The Astoria-Megler bridge is the longest truss bridge in North America at 4.065 miles long, almost the length of the Mighty Mac – the fifth longest suspension bridge in the World. To add perspective; the Big Mac is 5 miles long and 68 feet wide, but the Megler is 4 miles long at a mere 28 feet wide. Barely wide enough to accommodate two lanes of traffic and a bicycle lane – no pedestrians allowed – thank goodness!

371 feet of fear-provoking space beneath you!

At its highest point the ‘ships’ clearance (at high tide) under the steel monster is 171 feet and beneath all that metal and pavement the river flows at a depth of 200 feet. 371 feet of fear-provoking space below your tires makes for a daunting first trip across – a foreknowledge of facts which I could have done without.

The Megler Bridge: from Astoria, Oregon to Point Ellice, Washington over the Columbia River.

I have crossed the Astoria/Megler several times since my maiden trip and there is always that one moment of gripping adrenaline which quickly dissipates on descent. Much like when I fly. I love flying. I sleep so good on a plane. But those first moments of ascent into the wide expanse of the heavens as we increase the emptiness beneath my seat evokes a brief flutter of excitement to all the senses. Once the plane has leveled out it is sleepy time baby! I won’t fall asleep on the bridge, I promise, but the feeling is a close cousin to that of flying – a rush of fear, then an unexplainable peace!

It’s funny how that happens. A moment of gripping fear. A moment of anxiety over the unknown. But how soon is it gone while it quietly dissipates into thin air.

A foreknowledge of that fact is something to be grateful for! Gripping fear can turn into immense peace – same emotion experienced two ways: one without God, one with God. This too shall pass (not scripture but truth). It is but for a moment. NOTHING is forever – except for eternity of course – but NOTHING in THIS present life is forever! (1 John 2:17) Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

---

Here’s the take away, one word, SAFE okay maybe two words, SAFE and PEACE