... ... ...
Departing Shepperd's Dell--
The highway, directly in front of us, and on this postcard, curves around an enormous large rock, called Bishops Cap, which is the end of a Basalt flow, and forms the east gateway to Shepperd's Dell.
Todays road builders would likely go right through the rock. But that's what makes the Columbia Gorge so fascinating. If at all possible, the highway designers tried to emphasize the natural beauty of the Gorge.
The resulting 'half-tunnel' has become a featured landmark along the highway.
Notice the edge of the turn, the sturdily designed stone railing & rock barriers. These have become the signature of the Historic Highway.
The skilled hands responsible for this artfully done work, belonged to Italian stonemasons. Notice the stonemasons in the under construction picture.
Departing Shepperd's Dell--
The highway, directly in front of us, and on this postcard, curves around an enormous large rock, called Bishops Cap, which is the end of a Basalt flow, and forms the east gateway to Shepperd's Dell.
Todays road builders would likely go right through the rock. But that's what makes the Columbia Gorge so fascinating. If at all possible, the highway designers tried to emphasize the natural beauty of the Gorge.
The resulting 'half-tunnel' has become a featured landmark along the highway.
Notice the edge of the turn, the sturdily designed stone railing & rock barriers. These have become the signature of the Historic Highway.
The skilled hands responsible for this artfully done work, belonged to Italian stonemasons. Notice the stonemasons in the under construction picture.
