West Virginia - Mountains & Environs!

[giradman]

Great pics Dave! That bridge is a marvel of engineering. I'm trying to visualize how they went about starting and then adding to it in stages, presumably at both sides at the same time. Seems quite a task. Beautiful and no doubt strong yet seemingly almost a bit fragile in the economy of materials used. Love that last shot of the bridge amongst fog

Hi Andrew - I've been over that bridge a half dozen times (4 lanes) and just looks like a part of the road from a car - those not in the know have no idea that there is nearly a 1000 ft. drop to the New River below their wheels.

Construction of the bridge was done from the side piers first, then the arch was put in placed followed by the horizontal segments - trolleys running on cables strung across the gorge were the means of moving these gigantic pieces into place - all explained and illustrated in the Visitor's Center - a quote below from the National Park Service) - if interested, go to the bottom on that page and click on the 'Bridge Construction' link to view a photo gallery. Below a pic of the > 3000 ft. road of the bridge (again, no idea 'what' lies below!) & a couple of images from the link during construction - notice the trolleys. Dave

The West Virginia Division of Highways chose the Michael Baker Company as the designer, and the construction contract was awarded to the American Bridge Division of U.S. Steel. In June 1974, the first steel was positioned over the gorge by trolleys running on three-inch diameter cables. The cables were strung 3,500 feet between two matching towers. Cor-ten steel, with a rust-like appearance that never needs painting, was used in construction.

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[giradman]

New River, New River Gorge Bridge, and Bridge Day (continued):

BRIDGE DAY this year will be October 18 - more HERE - quote below from the same National Park Service link given previously; BASE jumping with parachutes designed specifically for rapid deployment seems to be the most popular technique - now I've never attended but the first pic shows the height of the bridge relative to some common references (i.e. Washington Monument & Stature of Liberty), and the second the 'top' of the bridge on that day, followed by some actual images of jumpers (notice in the 2nd pic an arrow on a jumper which provides some perspective of the massiveness of the steel in the bridge). Dave

On the third Saturday of October, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce hosts "Bridge Day." On this one day a year, the famous New River Gorge Bridge is open to pedestrians and a wide variety of activities—great views, food and crafts vendors, BASE jumping, rappelling, music, and more—draw thousands of people. Bridge Day is West Virginia's largest one-day festival, and it is the largest extreme sports event in the world.

The first official Bridge Day was celebrated in 1980 when two parachutists jumped from a plane onto the bridge. They were joined by three additional parachutists, and all five then jumped from the bridge into the gorge.Today, the event lures hundreds of BASE jumpers, cheered on by thousands of spectators. "BASE" stands for Building, Antenna (tower), Span (arch or bridge), and Earth (cliff or natural formation), the four categories of objects in which BASE jumpers jump from.

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[scifan57]

Keep up the good work, I'm always waiting in anticipation of your next post. BTW, have you ever been tempted to do a little BASE jumping?

 

[giradman]

Keep up the good work, I'm always waiting in anticipation of your next post. BTW, have you ever been tempted to do a little BASE jumping?

Thanks again for the comments - at my age (and even when younger), I never had an interest in parachuting, BASE jumping, bungee jumping, or rappelling -

Now, when I was a freshman undergrad @ the U of Michigan, we had to do physical education for 2 semesters and for one term I did take trampoline and was up to a couple of flips w/ a twist or two; but I did get to watch the more senior members of the gymnastics team on the tramp - exciting!

The only thing I've done lately (i.e. referring to something I could fall from & get hurt) had been to reacquaint myself w/ riding a horse - Susan & I had helmets/shoes and would go riding together - one of her friends fell off a horse and broke her pelvis in three places, so my wife wanted to give up the hobby (about 2 years ago). SO, now I just drive on bridges and twisting mountains roads - however, a mis-turn on the Blue Ridge Parkway w/o a bungee cord on my car would be a hell of a fall!

Dave

ADDENDUM: Well after the bridge visit we headed back home, but I've been to West VA a half dozen times, so might just add a few more posts which would give others wanting to visit the state some more options.

 

[giradman]

Well, I was just 'cleaning up' the download folder on my laptop and found a bunch more pics of the New River Gorge bridge - so thought to just share them - I especially love the image of the 'new' and the 'old' bridges together - again the 'time' difference to cross the gorge: 45 minutes (at least) the old way and 45 seconds on the new bridge! Dave :thumbs:

P.S. again click on the images to enlarge -

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[suenc]

I especially love the image of the 'new' and the 'old' bridges together - again the 'time' difference to cross the gorge: 45 minutes (at least) the old way and 45 seconds on the new bridge! Dave :thumbs:


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View attachment 57412 View attachment 57413 View attachment 57414 View attachment 57415 View attachment 57416

Gee, your pictures are so lovely. They make me feel like I'm actually there. Oh wait, I WAS actually there....

 

[suenc]

New River, New River Gorge Bridge, and Bridge Day (continued):

BRIDGE DAY this year will be October 18 - more HERE - quote below from the same National Park Service link given previously; BASE jumping with parachutes designed specifically for rapid deployment seems to be the most popular technique - now I've never attended but the first pic shows the height of the bridge relative to some common references (i.e. Washington Monument & Stature of Liberty), and the second the 'top' of the bridge on that day, followed by some actual images of jumpers (notice in the 2nd pic an arrow on a jumper which provides some perspective of the massiveness of the steel in the bridge). Dave




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That's me in the blue suit.

 

[J. A.]

That's me in the blue suit.

You're one of the BASE jumpers?

@ Dave: Great thread! I've been enjoying all your pictures and descriptions.

 

[giradman]

You're one of the BASE jumpers?

@ Dave: Great thread! I've been enjoying all your pictures and descriptions.

Hi Johanna - thanks! Has been fun putting this thread together - obviously most of the pics are from the web (I'm a good googler, I guess - ).

Yes, Susan is my 'little flying squirrel' (below done quickly w/ PhotoShop Touch on my iPad) - she OKed the posting! We're in our 60s now and the most adventuresome hobby we've done together lately is riding horses - below a pic from a few years ago at Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) - a wonderful ride w/ a 'cute' guide (well, I thought so) along the beach and into and out of the trail in the woods. But we've given that up recently. Dave

 

[suenc]

Hi Johanna - thanks! Has been fun putting this thread together - obviously most of the pics are from the web (I'm a good googler, I guess - ).

Yes, Susan is my 'little flying squirrel' (below done quickly w/ PhotoShop Touch on my iPad) - she OKed the posting! We're in our 60s now and the most adventuresome hobby we've done together lately is riding horses - below a pic from a few years ago at Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) - a wonderful ride w/ a 'cute' guide (well, I thought so) along the beach and into and out of the trail in the woods. But we've given that up recently. Dave

View attachment 57420 View attachment 57421

OMG I look more like a flying BAT! Eeww! BTW, at my advanced age my most current strenuous athletic endeavor is BREATHING.

 

[The OB]

@ Dave...those latter photos are great; giving a very impressive view of the sheer size, height and engineering of that beastie
@ suenc... You JUMPED? From that THING!!!?? I think I'm getting vertigo just writing this
Andrew



Sent from Oz using Tapatalk

 

[leelai]

Wonderful photos Dave and what a beautiful bridge!

There's quite a difference between those 2 bridges and I love the contrast between them!

And no, you wouldn't catch me jumping off any bridge.....that's really not what they're for and we'd have wings if we were meant to fly!!

Now those horses are really more my pace!

Hi Sue, you really are quite funny!!

 

[giradman]

Thanks for the comments - for those interested in Bridge Day, I was just perusing HERE - should answer any questions.

But, I was curious about the 'landing site' - below a pic w/ a kind of a bulls-eye circle on the right - apparently on the bank or just into the water is the best option to avoid injury or getting swept down the New River, caught in a tree (as below), hitting the boulders, etc. And there have been a small number of fatalities over the years. Dave

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[leelai]

Thanks for the comments - for those interested in Bridge Day, I was just perusing HERE - should answer any questions. But, I was curious about the 'landing site' - below a pic w/ a kind of a bulls-eye circle on the right - apparently on the bank or just into the water is the best option to avoid injury or getting swept down the New River, caught in a tree (as below), hitting the boulders, etc. And there have been a small number of fatalities over the years. Dave . <img src="http://www.ipadforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=57455"/> <img src="http://www.ipadforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=57456"/>

I wonder how many people actually can manage to land there.....I had a friend who on his first solo jump, tried to land right on target....he did manage it but it was such an awkward landing that he ended up with a broken ankle for his troubles.

I would hope they are all experienced jumpers before attempting this and as with anything which is dangerous, there will always be mishaps and fatalities.

My eldest daughter loves it....she's done a couple of tandem parachute jumps from 7,000 and 14,000 feet and also quite a few bungee jumps.
I'm kinda glad it's an expensive pursuit and she can't afford to do it often! As her mum, I hold my breath until I know she's safely on the ground!

 

[giradman]

I wonder how many people actually can manage to land there.....I had a friend who on his first solo jump, tried to land right on target....he did manage it but it was such an awkward landing that he ended up with a broken ankle for his troubles.

Hi Leelai - more information HERE about the 'Landing Zone' w/ better close-up pics - below is a quote from the linked page - seems like most hit dry land and some end up in the water (the reason for all of the boats) - actually reading through that site indicated that injuries are not that common and are usually minor.

Bridge Day statistics show that more than 71% of all landings are made on dry ground while 28% choose the soft water. Water landings are considered to be any landing that results in the jumper getting wet, which includes landing in knee-deep water along the shore. So, chances are you'll stay dry and safe if you're confident in your canopy skills. Ironically, we see the least amount of Bridge Day injuries when the water is high.

I would hope they are all experienced jumpers before attempting this and as with anything which is dangerous, there will always be mishaps and fatalities.

Again, the FAQs on the links addresses all of these issues regarding 'requirements' for jumping - seems quite well organized.

My eldest daughter loves it....she's done a couple of tandem parachute jumps from 7,000 and 14,000 feet and also quite a few bungee jumps.
I'm kinda glad it's an expensive pursuit and she can't afford to do it often! As her mum, I hold my breath until I know she's safely on the ground!

BOY, sounds exciting for her but as a parent, I'd be holding my breath also - Susan & I have taken a couple of helicopter tours (over the Grand Canyon & the Juneau Ice Field which we landed on) but that's been the limit of our risk taking - Dave