Bridging differences

Posted on by Miriam

There’s something about bridges that fascinate me.

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Especially ones that open to let vessels through.  I guess they’re just not the norm.

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Hundreds of cars and trucks drive across this bridge daily but when a request for river passage comes through it takes priority. Road traffic stops. The control mechanism is switched on and the bridge lifts  We were there one day recently when it did and watched as a paddle steamer and a house boat went through. Life is a bit like that. Somethings the unexpected takes us by surprise. Makes us pause and take stock.

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This is the Paringa Bridge in South Australia, which spans the Murray River in Renmark. It was built in 1927 and is only one of two bridges that open in the state.

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And on the other side of the bridge, resting on the mighty Murray is where we recently camped. And enjoyed a couple of days of river-side relaxation.

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During the day the river was full of activity – water skiers showing off their skills, jet skis skimming over the waters and house boats gliding through. Mostly we watched from land.

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At night time however it was different. We walked along the middle section of the bridge, where once a railway line saw trains transporting freight, but which is now a pedestrian track. It became our favourite place for an evening walk.

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With my new year resolution to focus on the ‘now’ and be in the moment it was the perfect place to enjoy beautiful sunsets and watch the changing colours of the sky and clouds.

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To look out over the calm peaceful waters where only hours earlier it was so busy. To contemplate life and reflect on the year ahead and what it would bring.

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With all the changes and differences that have been happening in my life in the last 12 months I can only go with the flow and trust that all will be as it’s meant to be.

May we all go with the flow and embrace life with open arms this year.

 

 

 

 

 

42 thoughts on “Bridging differences”

  2. This is really beautiful Miriam. I love the deeper philosophical meaning of bridges. Also your approach to focus on the now, something I try desperately to do but doesn’t always work. I learned a lot about living in the present moment during yoga. It is a beautiful way to live. Perhaps the bridges are transporting you from one place to another one in life. New ones open, new ones are to be crossed and closed.

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    1. Thanks for your beautiful words and take on my post. I actually meant to write much more but in the end decided I’d let the pics tell the story. You pretty much nailed it for me!

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  7. You’ve had a lot of fun. And your photos are beautiful, Miriam. For me, the bridges means hope. It means that you can always reach the other side. There is always a way. 🙂 If you know what I mean?

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  12. What amazing pictures of the Paringa Bridge! I knew it raised to let through River traffic, but I have never seen it raised before! Thanks to your post, now I have seen it and hopefully will catch it in the act one day! Your night shots of the bridge look eerily peaceful too! I hope you enjoyed your time in the Riverland!

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    1. Yes, we were lucky to be there on the afternoon when it was raised, it was pretty impressive. Thanks for your comments and follow, we had a great time in the Riverland.

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      1. Hi Miriam, I was wondering if you might allow me to share one of your Bridge pictures (the third one) in an upcoming blog post where I mention having a picnic in Bert Dix park and viewing the bridge. Of course, I would credit the image to you 🙂
        Thanks

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  14. Your sunset photo is gorgeous, Miriam. Bridges are amazing. I often wonder how they support themselves and marvel at the cleverness of the designers. We were at the top of Tower Bridge in London when it opened to let a large boat through and it was fantastic to watch the mechanism at work. Great post.

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  15. Check out Jackie Austin Singer’s song “Bridges.” I think you will love it! She wrote it because her bass player asked why she had no bridges in her songs. Of course, he meant a different kind of bridge, but the song is so cool, I don’t care where she got the inspiration to write it.
    Here, I gave you a start. She actually has several versions. My husband plays piano on this one!

    Peace, love & many bridges for all,
    Sherrie
    Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
    http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
    Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:

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  18. The way that bridge opens is very unique, I haven’t seen one like that before. Camping is so fun ~ haven’t been in many, many years but have enjoyed in the past.

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