Stainless Steel Bridge
I love stainless steel. As long as I don’t have to be the one trying to fabricate it into something useful. I think a well done weld in stainless is a work of art. One thing on my bucket list is taking a welding class. It will happen, some day.
I finally got to get onto the newest bridge in Portland. That would be the Tilikum Bridge across the Willamette River.
It has some beautiful stainless work.
The bridge is for bus, light rail and pedestrians only. No cars! It makes for a very pleasant walk across the river.
The buses and light rail get the center lanes, and the lighter traffic gets the outside. Sounds like sound structural planning.
One way bike traffic on the right, pedestrians on the outside.
This is the east bank with the OMSI submarine.
And this is the west bank. looking up the hill to the OHSU and VA hospitals.
That little red spot near the bank is a sculpture at the OHSU Dental clinic. Close up below.
Here’s the mid span view of the city to the north.
Here’s the Wikipedia page for it should you need more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilikum_Crossing
I’ll be here for a few days so I bought a one week pass for all bus and rail lines for $7.50. Great way to see the city. There are so many murals painted on building exteriors. I imagine someone has put together a coffee table book collection, but that won’t stop me from capturing a few for future posts.
Perfect weather forecasted for the game this Sunday.
So far I've reached acceptable proficiency at the following, in chronological order: Silversmith, infantryman/door gunner, helicopter pilot, fireman, carpenter, residential contractor, FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist and crotchety old retired guy. Currently, I'm learning to fly again and that is what this is all about. 7/7/2020 edit: As I have had the opportunity to reflect (old people do that a lot) on my actual proficiency level at the above occupations, I feel adjustments are in order. The term "acceptable" depends on the observer, their own proficiency and experience level. Acceptable to me might be woefully deficient to the master. I think it would be more accurate to claim that I have earned a living wage at all of these occupations but never got rich. Actually, I feel that I have gotten rich at the last one. I have what I need and am profoundly grateful for all of it. The future looks bright indeed, as I have learned to fly again. For that I have all of you to thank. Thank You!
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