In Search of an Arch

When Scott put forth this month’s Arch challenge my first thought was, “This should be easy!”, but as I’ve looked around the last few days, there seems to be a lot fewer arches in our local architecture than I thought. So, maybe not so easy.

Today is a rainy day. It rained quite heavily all morning, but after lunch it slowed down to a drizzle, so I decided to head out to capture myself at least one arch. The feature photo is the relatively new bridge supporting Interstate 91 over the West River, which I’ve posted about before. It’s design actually features several arches. They are shallow arches, but arches nonetheless.

Bike included to make this a legitimate entry in the challenge. But note the additional arch between the support columns on the far side of the river. And that pale blue section running the length of the underside? Also in the shape of an arch.
No arches here. I just like the reflection of the trees on the water, despite the gloomy day and the raindrops disturbing the surface

Retired guy who likes to ride his bike in Vermont.

10 response to "In Search of an Arch"

  1. By: Scooter Posted: September 2, 2020

    I looked at your photographs before reading the text, and was admiring the variety of arch shapes in the bridge. Then I read the caption and saw that you’d gotten there first of course. Very nice!

    Arches needn’t be ARCHitectural though, or supporting structures. The shape is the essential thing. Here’s the Miriam-Webster definition:

    Definition of arch (Entry 1 of 9)
    1 : a typically curved structural member spanning an opening and serving as a support (as for the wall or other weight above the opening)
    2a : something resembling an arch in form or function
    especially : either of two vaulted portions of the bony structure of the foot that impart elasticity to it
    b : something that has a curved shape like an arch
    There was a slight arch in her eyebrows.
    an arch in the cat’s back

    • By: BobinVT Posted: September 2, 2020

      Thanks! You know, I actually went to Merriam-Webster to verify the definition before I posted. As the saying goes, great minds think alike. 🙂

  2. By: Bill Stone Posted: September 2, 2020

    Nice bridge and shallow arch-like structures, Bob. Good job. Much more attractive than than raw utilitarian Interstate bridges I’m accustomed to around here.

    By the way, according to my calculations, your shot was taken from West River Road near a “Speed Limit 40” sign with a bent corner, although I don’t see the picnic table in your shots. Gotta love Google Street View when you’re interested in cycling routes. 😉

    • By: BobinVT Posted: September 3, 2020

      This bridge replaced one that was exactly like you described; metal, utilitarian, kinda ugly. And your calculations are correct. I think that table was just off to the right of where my bike was, although people do move the table around from time to time.

  3. By: Rich-Illinois Posted: September 2, 2020

    Not sure there are that many arches around here either — the broad definition helps — need to see if I can catch Max the cat arching his back.

    • By: BobinVT Posted: September 3, 2020

      I thought about our cat Oscar as well, but the possibility of him arching his back, being in the proximity of my bike when he did it, and me taking a picture seemed beyond remote. 🙂

  4. By: The Navigator Posted: September 3, 2020

    Great job! I was thinking my area would be arch-deficient as well, but I’ve found several examples. You’ll probably start seeing them now that you are looking for them!

    • By: BobinVT Posted: September 3, 2020

      Thanks! I think I need to start looking beyond man-made arches, and start looking for arches in nature.

  5. By: gregblood Posted: September 3, 2020

    Archeriffic, Bob. Actually, I don’t care about arches at all when I look at your beautiful Vermont scenery.

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