Built-in the late 1800’s, The Julien Dubuque Bridges’ original name was the “High Bridge.” Renovation efforts started in 1942 to help with military transportation during WWII. It was even painted grey to camouflage against enemy attacks. In 1975, it almost was repainted Red, White and Blue to celebrate the Bicentennial. In 1991, it was shut down entirely for nine months of renovations. And in 2008, it was struck by southbound runaway barges, creating a lot of excitement about what would happen if it was ever out of commission altogether. Over 20,000 vehicles travel back and forth across this bridge daily, and the current debate is whether or not to add a second bridge that would open up four lanes across the mightly Mississippi making the connection to the eastern United States easier.
This bridge holds special personal memories too. As kids, it was the bridge we would take to see family in Belvidere, IL. As we would pass under the giant arches, I would look to the south or north, depending on seat position, and dream I was really flying in an airplane, touching down as we crossed into East Dubuque.
It’s the bridge we would be diverted to take for many of our family trips to the Sparta-Elroy Bike Trail in Wisconsin after the Eagle Point Bridge dismantled. At that time, the little extra drive seemed to add so many more hours to the trip when it was really only minutes. We’d leave with the sunrise, and the shadow of our van with six bikes on the river below made me feel like an adventurer making a trek into the great unknown.
It’s also the bridge that I love to photograph — the photo you see here taken on a return trip from exploring Galena, Il. Crossing the bridge in the fog that night, I looked out over the perfectly calm waters of the Mississippi and the clear, bright reflections of city lights. As I reached the Dubuque side of this trek, I remembered my dad’s words, “When you see a photo opportunity, take it, even if it means turning around and going back because you may never have that same opportunity again.” Very grateful for those words, I did turn back and was able to make one of my all-time favorite photos.
Travel is the bridge between you and everything else. Be thankful today for the opportunity to cross bridges and explore new paths in life.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.