The Big River Crossing is complete

Saturday October 22, 2016 was a big day for Memphis and West Memphis. The Big River Crossing opened officially with pomp and circumstance. The Harahan Railroad Bridge at one time had car lanes attached to it. It was plank covered and allowed cars to travel across the Mississippi River from Arkansas to Tennessee and vice versa. Early in 2013 construction began making the north side of the bridge a pedestrian bike trail. It is the longest pedestrian bike bridge across the Mississippi. It is a excellent structure on a beautiful and stately old bridge. Most importantly it links Memphis TN with West Memphis AR, allowing bicyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the river. From this beginning a new network of trails will be added.

This sign is on the Arkansas side and announces the attraction to passing motorists on I55.

This shows the bridge when it was under construction. The walkway is on the side of the bridge facing the camera, the river tug, and Martyrs Park.

The trail from the river to the visitors entrance in Arkansas is covered with openings on the north side viewing the I40 bridge and the river.

Over the river it is not covered and open to the sky and bridge above. To the right of the people and the high fence is the railroad tracks. Trains use the bridge all the time.

It offers great views of the river and the Memphis skyline.

This is a view just on the bridge from the Memphis side and offers a unique view of the skyline that was impossible to get before the Big River Crossing unless one would illegally sneak onto the railroad bridge which was dangerous as well as against the law.

The bridge is an amazing sight when lit up in the evening.

Here is a couple out walking their dog at night on the bridge. It is open from sunrise to 10PM every day and is lit up with various colors.

It is an amazing structure when lit up.

It offers a variety of views for the photographer and those just enjoying the Memphis skyline.

Here is a map of some of the trails that are planned to be developed.

I encourage you to get out and enjoy it for yourself.

The Shelby Farms Park Makeover is complete, and a complete success!

One of the things that impresses me most about Memphis is the dedication people have to Shelby Farms park. It is funded locally by donations and patrons and it is a beautiful green space for all Memphis Residents. When they tore down the old visitors center I was amazed thinking it was great, but the new one and all the added features, along with the Fedex Event Center is superb! Here is a photo collection of the New Shelby Farms Park.

This is the new Visitors Center housing a cafe

Patriot lake is enlarged/doubled

They have added hiking rails for evening walks

For the whole family

A new upscale restaurant  called The Kitchen in the Fedex Event Center

Bicycling

Sailing

Relaxing

Oh, and some things stayed the same

A Visit to Reelfoot Lake

Just south of the Kentucky Tennessee State Line, near Highway 78, is Tennessee's only natural lake, Reelfoot Lake. It was formed by a massive earthquake in the 1800's. It is a shallow lake that has great fishing and resembles a swamp because of the many cyprus trees around and in it near the shore. It is a large lake covering over forty square miles of land area.

In 1811 there was an earthquake the magnitude of 8.1 which changed the course of the Mississippi River and flooded and created Reelfoot Lake. It has as lot of rich history and was alledgely named after a native american chief that was known for a deformed foot, and walked with a rolling motion. It is a beautiful lake and a go to target for photographers. I visited it earlier this summer and here are a few shots.

This is one of the first places to approach the lake coming in form Tiptonville and Highway 78.

This is another view of the same location showing one of several boardwalks that line the lake.

The roots of the Cyprus Tree are unique very interesting to look at

Here is a new boardwalk that goes a long way out into the lake.

The greens are lush in the summer

Great reflections

From the nearby Town of Tiptonville TN

Great fishing I am told

I hope you have enjoyed my visit from these photos.

Pat Young; Memphis Photographer: Memphis Photographer Feature

Pat Young lives in Lucy TN, part of the rural area just Northeast of Memphis. She has lived in the Memphis area for forty-five years. She began photography at a very early age, mostly because she likes preserving memories. Her favorite subject matter is the landscape, and she especially loves to shoot the Hernando Desoto Bridge. Her colorful photos capture a real feel for the Memphis and Mid-South area. She captures the rural countryside with farms, and she also captures the colorful graffiti on commercial buildings. She sells her work and has her own Facebook photography page https://www.facebook.com/Photography-by-Pat-Young-954749111277736/ She sells postcards and prints and if you see something you like message her.

She captures the best of farm life with an interesting point of view

Here is the beauty of the bridge at night

She collects butterflies, photos that is

Gorgeous sunsets

The streets of Memphis

Angry skies

Beautiful Mornings

Graffiti

Skyline through the trees

From across the mighty Mississip'

And finally, one more look at the bridge

Oh, and when she travels she takes her camera with her!