with ‘the connections we make photographing and blogging,’ he could have been describing all of us. What an extraordinary community we are part of.

I invite you all to reflect on all the wonderful connections and friendships we have made. Thank you to everyone who participates in challenges and an even bigger thank you to those who host.

105 thoughts

    1. thanks Jez, I am relieved too – I did spot lots of cameras so did think someone might come to my rescue if I really couldn’t have moved!

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  8. Lovely last post for the challenge, Becky. It has been a great month. Thanks for all you work and efforts for the squares challenges. We’ve seen so much of the world this month, all in fine geometric fashion. Happy February. 😍

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    1. Thanks Anabel ❤️

      and errrr hmmm oops!

      The building work starts in less than two weeks, and have four different sets of visitors before then!

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  10. What a wonderful way to close out the month, Becky. The bridge is beautiful, as are the sentiments. I’m glad you made it across. Another step along the journey you’ve had to make these past couple of years. Robert would be so proud of you.

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    1. Thanks Jo – definitely not an easy journey and still plenty of wobbles ahead but it is good to look back and realise how far I have come 😀

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  16. Dear BeckyB, this is a wonderful post, not only about The Bridge, but your words too. You are so nice person. Thank you. This bridge really so beautiful and standing there like a lace too… Probably I would feel the same on about walking at the edge of this bridge. But there is something about this bridge, hit me more, Its name… the meaning of its name. How admireable thought, and how beautiful you connected with all of us too. Life actually full of meaningful things. Have a nice day and weekend, Much Love, nia

    My Square-Geometry / January 31, 2025 / Like a Lace

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    1. Dear Nia, thank you so very much. I glad these words and the bridge have meant something to you too. You are so right about life being full of meaningful things

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  17. What a wonderful subject to finish the month and your sentiments are very touching. We do belong to a special community and your fun challenge really brings us all together. Thanks again for another fun month. And guess what, my last post is a bridge too, only mine is 160 years old.

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    1. Thank you so much. I have made so many wonderful friends thanks to Squares and I know how much the blogging community means to so many people – particularly those who are housebound or alone. It is such a great support network

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