5 Mile Bridge

1wet134t

Before I post a couple of portraits I wanted to share another shot of what has become a favorite spot of mine to photograph. I have posted other images of 5 Mile Bridge here, and  here. I have been riding my bicycle quite a bit this year, and this bridge is about 14 miles from my house. This bridge – and the barns nearby – is special to me. I love the sense of history and forgotten tales that I find here. The old barns particularly point back to days when the prairies were a little younger, and life a bit simpler. I use this bridge to remind me that I have committed to pray for a family, so, it has become a kind of sanctuary on my journey. Finally, it’s the whole process of riding that I just love: seeing the country go by, the wonder of how a familiar place can take on such varying characteristics and feel so different as the weather and seasons change, and yet remain familiar, and therefore somewhat comforting, each time I visit. And that’s enough of my musings for today…

Bridge Reflections

Just an image of one of the supports for the bridge that spans the Illinois River in Morris, IL.
Just an image of one of the supports for the bridge that spans the Illinois River in Morris, IL.

My ride

By now me and old TREK here are good buddies. We have covered lots of miles and he has never let me down.
By now me and old TREK here are good buddies. We have covered lots of miles and he has never let me down.

5 Mile Bridge

I love this little bridge! It is a little more than the half way point on a favorite bike ride that I take.
I love this little bridge! It is a little more than the half way point on a favorite bike ride that I take. Located near this bridge are some beautiful barns that I have previously posted here and here. The road I take is called Old Stage Road and it basically follows the Illinois River, winding through the peaceful countryside.

river clouds

It wasn't exactly a good day for riding, but for a Spring that just can't seem to find the Midwest, it wasn't so bad. This was taken on the Illinois River Bridge @ Morris.
It wasn’t exactly a good day for riding, but for a Spring that just can’t seem to find the Midwest, it wasn’t so bad. This was taken on the Illinois River Bridge @ Morris.

rails

We live near the I & M Canal (http://www.canalcor.org/CCA_Hist.html: 96 miles of engineering, history an hard work. It is a great place to take a hike or enjoy a bike ride. When I go with my son we take a little diversion and climb along a train tresse pictured here, and follow the tracks to neat bridge that will show up on this blog soon.
We live near the I & M Canal (http://www.canalcor.org/CCA_Hist.html): 96 miles of engineering, history and hard work. It is a great place to take a hike or enjoy a bike ride. When I go with my son we take a little diversion and climb alongside a train bridge pictured here, and follow the tracks to another bridge visible in this image at the end of the rails. That bridge spans the Illinois River. When I’m here, time slows down a bit… and that’s a good thing.

City Textures

City Textures

Taken on Michigan Ave. in Chicago.

Bridge and Stairs

As promised, here is a wide shot of the steps that I perviously posted. We live in the plains of the midwest, s this park is fun to go to because it's streams, waterfalls, trees and canyons offer a welcome contrasts to the endless miles of corn and soybean fields - which also have their own beauty... just lots of it!
As promised, here is a wide shot of the steps that I perviously posted. We live in the plains of the midwest, so this park is fun to go to because it’s streams, waterfalls, trees and canyons offer a welcome contrast to the endless miles of corn and soybean fields – which also have their own beauty… just lots of it!

Matthiessen Bridge

This was taken at Matthiessen State Park. This is a favorite to hike anad enjoy canyons and waterfalls.
This was taken at Matthiessen State Park. This is a favorite place to hike and enjoy canyons and waterfalls. The next few posts will also be from this park.

eat

If the bridge tells you to eat, then, by all means, eat!
If the bridge tells you to eat, then, by all means, eat!