Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON 
In 1999, when I followed the footsteps of the Yukon stampeders, I rafted this stretch of water with no danger at all. Then I panned for gold, but the outcome did not define the passage (or length) of my life.
But just over a century ago, things were very different here. This is Miles Canyon, where bold men literally risked life and limb after news of gold in the Klondike spread like wildfire. Here at Whitehorse, capital city of the Yukon, the waters in the canyon are now calm and serene, because of a hydro-electric dam that tamed the once-foaming current.
Back in 1999, I never thought I would have the opportunity to visit this area again, but I am very privileged to be here at the invitation of Yukon Tourism. I shot these images of the footbridge over Miles Canyon from high above the water, using a 300mm lens.
Check out RuneE's "Building Bridges" theme at Visual Norway.
20 comments:
I have never seen a bridge like that, but then I have never taken part in a gold rush either (although I have some old pictures from an abandoned gold mine in Norway - not many people know about this one. Maybe I'll post the some day.)
The landscape was impressive. One can but wonder about the power of gold to awaken the human lust.
Thabk you for sharing!
Wonderful shot. I love bridges.
It must have been terrifying crossing that river before the dam and that bridge!
Great shots David.
Tell that Yukon Tourism board that it worked. Your pictures have sold me and I'm coming!
I would like to have seen it before the hydro-electric dam was installed. It all looks very calm now.
David,
I posted a comment on POtD, then I received an odd email from your email account:
"This Message was undeliverable due to the following reason:
The user(s) account is temporarily over quota."
David ... your email is over limits and my reply to your question about "W" was returned. "W" is the polite way we Americans refer to our currert commander in chief George W Bush ... his time as leader thankfully is drawing to a close .. 4 more months .. and counting ...
:-Daryl
Discovering the Yukon region through your lenses... and writings.
Suspended briges are a dilemmna to me: on one hand they can be impressive like this one, on the other hand consequences and implications go so far beyond…
Truly magnificent!! I have always wanted to go there --How nice that they flew you there to photograph and you are sharing it w/ us. Thank you
It would have been good to see the waters in their original turbulent state!
Interesting bridge, but the water... I think I'll swim. (And freeze?)
Last summer we hiked a small and fairly level portion of the long and arduous Chilkoot Trail out of Skagway, Alaska, which a majority of the Klondike prospectors traveled to reach the Klondike. They traveled it many times, in fact, as they had to transport all the required supplies to the top, and although some hired local natives to help, many could not afford to do so. It was truly a rugged life, and not all found the gold that drew them there.
Beautiful area... somewhere I'd like to get to someday.
Thanks for introducing me to your site, It's a gem!
Beautiful landscape and beautiful colours. Great "Broer som binder" post.
What a story and what a bridge!!
And in our country Norway, I have never ever seen a bridge like that, ... but it seems like a firebridge to me also in a way??
Exelent photos :-)
I can't imagine how powerful was the lure of the gold in them thar hills, but this area's story reminds me of the BC Gold Rush and how men would brave the rapids of our mighty Fraser River to reach Barkerville.
Now my nose is seriously out of joint that you are there and I am here ..??Sigh )
Beautiful photo-- that is some bridge!
My bridge is a different kind of bridge but a bridge all the same-- come see it at my new blog.
Paulie
Thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures of yours. I've actually had the blessing of spending some time travelling in the Yukon when I was 11 years old. What a gorgeous corner of the Earth! In fact, I spent a good portion of my life in Dawson Creek, BC - Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway.
Wonderful shots of a lovely bridge!
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