We came across the Tibetan Bridge by chance as the formal entrance is on the other (far) side.
I don’t get a lot correct these days, but I think I scored on this one. We were hiking in Els Plans, Andorra. After cresting a mountain, I headed down the other side. Without expecting too much excitement, I continued toward the valley, besides mountains and forests of trees. I walked at a leisurely pace with the intention of turning around soon thereafter. We were coming off some tough hikes, both suffering from illness and injury, respectively. Suddenly, I did a double-take. Across from me, in fact, a matter of a hundred yards was the beginning of a suspension bridge. We later ascertained that it is 2,000 yards in extent and the second longest in the world. It really is a wow. One could not help but gaze in wonder at this engineering marvel.
The part that baffled me at the time was I could not understand its purpose. I do realize the function of bridges but this one was puzzling. Below it flows a river, more a stream really, one in which we hiked to its source two days later. On each side of it, there’s no ‘civilization’, that is, no property developments of any kind. So, a massive suspension bridge allows a person to cross a valley and a large stream to nowhere in particular.
Jenni did some research when we returned home. By the way, she was not feeling strong, so she hiked until a little before the crest. I said I’d turn at the peak. However, I went on to satisfy my curiosity. Once I discovered the bridge, I had to walk along it. (A few days later, we returned to complete a longer hike in that area, including crossing over the bridge).
Jenni’s research, besides the statistics mentioned earlier, proved the point. The structure is one that is nothing more than “A Bridge to Nowhere.” It was built for the purposes of tourism. A person takes a shuttle from ground-level, pays a fee of E12 and obtains the right to walk across the bridge and return the same route or hike back along a mountain path. We walked from another trailhead, arrived per chance at this incredible structure which has little practical value and proceeded across it. We then returned. Had we come from the other side, the tourist entry, we would have had to pay for the pleasure.
On another day, we undertook this hike again but added to it which was quite strenuous but not that long. I wanted Jenni to experience the magnificence of this engineering marvel. In addition, Jen’s not that comfortable on open bridges. It reminded me of our time in Sedona, about twenty years ago, well before we embarked upon 'Hike-About'. At the time, I suffered from a touch (or more) of acrophobia. She laughed at me and teased as I developed fear on Cathedral Rock. She then called be a ‘wimp’ at which moment I decided to flee and run down the mountain.
“Wait for me,” she shouted. Instead, the ‘wimp’ turned around and made his way up to the peak leaving her in the dust. She cured me, inadvertently.
Since that day, I seldom have fear of heights. Of course, there are some extremely dangerous positions in which I do fear and deal with but it’s no longer a phobia. The tough girl is still working through her phobia on bridges and some edges but at least, she tries hard. In fact, very seldom does she turn from a challenge. That’s courage! I know this comment will embarrass her but unfortunately, I've uttered worse.
Weather was superb, complementing the sights.
The main road through the country with Spain and France on either end.
Various sights as we ascend and face toward where we commenced.
Another perspective.
Tibetan Bridge from above on a much tougher, higher hike.
Jen, el tour guide, leads the mob which commenced from the other side, after taking a shuttle up to the entrance.
Jenni and Jeffrey
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