“The biggest emotion in creation is the bridge to optimism.”
~Brian May~
The second biggest emotion in creation is the joy of crossing bridges on a bicycle or by foot. Truly.
For today’s post, I’m keeping it simple. Following is a gallery of bridges crossed during vacation on the Root River Trail System, dedicated to blogging buddy Joey (because I know she likes them plenty).
Biking friend and I crossed over 40 bridges of varying size, structure and coolness along the trail.
I smiled across every one of them and feel optimistic that these will not be the last bridges I ever cross on two wheels.
(Click on the first photo to start the gallery and view my comments.)
From the rainy spring and summer – a green and gold Packer bridge.
Muddy waters after a heavey rain.
As the sign says…
Bridge selfie
Biking buddy had a wet seat.
We crossed over a lot of water.
One of the cooler bridges
One of forty.
Rail to trail. Can you tell?
Loved the mix of steel and wood.
Artsy fartsy shadows.
Separating bikers and walkers. Probably to keep it safe for both.
As the sign says…
This is a beautiful trail that’s difficult to completely capture.
In one 14 mile stretch, we counted 10 bridges.
Another bridge selfie
This bridge was along an Irish green pasture. So peaceful!
Although we biked many miles, we stopped a lot for photos.
Another former train bridge.
This bridge had an interesting formation.
Bridge number three? Or ten? Or twenty-five? I don’t remember…
A faux bridge? I couldn’t see a reason for it.
Bridge heaven, every day.
At one time, Milwaukee Railroad ran the course of the Root River Trail. Now it’s a landmark in Preston.
Mary J Melange 
What enjoyment your holiday has given you ! 🙂
It truly has M-R. I am so glad I was able to go to this place and have a great time. 😎
so true, and I love your bridges –
Thanks Beth, glad you enjoyed the crossing!
This was fantastic! I love bridges, and I love the Milwaukee Road! The pictures are great. I like the photo of the one you dubbed the Packer Bridge. This was quite the trip!
Dan, I truly wish I could go back two weeks and cross those bridges again. Where’s a temporal time warp when I need it? Anyhow, it was an amazing, joyful trip that will be on my mind for a long time to come.
It looks like a wonderful ride. I can imagine wanting to go back.
Looks like you had a good time and a great ride!
I did, Herman, thanks!
Fantastic, Mary J! Bridges are indeed inspiring. They’re beautiful to begin with, but also so rich in symbolism. I think we feel it, even when we don’t stop to think about it. Thanks for bringing us along through your wonderful words and photos. Hugs on the wing!
The “thump, thump, thump” of the wooden boards of every bridge is music beneath the tires, and the view always serene and beautiful. One can never dismiss the pleasure!
Looks like a great ride Mary. Thanks for sharing all of your beautiful photos and your priceless smile.
You’re welcome, Cheryl. I’m not a fan of selfies, but once in a while, I make an exception.
So glad you did!
I’m right there with you and joey when it comes to crossing bridges. They’re all significant and kind of enchanting. Your photos do them all justice.
Enchanting is a really appropriate word, Ally. If only we had seen a unicorn on the banks of the river! 😉
These were amazing!
Thanks Claudia! Yes, nothing short of amazing. 🙂
Bridges are wonderful things – big or small. I get a simple joy each time I cross one.
Joanne, you probably cross UNDER a few, too, when you’re kayaking. A couple of the bike trails I’ve been on have gone under bridges and I would say that brings a different view of joy.
Oh yes!! Going under bridges is the best … that’s why I have so many photos taken from the water of yet one more “non-descript” bridge. They’re all wonderful 🙂
I must admit that’s a lot of bridges, and I’m guessing you were smiling from ear to ear as you crossed them. It sounds like you had a great vacation. Life is good. 🙂
Life is very good Judy! Yes, lots of smiles and contemplative grins from both of us. I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed our biking and sharing girlfriend time.
Bridges are always fascinating! Thanks for this lovely pictorial. 🙂
You’re welcome Debbie, and thanks for the tweet!
Oh yeah, those are some beauties! I do so enjoy your bike at the bridge shots. It lets me know your heart was happy, which makes my heart happy, which should make your heart happier, which makes my heart even happier, and I like that we can vibe like that just from a photo.
What an amazing collection ❤ I especially like the rail with yellow decoration, although I don't see it as Packer-related 😉
I’m happy that we’re both happy, but more so that I made you happy with happy bridges. It was like bridge heaven every day. Yes, amazing, even the green and gold rail mold that I hope never grows inside a Packer helmet.
What wonderful bridge photos you took on your adventure. Brilliant post. 😀
Thanks Cee! I hope to get back there again. It really was a beautiful place.
Wow, seems like a great time!
It was a most excellent vacation!
sigh, sigh. crossing bridges on bike, with such a trail…. what a vacation!
One of the best vacations with a very best friend.