Monday, September 7, 2009

Big Dam Bridge

For our Labor Day activities, we biked across the Big Dam Bridge which spans the Arkansas River.  It opened in late 2006 - when we lived in Phoenix.

You might be wondering, "Why is it called Big Dam Bridge?"  Let me explain with a picture.
Though the temps were approaching 90* a cool breeze blew the entire time.  Just as we were headed back to the truck Hubby spotted a yacht in the distance.  Would it go through the lock?
Yes!  Exciting!!  We stood and watched the process, answering endless questions from Mr. Intensity.  The water was lowered, an air horn blew and the gates opened.
The captain of the boat tied it to a floating buoy in the wall.  (I'm sure there are more technical terms but I'm clueless.)  The boat doesn't look that big.  However from the markings on the wall, I think it was at least 75 feet long.
Below you can see muddy water beginning to fill the lock and raise the boat.  It didn't take as long as I expected to fill or empty the lock.
The upstream gates opened (after another LOUD air horn).

In the distance you can see Pinnacle Mountain whose peak is just over 1,000 feet.
It's been a great day!

3 comments:

Sherry Gann said...

cool! :)

Iris said...

there was a little boat going through when we went there, too. kekoa was asleep - it'll be fun to take him there again when he's mr. intensity's age.

Bethany said...

That looks like a fun place to explore! Happy Labor Day :)

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