A Bridge Too Far

In the previous blog I wrote about the importance of all the little details in our daily life that build up, over time, to create the big picture. I mentioned the scary bridge crossing…..well, if you will indulge me….I’d like to tell you more 🙂

We were heading to a canyon and were driving on some stony tracks that meander from village to village. We were, what you would call, ‘out in the sticks.’ Zig-zagging down a hillside we saw a small suspension bridge off in the distance where our Garmin map said that the road crossed the large river. We dithered about whether we should turn back for we were already apprehensive about the route (and we’re running low on petrol). Nevertheless we decided that we would at least check the bridge to see if it was driveable because, from where we were, it looked like a rope bridge suitable only for people.

Up close it still looked like a rope bridge suitable only for people! It was really thin and the pieces of wood that lay across it were smaller than scaffold planks. Honestly, in no way did it look like cars could cross! Granted the bridge was suspended from steel, not rope, and granted all the pieces of wood were present…….so Captain took a reconnaissance walk.

From the other side a man walked over and we asked if it was ok to cross in the car. “Yes, no problem.” A man in a van came too and he also gave it the thumbs up. (It should be noted here that at no point did either of these two people actually cross the bridge by means of a vehicle!)

Now for those of you who know Captain know that he is, what his grandmother would say, “a good reliable boy.” However, there are times when he can be somewhat rash….if I may refer to you the Mongolian mud incident: ‘Forgive me for I have Sinned.’ Before I could say “Absolutely no way are we driving across that bridge,” he was off. It was a somewhat slow start as there was barely an inch each side of the car…..but it was now a case of ‘do or die!’

Oh my did that bridge sag and groan with each rotation of the wheel. In the middle of the crossing there was even a loud crack as a plank of wood split under the weight. I was terrified as it was some way down to the river below and my precious Totty would have been a goner…..(oh yes and Captain Too!)

After what seemed a lifetime he was safely on the other side. I crossed by foot which was scary enough. “Well we’re not turning back now,” I muttered as I clambered into the passenger seat.