Words and Light

Thanks to Abbott and Costello, I’ve been familiar with the word/name “Susquehanna” for more than half my life. And now I’m living in a county whose eastern border is the Susquehanna River itself.

I’ve been in York for just over three weeks now but have crossed the river various times — and was always struck by its icy beauty. Therefore, on Friday, I set out to make some pictures of the Susquehanna.

It was a frustrating trip. I did find access points, but they didn’t have the view of the river I wanted. In Wrightsville, the river was blue and flowing; what I wanted was the icy surface that I’d seen near Harrisburg. So I headed up north via Rte 441.

An industrial plant next to the Susquehanna River and on Rte 441 between Marietta and Bainbridge, Pa.

I did find Three Mile Island.

Three Mile Island, as seen from Rte 441.

Per a friend’s suggestion, I made my way to City Island, which is a mile-long island in the middle of the river next to Harrisburg. Not too many good vantage points there, either, unfortunately. I desperately wished it were legal for me to pull over on the shoulder of one of the many bridges spanning the Susquehanna. One day, when it’s less windy, I’ll take the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge from Harrisburg.

The Market Street bridge over the Susquehanna River, as seen from City Island.

Perhaps on my next days off, I’ll try again to find some good access points. Many of the ones I did find were private/corporate property, so I’ll have to do some research and find more public areas along the river. And maybe rent a helicopter so I can get exactly the shots I want. (I wish!)