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Bridge ViewIn my second novel a character visits the New River Gorge Bridge, playing “tourist” in WV. I drive over that bridge every time I travel between my home in NC and the family farm. I generally don’t give it a whole lot of thought other than to admire the spectacular view, but on the last trip I stopped at the visitor’s center to make sure I had my details right.
This was a mistake . While it was helpful in terms of making sure my setting was accurate, the trip down the 278 steps to the viewing platform was regrettable. Not only could I look up at the world’s second longest single span expansion bridge, I could also look DOWN into the gorge.
Way, way down. And I could see just how high the bridge is. Not to mention how preposterous it is that the thing stays in the air. I mean, it’s HUGE. And there’s nothing under it but air.
Did I mention I have an issue with heights? And that I still had to drive across that behemoth on my way home? Egads.
Just so you know, it takes two verses of Amazing Grace to get across. And even while singing really, really loud, my brain can still picture how far down it is. Oy. My tummy hurts. My husband is just going to have to do the driving next time.
Here are a few other things you might not know about the New River Gorge Bridge:

  • The bridge is open to pedestrians one day a year on Bridge Day–October 19 this year.
  • On Bridge Day people rapel from the bridge and base jump. They sign up way in advance and vie for the chance to do this. Seriously.
  • The bridge is 3,030 feet long, 876 feet high, 70 feet wide, and weighs 88 million pounds. Did you get that last one? Held up by a single arch.
  • The Washington Monument would fit under the bridge with 325 feet to spare.
  • Throughout the year there are Bridge Walk tours offered. They guide you on a stroll of the full length of the catwalk under the bridge. People pay to do this.
  • When the bridge was opened in 1977 it cut the trip across the gorge from 45 minutes to 25 seconds. Somehow it seemed to take longer . . .

If you want to learn more about Bridge Day or the bridge itself, click here. I recommend a visit. So long as you don’t have irrational heights/bridges issues.