Saturday, October 11, 2014

The Continuing Boston Saga: Crossing the Charles River at the Longfellow Bridge

After catching the sunrise yesterday, we decided to walk over the Longfellow Bridge southward to traverse the Charles River. We negotiated some construction areas to approach the bridge and, lo and behold, some enterprising fellow had placed a small hubcap in the cleft of a tree right off the Memorial Drive parkway.

The hubcap was an eyecatcher and rather appealing to me as urban detritus and I scoffed it up as a momento of the day. Silly me. I think the emblem is iconic of the Cadillac brand. In slang terms, "cadillac" was an early term for an "ounce of narcotic", and was also used to typify something that was the "best of its kind, the standard of excellence, and a paragon". Yes, that typifies the day's activity.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Cadillac Hubcap in a Tree

Since I didn't have a bag or knapsack with me (silly me), I dusted it off and slid it down the front of my shirt to carry it. It made me think of Ephesians chapter 6 as a serendipitous "breastplate of righteousness" replete with the image of a shield and the laurel award of honor in silver-plate.

13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, having girded up your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

To approach the Longfellow bridge, we walked over the Strauss Trunnion bascule bridge built originally in 1924. "Bascule" is a french term for balance. A bascule bridge was counterbalanced with a weight and hinged to swing upward and could be single- or double-leafed, allowing boats to pass. Joseph Strauss was an American structural engineer better known for being the chief engineer of the Golden Gate bridge. The Strauss trunnion was the short shaft that carried the load around which the bridge leaf would rotate to swing upward.


Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Strauss Trunion Bascule Bridge (1924)

The bridge has some of its age showing in at least the deep surface corrosion.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Strauss Bridge Trunnion 01

Lots of color and pattern.


 Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Strauss Bridge Trunnion 02

As we approached the Longfellow Bridge, the bygone red ivy in the foreground and the Red Line transit rushing past in the background. The fall foliage of my early urban commuting time.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Bygone Red Ivy with Red Line Transit

The Longfellow bridge itself is showing some age in its fencing and railings. Beautiful and ornate in design.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Fence Rails

Just before we turned left onto the bridge to cross the Charles River southward, I snapped the moon over this Cambridge cityplex and realized just afterwards that I was snapping the police officer parked in the early morning watch.  Wonder what he thought of us? Oops!

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Moon Over Cityplex

The Red Line transit trundled by in its screeching cacophony to remind me of bygone commuting days.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Red Line Cacophony

The Longfellow Bridge has two towers on the eastern downriver side of the bridge. Without these architectural pieces, it would be just a plain old bridge. My daughter, Little Bit, checking to see why I am dawdling in the early morning.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Tower

I do like the architectural elements to the urban landscape. Facing southward towards the Beacon Hill area.
Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Tower with Downstream Abutment

Another moonscape over the Cambridge horizon facing North.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Tower with Moonscape Facing North towards Cambridge

Guardian watchers over the bridge with shields and porpoise.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge With Porpoiseful Adornment

The scull teams are working out first thing in the morning under watchful eyes. Talk about preparing for munificent activities!
Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Sculling Under a Watchful Gaze

Then the serendipitous flock of Canadian Geese overhead portending the fall migration and changing of seasons.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Canadian Geese Migration in Urban V-formation 

The Longfellow Bridge castings and wrought iron work are need of repair from their original green patina.

 Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Original Green Patina

It appears the research has been completed and some alternative colors have been selected for review. The alternative brown offers some contrasting color against any foliage whether a verdant green in spring and summer or a red-yellow-orange foliage in the fall season. It also contrasts against the grey of the surrounding asphalt and pavement, compares well to the changing palette of the background water-scape, and might catch the warmth of the sun in a delightful fashion.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Alternative Brown

The alternative tan would provide the same contrasts with the environment without quite reflecting the sun's warmth as much. It offers a slightly more vintage and aged look than the brown above.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Alternative Tan

The alternative grey is wonderful but doesn't contrast as much to the pavement and asphalt in the surrounding urban-scape. Paris is a portfolio of branded grey's and this hue has a hint of dismal grime. This may not be a Boston color and notably doesn't provide enough contrast to some aspects of the surround. It doesn't provide any warmth on a cloudy or wintry day.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Alternative Grey

The alternative mocha is not too much different than the tan. Or is it the same? Maybe a tad warmer to catch the sun. Contrasts well with all the surrounding palettes. I think this would be my choice. What will the future hold? This is a long wait-and-see. We make decisions amongst alternatives and it affects the landscape and the future view and the perspective.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Longfellow Bridge Alternative  Mocha

Once we cross the river at the Longfellow Bridge, the green patina at the Mass General Hospital (MGH) Red Line station is  wonderful.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Red Line Station at Mass General Hospital (MGH)

Its funny what catches the eye during photo opportunities. My Itsy Bit prefers to catch different angles and perspectives. It all pulls together in a portfolio of images to characterize the day's mission.

Copyright James E. Martin 2014 Little Bit Catches the Fire Hydrant

This is Living the Moment. This is the Daily Walk. This is the Artistic Endeavor. This is the Creative Pursuit. This is the Journey. Making memories.



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