Bridges

I have decided the most beautiful thing about Manhattan are the bridges leading to and from the island. This weekend as I sauntered 20+ miles across the expanse of the city from Pier 17 to Fort Washington and back through Brooklyn Heights, I crossed over and under three of the most famous of these bridges.


View of Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 17

I hadn't intended to walk that far. My girl friend was nobly participating in the Avon 2-day walk for breast cancer. I traveled up to the city simply for moral support. I brought jeans, a raincoat and a ratty old pair of beat up sneakers; with the intention of standing at the various cheer stations and reading a book while I waited. But when we arrived at the opening ceremonies at 6am with 3500 other walkers all donning pink hats, pink t-shirts and pink jackets, I knew the likelihood of finding her again was slim. So instead of separating, I just...walked with her.


George Washington Bridge


Posing under the George Washington


Across the Manhattan Bridge


Manhattan Bridge


Brooklyn Bridge from the picnic lunch


On top of the Brooklyn Bridge

Despite my incredible ill-preparedness and aching tendons, the scenery alone was enough to make the trek worthwhile. And by scenery, I don't mean the glorious steel stretches between Manhattan and the other boroughs. I mean the lapels on the back of all the young women's t-shirts with handwritten sayings like "I'm walking for - my Mom...I miss you," or "I'm walking for - my best friend Donna...1968-2004."

As tears welled up and muscles throbbed I understood that, although I was not officially signed up, I was walking beside my friend who had tirelessly fundraised in hopes that I'll never have to write the name my own loved one on the pocket of my backpack.