09-06-12 The Old Bridge, Mostar

Stari Most ("the Old Bridge) is a name I've seen for bridges in other places in for former Yugoslav Republic. But this particular bridge is the most famous Stari Most. It spans the Neretva River in Mostar, Bosnia. Though it is called "the Old Bridge," parts of it date back to very recent history because it has been reconstructed.It stood for close to 500 years before it was intentionally destroyed in the Croat-Bosniak war. In war there is a general convention that art and architecture are spared. But in this case the enemy made an exception. Fortunately, it has been meticulously reconstructed.

08-24-12 Love's Padlocks

Quit reading this and click here.Now you know what these padlocks are all about. These padlocks were affixed to a bridge in Ljubljana that was constructed with lovers in mind because it had cables that made it convenient to affix your "love lock."Canon 5DII 1/125s f/6.3 ISO320 58mm

06-18-09 Stari Most - Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina

By Scott Shephard

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This is not a remarkable photo. Do a Google search and you will find many more that are better. I did want you to see this bridge, though, since I have referred to it in other posts. To me, the most remarkable thing about this bridge is that it stood for centuries and both literally and symbolically bridged the cultural differences that existed in Mostar.

Then, in 1993, it became an intentional victim of the bitter war that affected so much of this region. The bridge was rebuilt with the aide of the international community but there are signs everywhere that say "Don't forget '93," which was the year the bridge was destroyed.

One Muslim man I encountered the day I took this photo told me that "don't forget" is not a call for revenge. Instead it is a reminder that we should never forget the damage that intolerance and hatred can inflict on people.

02-25-09 212 Bridge - Missouri River, South Dakota

By Scott Shephard

This is the Highway 212 bridge across the Missouri River in South Dakota. There are some who would say that large parts of South Dakota are barren and unremarkable. But, of course, I disagree. I think there is true beauty in the openness and expansiveness of the plains. This is especially true at sunrise, when this photo was taken. On this morning I was on my way to the Little Bend area of the Missouri River for another sailing outing. This view of the river is the first view I get when I am on a sailing trip. At this juncture, I don't cross the river but turn south along highway 1804. I am only 30 minutes away from picking up my boat. And only 60 minutes from casting off on the third largest reservoir in the United States - Lake Oahe.

Canon 5D f18 1/50 iso250 43mm Canon 24-105 4.0L (Photo taken August 16, 2005)