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. That’s a really elegant bridge and with such a thoughtful name too – that committee did well 🙂 And yes, our blogging community is wonderful and made all the stronger by people like yourself who step up to host the challenges that bring us closer together 🤗😘

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Pingback: Squares | Chronicles of an Anglo Swiss

  6. What a great way to finish squares, Becky! I’m glad you stepped out of your comfort zone to capture the wonderful angles of the bridge. Your squares challenges have built a wonderful community of bloggers and photographers! I’m proud to be a part of it. Looking forward to the next challenge!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. This is wonderful, Becky! Both the bridge and the meaning. I don’t think I would do well walking across this one, too narrow and high for me. But I’m glad you persevered for our sake! Thank you for hosting the Squares challenge, as it’s always fun to participate!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Pingback: Postcards from Hawaii | Graham's Island
  10. Pingback: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – Ruth Blogs Here

    1. awwww thanks Jude, really appreciate your support. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the work, I do have a contingency fund but hoping I won’t need to use it or at least not much of it!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Major works? Or new bathroom and kitchen? OH can’t stand change and chaos so although ours need updating we’re stuck with what we’ve got.

        Like

        1. Putting a new wall in and opening up a chimney breast, ready for a new kitchen and downstairs toilet. So not major but you never know what will turn up in older properties. I will have to move out for some of the time

          Like

        3. it is, but I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted done. Wanted to live with the house for a bit first – should only be a 3 week project

          Like

  14. Pingback: Geometric January (last one) – sketchingwords.com
  17. Pingback: Modern Architecture – pictures imperfect blog

  18. A great ending to a great month, Becky. I have thoroughly enjoyed the squaring.

    That bridge is stunning and its meaning just perfect for a bridge and for our blog challenges. I already see you’re not planning to rest but do enjoy a month of different busy-ness.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. thanks Debbie – and yes a few crazy weeks still ahead, but once it is all done hopefully we can plan your visit to the south west. After dog sitting for a week I know all the great places to go walking and also which cafes dogs particularly love!

      Like

  19. Pingback: Geometric January: a finale for Becky – The Glasgow Gallivanter

Comments are closed.