There’s a bridge between here and Toronto. It’s in St. Catherine’s. It’s not high, but it’s high enough.
As you cross the Lewiston Bridge, the 190 turns into Route 405 in Ontario. The 405 quickly merges into the QEW and from there its straight on through to Toronto.
By way of this “high enough” bridge.
It’s called the “Garden City Skyway” and it soars 130 feet above the Welland Canal at its greatest height. Not too high. But high enough.
Nearly a mile long, when approaching from the east (which is what you do when you’re travelling to Toronto) before it crosses the canal, it ascends to a gentle curve. But not gentle enough.
To compound matters, the Canadians built the Garden City Skyway as an open road. There is no high structural steel to cocoon you comfortably within its path.
This, combined with it being as tall as a 13-story building and a curve that hides your ultimate destination leaves you with a feeling of flying unbound, high above the endless horizon of Lake Ontario.
And that’s just enough to give one smitten with a not-so-mild case of acrophobia sweaty palms.
I happen to be that one.
We all have a fear of falling. It’s natural and it’s meant to protect us. Acrophobia – the fear Continue Reading “Just Get Past The Peak”
Fear and Wonder of Mile-High Spacious Skies
Still, the Centennial State’s atmosphere, not the temperature, dominated our thoughts. It felt bigger. And wider. As if it had a life of its own. You could almost hear it breathe. Beneath these mile-high, spacious skies, you couldn’t help but believe God’s hand seemed closer.
You see this immediately. Once you’ve escaped Denver’s urban grasp, outcroppings of red rock emerge from the earth—as if even the stones themselves strained to reach heaven. Yesterday, we left the grand mountainous cathedral of the Tetons. Today, we would ascend a far different earthly temple to the roof of America. We’re going from geological reverence to spiritual heights.
This wouldn’t be merely a simple drive-by. We’d leave the Expedition’s wheels in various parking lots for the bulk of the day. Our feet would bring us up close and personal with the Colorado sky. And on this stroll, fear and wonder walked hand in hand. Which will win this epic battle?Continue Reading “Fear and Wonder of Mile-High Spacious Skies”