"We build too many walls, and not enough bridges." — Sir Isaac Newton
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Bixby Bridge, is a reinforced concrete open-spandrel arch bridge in Big Sur, California. Prior to the opening of the bridge in 1932, residents of the Big Sur area were virtually cut off during winter due to the often impassable Old Coast Road that led 11 miles (18 km) inland. At its completion, the bridge was built under budget for $199,861 (equivalent to $3.5 million in 2015) and was the longest concrete arch span at 320 feet (98 m) on the California State Highway System. It is also one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges in the world and one of the most photographed bridges along the Pacific Coast due to its aesthetic design and location.

Happy 79th birthday to the Golden Gate Bridge!

Beautiful, intoxicating and instantly iconic, the Golden Gate Bridge is easily San Francisco's most photographed landmark.

This famous bridge cost $35 million (1937 dollars) to build and was finished ahead of schedule and under budget. Good luck making that happen today, heh.

One of the most persistent urban legends about the bridge is actually true: The U.S. Navy did try to get it painted black with yellow stripes. They were concerned ships would hit the bridge and block the crucial shipping lane. Luckily, the bridge planners went with a high-visibility orange color, now known the world-over as International Orange.
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The bridge officially opened to the public on May 27, 1937.

Yosemite Series #7

Earlier in the Yosemite series, I shared a view of Half Dome. This photo shows a reflection of the same view, but from Mirror Lake. Usually the lake is very still and you can see a mirror-like reflection (hence the name), but the slight breeze that moment gave an impressionistic look to it.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #6

The Yosemite Valley has so much to offer; but, you have to do at least one hike through the Cook's Meadow to get away from the crowds and truly appreciate it. The trail is an easy, flat walk with amazing views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock all in this little short, one-mile loop.

Here, the breathtaking Yosemite Falls rises above Cook's Meadow in early spring. Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, dropping a total of 2,425 feet (739 m) from the top of the upper fall to the base of the lower fall. This spot is a major attraction in the park, especially in late spring when the water flow is at its peak.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #5

Tunnel View is the most popular scenic overlook in Yosemite National Park. The large viewpoint area is located directly east of the Wawona Tunnel portal, as one enters Yosemite Valley. The view looks eastward into the valley, and includes surrounding features, such as the southwest face of El Capitan on the left, Half Dome on axis, and Bridalveil Fall on the right.

The iconic and expansive view of Yosemite Valley from the Tunnel View point have been seen and documented by visitors since it opened in 1933. Internationally renowned artists to casual tourists have painted, drawn, and photographed the dramatic scenery from here and nearby vantage points since the 19th century. Ansel Adams was famous for taking breathtaking black and white photography of the park and even has his gallery there. I was inspired to do some black and white as well.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #4

Half Dome is a granite dome at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. It is possibly Yosemite's most familiar rock formation. The granite crest rises more than 4,737 ft (1,444 m) above the valley floor. This view of Half Dome (center) was taken from the Mirror Lake Trail.

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Series #3

The Gates of the Valley, also known as Valley View, is near the western end of Yosemite Valley. This is probably the second most popluar view point in the park (Tunnel View being the first, of course). From this view, you can see El Capitan on the left and Bridalveil Fall on the right, with just a corner of Sentinel Rock visible in the background. 

Yosemite National Park, California

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