Thursday, July 2, 2020

A River Runs Through It

Upper Spokane Falls
As a reprieve from the seemingly endless parade of Hittites, I offer a brief diversion.

One benefit of the current pandemic situation is that social commitments have been reduced in both number and duration.  With bigger holes in our schedules (well, specifically Nancy's social calendar), we find more time for hiking and urban walks.  One such walk that is a favorite of mine includes a stroll around Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane.  While I pass through Riverfront Park via the Centennial Trail frequently while cycling, I rarely take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery. 
Footbridge spanning the Upper Falls
The city of Spokane is bifurcated by the Spokane River.  Through the center of the city, the river plummets through a series of waterfalls.  There are two main waterfalls: Upper and Lower Falls.  The combination of these two falls represents the largest urban waterfall in the USA.  Two islands divide the flow of the Upper Falls.  The river is united by time the Lower Falls is encountered.  The downtown area bordering these urban waterfalls has been set aside as a public park of 100 acres in size.
Upper Falls
A number of bridges, both for foot and vehicular traffic, crisscrosses the river in the downtown area.  Many offer stunning views of the falls and access to the two, midstream islands.
Upper Falls with old power plant on the left
Spokane hosted the 1974 World's Fair Expo.  At the time, it was the smallest host city to be awarded a World's Fair.  While transformed since the Expo days of 1974, some of those legacy artifacts remain.  One such leftover structure is the US Pavilion.  Once housing an ice rink, IMAX, and amusements, the recently renovated pavilion offers a modern and serene gathering place.  
Former US Pavilion
Another legacy holdover from the Expo is the floating orchestra barge with riverside, tiered seating.  During the summer months and festivals, this is the site for many a concert.  Well, maybe not so many outdoor concerts will be seen in 2020.  With the clock tower as a backdrop, a lovely venue, nonetheless.
Floating orchestra barge
Besides the US Pavilion tent, another easily recognizable park landmark is the Great Northern Clock Tower.  Before redevelopment began for the 1974 Expo, the railroad station was situated on Havermale island where the clock tower stands today.  During redevelopment, the railway station was relocated in a land swap but, fortunately, the tower remained.  The tower is an elegant structure.    
Great Northern Clock Tower
Heading downstream via the walkways and observation platforms, the Monroe Street Bridge looms large overhead.  To me, the sight of the bridge presents an elegant, engineering marvel highlighting form as well as function.  The gondolas provide an aerial view for passengers as they make the round trip journey from embarkation point near Post Street Bridge to the gorge spanned by the Monroe Street Bridge.  A second bridge of similar design and construction spans the Latah Creek gorge about two miles to the west.    
Monroe Street Bridge and Gondolas
Viewed from the observation platforms at the Lower Falls, the elevation drop is dramatic.  Before the days of dams, the Lower Falls was a congregation place for salmon as they made their way back upstream to their breeding grounds.
Lower Falls
I hope this brief look at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane provided an enjoyable distraction from the long parade of Hittites.  The final two units of the planned twelve BMU Hittite army are up next time.

38 comments:

  1. Lovely scenery Jonathan...
    I envy your proximity to it... and the nice weather you seem to be having.
    It’s raining here and the forecast for the next week or so is grey... wet and grey... mind you it’s not like I am planning to go anywhere 😂

    All the best. Aly

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aly, the nice weather is hit and miss in the Pacific Northwest in June as well. Summer doesn't REALLY begin until July 4. We have no travel plans either...

      Delete
  2. Nice, we often forget what our own neighbourhoods have to offer. Millions of people come here each year yet I rarely venture into the Lakes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure. We often take for granted what is in our own backyard. Perhaps time for a visit to the Lakes for you?

      Delete
  3. Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures with us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the nice pics and certainly a lot nicer to look at than most of central Bristol. Also seeing sunny skies was nice as it's pouring down here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Steve! As I mentioned to Aly above, weather can be unsettled here too. We have experienced rain at least one day this week.

      Delete
  5. That looks really nice Jonathan. What a great resource to have in the middle of the city.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is nice! Having the river, falls, and park in the center of town is a most welcome escape.

      Delete
  6. Lovely tour Jon - enjoyed it very much - thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. A lovely tour to follow. You are a lucky man to have that so close to enjoy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed the quick look around the falls!

      Delete
  8. Lovely rivers and bridges and great to have a dirty great park in the middle of the city!
    Best Iain

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Iain, the 100 acre park situated in the downtown area centered on the river and falls is very photogenic.

      Delete
  9. I had a sense that Spokane's location was beautiful, but I had no idea that the city itself had such character and attractions, particularly the waterfalls and bridges! Lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ed, some would claim Spokane is a hidden gem although the success of the Gonzaga basketball team has put us somewhat on the radar.

      Delete
  10. But..but..where are the Hittites? I couldn’t find them in the terrain. 😀

    Very nice pics! My wife and love taking pics of bridges.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hittites will be up next time, Stew. Glad you enjoyed the photos!

      Delete
  11. Lovely photos Jonathan and I never realised that Spokane hosted the World Expo. I still have very fond memories of the Brisbane '88 Expo and it is nice they kept some reminders there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lawrence. Without Expo 74, the Spokane downtown riverfront might still be an industrial area. 40+ years later, this area is undergoing another massive redevelopment to make the 100 acre park even more attractive.

      Delete
  12. Lovely piccies Jonathan. Coming from a drier place the river and lakes of North America are *amazing*!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Interesting to see your local city Jonathon -its quite unusual to have such an @active@ river flowing through the centre of a large conurbation: most river cities have much more placid waters, like the Seine in Paris or the Thames in London, Your river is much more dramatic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keith, good that you found the travelogue of interest. There are a few cities in the USA having falls running through them but none quite like Spokane. Well, in my opinion anyway...

      Delete
  14. Beautiful scenery, Jonathan. Those rapids look really awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Some beautiful photos Jonathan, looks a great place to live.

    ReplyDelete
  16. A great tour and striking scenery, Jon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you enjoyed the tour! If you are ever out west...

      Delete