Photo Challenges

Against The Odds

by  •  • 21 Comments

…This week, show us something that defies the odds. —WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge

The idea that the Golden Gate Strait could be spanned with a bridge was unthinkable 100 years ago. It was known as “the Bridge that couldn’t be built” until Joseph Strauss came along with a plan and proved that it could be done.

I had the honor of working on this steel rainbow for 15 years and thanked my lucky stars every day for the engineers and workers who showed the world that “it could be built.”

Photo of Golden Gate Bridge and visitors' center.

Here is a look at one of my better days at work.

  21 comments for “Against The Odds”

  1. Pan
    March 11, 2017 at 4:20 PM

    The video was engaging and fun to watch on its own.. But to see you, the man I admire for his writing and photos, in the video AND walking the cable, yes, the video means a little more to us subscribers 😊

    Like

    Reply
    • Allan G. Smorra
      March 12, 2017 at 7:05 AM

      Thanks, Pan. That part of life is behind me now and I can focus on the photography and writing at this stage of life.
      Ω

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Dina
    February 19, 2017 at 1:15 AM

    Bravo, Allan. Great take on the challenge! Against the odds equals gorgeous photos!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Allan G. Smorra
      February 19, 2017 at 7:18 AM

      Thanks, Dina. BTW, your B&W photo of your friend is absolutely stunning. I look forward to seeing more portraits from you.
      Ω

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Dina
        February 20, 2017 at 1:37 AM

        What a lovely comment, Allan – thank you very much! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  3. natureinspiredmom
    February 16, 2017 at 11:26 PM

    How beautiful! Love the view!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Cynthia Guenther Richardson
    February 16, 2017 at 2:10 PM

    Fantastic skills and strength–and I appreciate the beauty of it all!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. Pingback: Against the Odds: Phil Collins 1981 | What's (in) the picture?
  6. sustainabilitea
    February 15, 2017 at 2:09 PM

    Love that shot, Allan! Even knowing why bridges stay up or why planes can fly, I still find both amazing.

    janet

    Like

    Reply
    • Allan G. Smorra
      February 15, 2017 at 4:23 PM

      I’m with you, Janet. I am glad that someone paid attention when they went to class.
      Ω

      Like

      Reply
  7. heavenhappens
    February 15, 2017 at 12:05 PM

    Oh my I loved the video. My dad used to work as a steel construction consultant and he would often be found walking out onto steel structures way up in the sky ~ on buildings, bridges, or crane jibs. It was a nuclear power station that caused his death ultimately, not the height but a faulty safety system. Ironic isn’t it.
    Your job is amazing and your photos breathtaking. Thanks for the memories of my dad.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Allan G. Smorra
      February 15, 2017 at 4:20 PM

      You are welcome. Thank you for your kind words and the story of your father. He sounds like the kind of person that I would enjoy meeting.
      Ω

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Carol Carlisle
    February 15, 2017 at 11:25 AM

    Could be a post card for the bridge district.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. tomadaonline
    February 15, 2017 at 11:19 AM

    What a great shot. My wife and I walked the bridge when they closed it to traffic in 1987. She was pregnant with our first. We made it half way across when we met traffic from the other Marin side. It took us 2 hours to get off the bridge.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    • Allan G. Smorra
      February 15, 2017 at 11:21 AM

      I was out there myself and had the same experience with the crowd @ midspan. Fun times.
      Ω

      Like

      Reply

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