Dangerous Bridge
“Dangerous but Majestic” – Hussaini Village, Pakistan – Herbert Wong – Featured Photographer
Do you think you have a bad commute in the morning? Well as they say “there is always someone worse off than you so don’t complain, Mr. Whiny Pants”. I think this spectacular image can remove any doubt that the 405 in LA is not as bad as it gets. I doubt these ladies are thinking “At least we don’t have to deal with tailgaters and rush hour traffic”. But who knows?
What I do know is that Herbert has an epic portfolio with images from around the world as good as this one. So after he gives you the full story below check out his sites and read about his amazing adventures.
You can see more of Herbert’s photos at the following addresses:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thru-my-lens/collections
and stories of some of his travels: http://travel-and-photography.blogspot.com
Enter Herbert:
The Hussaini Bridge over the rapidly flowing Hunza River in the Upper Hunza/Baltistan of Pakistan connects the Hussaini village to the Karakorum Highway. This area is wildly beautiful, amongst the mountains of the Karakorum, with snow-capped mountains and glaciers within few hours’ walk. This Hussaini Bridge is “new” as the tattered remains of the previous bridge still hangs next to it. Yet there are wide gaps between the planks while the wild side-to-side sway of the bridge makes crossing the bridge an Indian-Jones moment and a real test of courage.
I took this photo on my second visit to this part of Pakistanin 2007, after trekking to the K2 Base Camp. I took a similar photo of the bridge in 1999 but felt that the photo would be more exciting with a foreground subject. I was careful to ensure the photo includes the amazingly beautiful Passu Cathedrals (or Tupopdan Peaks) on the left of the picture as well as circuitous trail that leads to the base of the bridge at the opposite shore. Looking at the photo, one will notice how sturdy the planks are as each piece looks similarly poised and positioned, albeit after eight years.
This area was badly flooded in May 2010. I just hoped that the bridge survived the floods and continues to serve the villagers. I hope to see it again on my next visit to this amazing part of Pakistan.
Camera: Canon 400D
Lens: Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5
Shutter speed: 1/320
Aperture: f8
ISO: 100
Focal length: 17mm
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Great picture.
Breathtaking, not only the image but also the idea of crossing this bridge. And I *would* do it, if given the chance–just not without respectful trepidation!
The perspective lines are hypnotizing! It’s hard to look away.
This picture is amazing! As someone familiar with the terrain, I admire the photographer’s ability to be at this place at this time to take this shot!
A superb photo. And to think I have difficulty standing on a table!
Great & scary shot
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It’s pretty breathtaking. It looks like the bridge to the right of it didn’t survive the last flood.
Oh my god, this is crazyness, I would never ever take a step. But the picture is amazing!!!
I want to go there now!
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God! You think they could have built that bridge in a more accessible place, like off to the left where no one would have to risk their lives climbing down that mountain. How in the world did they build it in the first place? Were they short of wooden planks, that they had to space them so far apart? I think they could have spent a little more time in the designing phase. Seriously, you couldn’t pay me enough to climb down that mountainside and cross that bridge. Indiana Jones, I definitely am not!
Am I the only one who’s reminded of an Indiana Jones movie?
Wow! That is scary, fabulous, and intriguing all at the same time.
This bridge is very long and really dangerous, but it’s very amazing.
Amazing photo, but I don’t fancy taking my chances! Those women’s hearts must be in their mouths!
Beautiful, and scary!
My kind of bridge! Oh, for my younger days!
I love this shot – and I have to agree that (in my case) Montreal traffic probably doesn’t compare to what these woman are faced with. Yikes!
Whoa! Interesting but scary!! Great shot, Mr Wong
wow… the bridge alongside the one the ladies are walking on looks dreadful. By sharing your photos you allow folks like me to discover more of God’s crazy yet amazing world and its wonderful people.
Thankyou.
Paul
lovely…peaceful capture.
Whoa. That’s terrifying. And it makes for an absolutely amazing photo. Well done, Herbert Wong. And massive props to the bridgewalkers.
What a photo!!
That’s so much to see- so many elementsin the photo- spectacular mountains, incredible zig-zag trail and of course, the woman and the bridge. But this crossing will be just another photo, if not becos of the perspective that you have captured in the image.
Really a masterpiece.
Brave woman! At first I was fretting over the space between the boards but then realised weight of more boards coupled with the length of the bridge would compromise the whole structure. Someone was thinking. Is that the older, fallen bridge next to it? It’s like a constant reminder of what can happen to the people crossing.
We often forget the struggles most people in the world face everyday that we have no context to even begin to understand.
OMG that is seriously dangerous..yup she is thinking atleast there is no traffic or honking..
Definitely not for people with weak hearts..earning livelihood isnt easy but this just takes it to whole new level
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amazing ……have enjoyed ur photographs and got inspired to write …have nominated u for the sunshine award.
Not for this cowgirl!!
Definitely scary!
This is crazy! I cannot imagine myself crossing that bridge.
I think I was once on the other bridge….when the boards collapsed
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The words, no way, never in this world, nuh you wouldn’t get me on that bridge.
What a great adventure!
Bella and DiDi
Like something from a war movie!
Your photographs are amazing and inspirational!
Not for those with a fear of heights and falling.
Not in a million years. I’m chicken. Great photo.
Because I think you are awesome times two, I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Please go to http://momentumofjoy.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/sunshine-award-let-there-be-light/ to check out why I think you are amazing and what you need to do if you accept it. Love and light always! MoJo
Holy smokes! I am thankful for the conveniences we have in America. Thank you Lord!
Great job catching this pic!
You are about to get a Sunshine Award so get ready for the love!
I might cross that bridge- AT GUNPOINT!
I wouldn’t want to walk on that…
Thanks for liking my post. I visited this site and can’t believe this photo! I shared it on Facebook and said I would never complain about traffic again.
Wow!
Oh!!! My hands are sweating just looking at the picture!
Not for me! The bridge I mean, the photo is great.
Unbelievable photo. I had to look at it for a while to understand the scope of it. We are so spoiled. That’s daily life in other parts of the world. Makes the adventures we do for recreation look silly.
Thanks for sharing it.
What a great image
Love this picture, but no way, no way, no way.
That would NOT be me…or at least only if my life depended on it! Yikes!
Amazing image! I will never complain about my commute again:)
Nice picture but I would never try to pass that bridge
pardon my language….but oh shit!!! i’d scared as hell to go on that bridge….great picture…but that bridge? just wow!
Ahhh.. women doing men’s work. What else is new?
Wow those mountains are RIDICULOUS. What a view!
This is a striking photo, in and of itself, not counting the terrific composition, or even reality of the bridge itself. Thank you for showing me something I likely would not have seen otherwise.
i can just imagine the feelings of walking that bridge
There would have to be a really good reason for me to even to attempt to cross that bridge. It looks like a good way to die if you make the wrong move. No thank you. Great photo, though.
I could never, ever, ever, ever do that!
Indeed. Wow!
It doesn’t look like they’re crossing a river – I thought it was a glacier. INcredible.
One misstep and they probably don’t stand a chance. Most of us who can spend time blogging should remember how much we take for granted.
love it! I will never complain again about getting where i have to go!!
I think I’d rather swim…
Sadly beautiful.
Le Clown
Oh my I hate walking across the grate on the sidwalk. You wouls never find me on this
Magnificent photo! And from a geological perspective, again, Magnificent!!
Calling this bridge dangerous is like saying that the Pope knows a bit of Latin.
Great photo.
definitely makes you appreciate what you have
Women are so brave. Wonder how many times she has crossed that hammock of a bridge.
The bridge is incredible but I’m not sure I’d walk across
You have a lot of strength and courage have something to do every day beisspiel
I shan’t ever grumble about the London underground again! Phew, that lady’s got enough courage to make Indiana Jones crumble with fear. What an amazing picture and story.
I can’t help thinking life is more dangerous.
Amazing photo .. but I wouldn’t consider walking the bridge
I have to ask – would I go across it? I think it would depend what was on the other side!
Breathtaking, yet, scary!
Wow, that’s amazing. They need engineers out there – and some more wood.