Belle Island sets in the middle of the James River. Some visionary was crazy enough to propose building a footbridge to the island that is suspended beneath the Lee Bridge. Just getting there is a thrill as you walk 50 feet over the water on a suspended concrete walkway. It is actually quite safe, there are 4 foot railings on both sides to make you feel secure.
I took this picture on my birthday 3 years ago. It was taken at sunrise looking back towards the city from the footpath that circles the island. The light was perfect.
The walk takes you from the edge of downtown to a semi wild and desolate place full of ghosts. In it's time it has played host to an Indian settlement, a horse track, a civil war POW camp where thousands suffered, a power plant with two dams and a steel mill, the remains of which are shown in here.
Today it is a public park and quick escape from the urban rat race. There are turbulent rapids on both sides. Whitewater rafters and kayaks are a common sight. When I first saw it I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a sunny warm day in January and many people turned out to take advantage of this brief reprieve from winter. It was a day to make you smile and most people did. I was new in town and reveled in the friendly vibe. I felt sure I had made the right decision in coming to Richmond.
Brandy and I were frequent visitors.
Today it is a public park and quick escape from the urban rat race. There are turbulent rapids on both sides. Whitewater rafters and kayaks are a common sight. When I first saw it I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a sunny warm day in January and many people turned out to take advantage of this brief reprieve from winter. It was a day to make you smile and most people did. I was new in town and reveled in the friendly vibe. I felt sure I had made the right decision in coming to Richmond.
Brandy and I were frequent visitors.
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