High point

In this, my 99th blog posting (egads!), I will take you to visit what is purportedly the tallest observation bridge tower in the world - right in Maine.

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge is a sight to behold, and once you take the 50-second elevator ride to stand 420 feet above the Penobscot River (Maine's longest), you can see views that are mind-boggling.

Earlier this afternoon, the sun was shining, a breeze was blowing and you could see the western mountains of Maine, more than 70 miles away. It simply astounds.

Here's the tour:

The base of the observation tower

Beginning with the view upriver, toward the western mountains (the Verso mill is at right)

Turning clockwise, the peninsula in the foreground is the site of Fort Knox,
with Bucksport across the river

The town of Bucksport

The opposite bridge tower and the faint landmass to the right is Cadillac Mountain

Still turning clockwise, this is the view toward Blue Hill (the distant tall peak on the left)

Looking toward Castine and the mouth of the Penobscot River
as it empties into Penobscot Bay

Turning a bit more right, toward Prospect

Back to where we started, but looking straight down at my car just out of the shadow of the tower. At top is the shadow of the old Waldo-Hancock Bridge.

Another view straight down, into the cabling above the bridge's deck

Not something one generally sees in Maine
and somewhat disturbing to view while riding an elevator

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge to the right and the old Waldo-Hancock Bridge to the left

The old Waldo-Hancock Bridge was one of the more elegant bridges in the state and a renowned suspension bridge in its heyday