The mile-high swinging bridge on Grandfather Mountain, North Carollina. November 8, 2012.
(Note: All pictures may be enlarged by clicking on them.)
This is my post for the Our World meme. This meme is a second generation of My World Tuesday created by Klaus Peter and is hosted by five wonderful ladies. To learn more about our world or to join and share your part of the world, click HERE.
Betsy and I had to go to Plan B on our November trip to Asheville, North Carolina. Plan B included a trip to Grandfather Mountain and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The name ‘Mile High Swinging Bridge’ is somewhat misleading. Although the elevation of the bridge is 5,278 feet (a mile) above sea level, the bridge spans an 80 foot deep chasm on Linville Peak of the mountain.
The Mile High Swinging Bridge as seen from the parking lot on Linville Peak. November 8, 2012.
Both Betsy and I had been to Grandfather Mountain before we met. Back then the bridge (a suspension bridge built in 1952) really did swing. The wooden planks and side rails weren’t anchored, and would readily swing during high winds. In 1999 the bridge was rebuilt and galvanized steel was used for the the planks and side rails. Furthermore, anchor cables for the planks were added. Now the bridge doesn’t swing very much, but it does ‘sing’ during high winds.
And the winds were definitely high when we were at the bridge. The official temperature was 35°, but the wind was so strong it was hard to stand up straight. I don’t know what the wind chill temperature was, but my fingers were so cold it was hard to take pictures.
Betsy after crossing the Mile High Swinging Bridge on Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. November 8, 2012.
Even my Beautiful Bride thought it was cold.
Tags: Mountains, North Carolina, Our World, Travels
Senior Moments 
January 7, 2013 at 4:00 am |
Very much? George, you said it doesn’t swing very much, which must mean you can feel some movement. I don’t think I could do it!
January 7, 2013 at 4:17 am |
Temps that cold when the wind is up are hard to handle for me! Beautiful photos, George. You’ll have to go back on a warmer day!
January 7, 2013 at 6:49 am |
I have got to get to that place. I can’t believe that I’ve driven all around it and never been there. Must be my co-pilot’s fault. 🙂
January 7, 2013 at 9:05 am |
my granddaddy walked over that old swinging bridge while i screamed bloody murder and refused. i would not walk across this new one either. but it is beautiful. love that big rock
January 7, 2013 at 9:31 am |
Bless Betsy’s heart. She’s not one to give up in the face of bitter cold. She’s going to have a good time if it kills her. 🙂
The photos are beautiful. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go turn the furnace up.
January 7, 2013 at 10:54 am |
Beautiful place, a fantastic bridge and terrific captures of both, George!! Betsy does look cold!!! Thanks so much for sharing the fun and beauty with us! I would love to walk over the swinging bridge!! What fun!! Hope you both have a great week!
January 7, 2013 at 1:27 pm |
I love suspension bridges. Even if they don’t swing—too much. Mile high is dang high and that’s a long bridge too. Was it scary? MB
January 7, 2013 at 1:32 pm |
George!
Betsy is frozen. I admire her. The article is great.
Pictures of beautiful.
I send greetings.
Lucia
January 7, 2013 at 1:44 pm |
So you both went on the bridge? Excuse me while I find my smelling salts…
January 7, 2013 at 1:59 pm |
I can just imagine the movement under the feet and the ‘singing’ of the cables in the wind. This type of bridge is fascinating, but I would need a lot of courage to cross one!
January 7, 2013 at 2:51 pm |
Lovely scenes,but poor Betsy looks frozen.
January 7, 2013 at 3:27 pm |
Cool, I’d love to take a walk across it!!!
January 7, 2013 at 4:08 pm |
That is how cold every day has been feeling here. The worst part of winter…below zero temps.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
January 8, 2013 at 6:49 am |
Brrr – cold but such gorgeous skies.
January 8, 2013 at 2:40 pm |
My girlfriend’s family had a swinging bridge to their home when we were growing up. I hated it!
I’ve always wanted to go here and hope someday to get the chance. With not much swinging I hope I’ll cross it. 🙂
Betsy looks SO cold!
January 8, 2013 at 3:14 pm |
Does look a little cold George..We have sunshine in Ohio for a change
January 8, 2013 at 10:18 pm |
Beautiful bridge in nice surroundings.
January 9, 2013 at 10:52 am |
pas mal cette tenue tout en bleue
January 11, 2013 at 1:41 am |
Great photos. So, the bridge is safe and it is very important.