If everybody else was walking across a working railroad bridge…

…would you?

As a child, I recall my parents asking this question, or a more common variant, when I wanted to do something that all of my friends were doing. My answer to the question was always a labored and sullen, “No” followed by the requisite period of pouting and moping, the duration of which was determined by how desperately I wanted to engage in the forbidden activity.

Well, today, the answer to that question was, “Yes.” After all, it was the Bridge on the River Kwai, made famous by the movie of the same name. And I also knew that the last train of the day had already passed, so there wasn’t much danger involved. Dozens of people were standing on the bridge, some venturing a few meters out, having their pictures taken as dusk approached. I, already knowing full well what I look like, had instead a different aim. My intent was to walk the length -- after all, I was there, wasn’t I?

Mind you, this was nothing at all like the scene in Stand By Me where the kids are stepping on the individual ties, trying to keep from falling through as the train bears down on them. This bridge has a steel plate between the rails for the length of the bridge, like so…

But just so it doesn’t seem completely boring, and to give my poor acrophobic mother a heart attack, here is what it looks like just off to the side…

… hope that there is no strong wind!

While not likely, you could fall and roll off the side, or more heartbreaking, drop your camera. But there are platforms along the way where one can pause to enjoy the scenery and take a break.

Walking the first few spans was relaxing and afforded some beautiful views of the river and surrounding countryside. About halfway across, it occurred to me just how high up I was and just how easy it might be to tumble off the side. This thought was aided by several people that wanted to pass in the other direction, but refused to wait for me to step aside. But past the halfway point, I was the only one out there, save but a few locals walking home across the bridge. I made it clear to the far end and enjoyed the quiet solitude and unspoiled views. Crossing back, I had seen the views, so was instead concentrating on returning to terra firma before darkness arrived. But hurrying across the bridge, while looking down to ensure you don’t trip, is vertigo inducing. I had to stop several times to regain my internal keel.

So, at this point, those that have seen the movie are thinking, “Isn’t the bridge supposed to be wooden?” Well, in reality, this location had both a wooden bridge and a steel one that was constructed months later. Both bridges were bombed several times by the Allies and rebuilt by the Japanese and their POW labor force. The curved sections of steel tresses are original and you might be able to spy some bomb-induced markings on the concrete supporting columns.

For some reason, I can’tstop whistling the “Colonel Bogey March”.

And here is one shot of the road to the bridge, which is where most of the guesthouses are located. I just loved the industrial street lights.

Your homework assignment: Rent and watch The Bridge on the River Kwai. It was a good film that earned seven Oscars and features a fine performance by Sir Alec Guinness.