A Bridge Too Far.

Interstate 5 bridge (Vancouver, Washington - Portland, Oregon)

Astoria, Oregon

Bridge of the Gods (Columbia Gorge)

Hood River Toll Bridge

I've been traveling back and forth over the Columbia River most of my life. When I was a kid we used to drive up to Renton, Washington to visit my great-aunt Vi. We must have gone over the bridge at Portland - but frankly, I don't remember it well - I was probably busy trying to hold my breath all the way over (and not succeeding). As an adult I've crossed it at many different places. This week I got to try a new one.

Before I tell about it, I must first explain that I have an irrational fear of long, tall bridges - especially if they curve, and extra especially if they have a metal grate instead of cement for the decking. I really, really hate metal grates on bridges. Really.

Two years ago I was terrified as we traveled over the Bridge of the Gods. I had no idea ahead of time that it hit the trifecta of fear for me. This last week I was more prepared for it. I knew it was longish, very high and that the center section was metal. So far, so good. Monday afternoon we crossed the Columbia River on it. I did okay. Tuesday we were going to Hood River - and I noticed on the map that there was a toll bridge there. I figured "Hey, it MUST be better than the Bridge of the Gods. How wrong I was. It had only one advantage over the Bridge of the Gods. It was much closer to the water. That advantage was completely outweighed by the fact that it must have been 3 times as long, the ENTIRE length was metal grate and the two lanes that crossed it were very, very narrow. Very. I ended up crossing that darn bridge 3 times this week. I hope I never have to drive over it myself. Give me the I-5 bridge any time.

Roll on, Columbia, roll on.