Do you suffer from vertigo? Why not challenge yourself on a Tibetan Bridge!
The bridge, while safe, will challenge your vertigo limits! That's me in the distance!
The Tibetan Bridge "Carasc"
Two weeks ago my son and I decided to experience the thrill of crossing one of the longest Tibetan bridges in Switzerland. It is found above the town of Monte Carasso which is not too far from Bellinzona in the Canton of Ticino.
Facts About The Bridge
- It connects the hill of Sementina to the one above Monte Carasso.
- The bridge measures 270 metres in length and is suspended 130 metres above the creek below.
- The walkway is comprised of boards, a safety wire mesh on the sides and has a cable a handrail.
Getting There
From Monte Carasso you can either take a Cable car or a shuttle bus part way up. Once you get to the starting point you'll have about a 45 minute walk to the bridge.
Walking through the woods was both relaxing and exciting because we kept anticipating seeing the bridge!
We were thankful that there was some clean spring mountain water along the route!
Was the bridge going to be around the next bend? The anticipation was getting to us!
Finally There it Was!
Finally we were in sight of the object of our desire!
It was fun crossing it and also watching others as they struggled to overcome their jitters. While we were there a couple of people gave up after getting part way and ended turning back. One women ended up paralyzed with fear at about the 1/3 point. She was still there after we left the area but her husband was coaxing her on!
Here you can see that the sag in bridge is quite pronounced. It sways a bit while walking and some "passengers" like to rock it a bit and freak the others out!
Here's another shot showing almost the full length of the bridge.
This video shows how the bridge was constructed. I wonder how they did it in olden times!
Other Things to See Near the Bridge
There is a beautiful housing cluster in Curzútt, which features stone buildings, gardens, and the terraced hills are planted with fields of grain and vineyards. The town has recently undergone a 6 million franc restoration and it gives you a feel for life in the ancient past.
This shot showing the typical stone roofs is from myswitzerland.com
A closer view of the type of structure is quite common in Old Ticino! So Cool!
There was no shortage of interesting structures to see along the paths!
Some Things to Discuss
- Do you suffer from vertigo?
- Have you ever crossed a Tibetan style bridge?
- If not would you like to?
- Do you enjoy this type of exciting and cultural hiking?
I hope that you enjoyed this "Vertigo Challenge With a Great Trip to a Wobbly Bridge!"
Until next time,
@kus-knee (The Old Dog)
Remember, if you upvote my post and leave a comment I will do my best to upvote it with some of my 41,000 plus Steem Power!
I crossed some pretty scary bridges like that during my stint in the Himalayas a long time ago.
All that wooden planking to walk on, and the fencing on the sides, would have been very comforting :-)
@onceuponatime,
I could imagine how you feel that! When I got that kind of experience I had to use both legs and hands to cross the bridge! (That's my 4 wheel drives)
I didn't look down... coz I won't be the craziest among other hikers :D
I would love to do this! I have a rush for things like this. I don't believe I have ever suffered from vertigo, but if I have I did not realize it!
I feel like I would be of the group to shake the bridge and freak the others out.
I wonder if that lady is still only 1/3rd of the way done with the bridge!
Speaking of bridges, I have a younger brother who is named Bridge. He is the connecting piece in our family! He is the calming one compared to me, the high strung, nutty one!
Here he is with a monster fish he caught recently with his friend!
wow, that's a goldfish )) it is a lot of soup to weld ))
Yes lots of soup!
))
What an amazing name your brother has! Nice catch too!
Thank you! There are 8 kids in my family and we all have interesting names! I am going to do a post about it soon! The name fits him so well!
@kus-knee,
I love that place! OMG it seems like a dream... Once I was crossed that kind of bridge at my country. I had to use my legs and also my hands (4 wheel drives lol :D) to cross that bridge. This post reminds me those memories.
I wish one day I could be here and if I do, all credits will go to @kus-knee!
Thanks for sharing this amazing experience with us!
Cheers~
Hahhaha 4 wheel drive. I know what you mean!!!!!
I was really impressed with the video about the construction....especially the guys laying down the planking...man!!! Definitely not a regular 9 - 5 job...
OMG! This is amazing! And no need to go to Tibet!
I'm lucky, don't suffer from vertigo but careful enough. If I knew this was safe, I would go along this bridge. Sometimes I would stop, and photograph the amazing view. Sometimes I would jiggle on this bridge, to test the nerves of other people (oh, no, it's just a joke :)))
We have no such bridges, but have a zip-line, which is in my bucket-list:
Yes you should try the zip line. I tried one a couple of years ago and it was FUN!
That actually looks super frightening!
Looks so high! Is thay even safe? Would love to try that one! Placing it on my bucket list! 😊 thanks for sharing @kus-knee! Love it! Would recommend thay to my mom to coz she has vertigo, and believe me, its really not a great feeling. Also hard to see them suffer when they get attacks. Again, thanks!
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Yes not everyone can do it but most seem to be able to. I felt very safe.
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There was a wonderful bridge in Switzerland.
You will have a thrilling experience.
Good information Thanks.
Thanks to you!
Cool! I think it's an incredible feeling and really challenge myself. I would not be able to overcome her fear of heights. I shiver in knees are afraid of heights. But this bridge is pretty cool stuff.
And what an effort it cost people and technology to create such an incredible masterpiece.
Thank you @kus-knee for sharing with us photos and videos. Very interesting post!
I am also afraid of heights but I did it!
You are a big fellow!
I've been there and even if I don't suffer a lot of vertigo I have to say that it was challenging! It's a great thing that they did, it kind of integrate very well with the environment and it's very attractive. People get there mainly for the bridge but they discover a beautiful surrounding! I totally like this kind of hiking because it's not just getting from a point to another, but it's getting there for a reason!
I was sure that you had been there. It was a great day, a great visit and like you said very purposeful. In the future I would like to do more hiking!
Vertigo!!! What's that? I'd have loved it more if this bridge didn't had any side-fencing or hand-rails for support. That would have given me more stomach jolts 😜
Perhaps more than vertigo, people fear their belief in equating phrases like crossing of a bridge to death. Is it true, when a Tibetan Terrier crosses a bridge, he never return back? I dunno but probably the term rainbow bridge originated from such sayings and they are ingrained deep in many people resulting in untold fears.
But I'd really enjoy crossing such a bridge. What a beautiful surrounding and a perfect weather ...it must be fun being high up on the bridge there!
Yes it was a nice day and great to spend it with my son!
I had vertigo and my fear of heights kick in just looking at that first photo, lol! I can't imagine walking across that! How old is your son? That seems quite daring for both of you! Also these views are stunning! I might have to kick my fear of heights in the butt just to see that ;)
My son is 17 and I am also afraid of heights. I felt secure on the bridge though!
Love that place!
Went there a few months ago... next time I take a beautiful selfie!
I don't suffer vertigo... yeah... I can stand there days, weeks, months... :-)
Hey my favorite mannequin! Glad that you got to see the bridge, plus it's very close to where you make pesto and watch tennis! I know that YOU could stand there for a long long time!
Since you lost your job you've got a lot of time to do stuff and you're enjoying life more!
Keep blogging @steemitri, I'm convinced that you'll be a Steemit Star!
WOW, I'm not sure if I would be able to walk this bridge since I developed some freight of heights over the years, although not major, but still. 15 years or so ago, I was offered to walk the top of the bridge in Sydney Australia, but decided not to do it. Similarities with this bridge. Looks wonderful though. I shall try and visit this place next time I'm in Switzerland.
I am also afraid of heights but I felt secure and I enjoyed it very much!
I can imagine you enjoyed! It is on my list to do now for sure!
OMG! I'm not sure she would dare to go through this bridge. Otherwise, nice! :)
It's an adventure!
He he - are you in Tibet now or Switzerland - shake your bones from the bridge Sir
Hmm let me check! I'm leaving for Germany on Monday though!
Cool, where you go? I leave for Bulgaria on Thursday
The Black Forest area.
I do not have vertigo problem. I can walk the bridge without any problem.
Crazy place!
They popped out to me, so I should say it...
Even though the side webbing seems good, and a reasonable height, those bolts on the wooden walkway should be countersunk/bored. We cannot predict the way someone might trip while holding or not holding the rail, G-d forbid.
I don't understand the thought process they used... It may be that someone should be advised... Do you know the name of the organization/gov't who owns it?
At the end of the video on how they built it you'll see all of the info on the builders and owners. The Swiss are not a
humble lot though.
Excellent, thanks. Though I'm somewhat of an ignoramus and I probably sounded less humble than you say they are!, I just emailed the architect... Filippini and Partner ([email protected])
Great! keep me posted!
If they reply, I sure will let you know. I asked them if there was some reason for them being that way, that I don't see...
You have me curious! You and I are too practical and have too much hands on experience for architects.
While it's true we often use a tool or something and think how it should be different, this particular problem seems too obvious to miss for a designer/architect/engineer, SAFETY engineer, etc! I'm thinking there is something I must be missing. Though if they don't reply, I will reconsider, lol!
Were you conscious of the bolts at all?
I like it very much. I have been there in August 2016 with my wife. Nice post!
Yes I saw your post. You can also write in Italian here on Steemit. Just use the tag "it"
Beautiful pictures, but I couldn´t cross this bridge, cause I suffer from vertigo.
I would be much to jittery.
You could still go and take a look at it!
great stuff found your blog today! wanna visit this place too
Hiro! Good to see you! How is your debit card treating you?
so far so good, I encounter no problem, aside from its fees... I think they have a lot of fees but their support team is solving it making it easier to use and eliminating unnecessary steps. I think some of the fees will be eliminated as well soon
This bridge is just ridiculous :D I´ve crossed some Tibetan bridges already but never one like this, but would like to do so as I love such small adventures :)
It is really neat to see and cross such bridges!
we have a bridge like that not far from here too, and I have NEVER walked it ;)
Maybe it's time to go! It might inspire your art to even higher levels!
I am scared of heights so that brdge is no no for me.
You need to get your dad to take to this one in Vancouver. It's a little paradise even if you don't cross the bridge.
https://www.capbridge.com/
Yes, dear bro. I need to take kids to such sights, at least near ones. I am not only learning how to steem from you but how to live and enjoy life too my Brother. Thanks a lot, you are great!!
Dude you travel to some amazing places!
All I can think about when I see that bridge is the scene in "Indiana jones and the temple of doom"
For years I have had back problems self inflicted from being overweight, but I am fixing them and the problems have got much better, I hope to be able to explore further afield very soon:)
It's good to know that you are working on your health. Good for you! I had back problems for many years and then I did 10 sessions of Rolfing and 10 of Osteopathy and I've had zero problems for 15 years!
Thanks mate, I am glad you managed to get your back fixed! Its a right pain isn't it! I got sick of having to keep saying to my girlfriend "I need to sit down" does not help when we both like the great outdoors and I constantly needed to sit down.
Strangely I bought some memory foam shoes and they seemed to help? I can now walk for much longer and that's helping me lose weight.
Thank you for sharing some of the amazing places you visit:)
Oh my, oh my, oh my!! That bridge looks like a terrifying slide in the first picture! I don't really have vertigo but would pause before trying that!
It's actually nothing so difficult. I am terrified of heights but I felt secure....although I didn't linger!
I bet you didn't risk running either though!!!
Nice ! I have been there with my wife last year during a road trip in CH, beautiful place :)
Great to know! So you were near where I live!
Wow that is a huge bridge. Resteemed :-)
Thanks so much!
@kus-knee, I do suffer a bit of vertigo/anxiety, your photos sent a pulse of anxiety down my body and into my feet, now they feel like I'm sweating.
I think I could still tackle your bridge, even with the obvious challenges. For me, I fear the sense of infinity the most. Your bridge isn't too high and I can see where it ends. I think I could make the crossing.
Wow, now I feel better. Weird charges of adrenaline ever since I went skydiving.
I really enjoyed the cultural aspects of the hike. I love old buildings that have been preserved. The oldest houses we see here in the colonies are circa 1730's or so.
You went skydiving. Now that I could never do!
I can honestly say that I was fearless until the day after I went skydiving. Since then, my inner gyroscope has been off a bit.
I have vertigo, but I imagine crossing a bridge like that would be nerve-wracking even if I didn't. I'm sure I could do it just fine, as I'm not afraid of heights and enjoy risky adventures. I'd love to travel someplace like this. The world is full of amazing sights and experiences:)
You'd probably love it. Are there any suspension bridges near you? There is one even nicer in Vancouver.
Thanks for sharing! That's one more thing to add to my bucket list!
How many things are on your list?
Wow, an intense experience for sure, especially if you're scared of heights.
Building rope bridges were something we did as boy scouts. Not that height or length and way more wobbly. ;-)
You know how to do a lot of things! Could you still do a rope bridge. I'd love to do that!
Yeah, I'll try most anything, once. lol
Even now, I can surely build several types given the materials. We built them in the boy scouts to earn various merit badges.
Construction starts with making an 'X' lashing poles with rope for elevation and suspension support:
Monkey Bridge
Or a more stable less wobbly version with poles to step on.
Could you do this kus-nee?
What if your favorite treat was on the other side of the raging creek?
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak!
A couple options come to mind. Become a boy scout leader and live vicariously.
Or take my approach stretch into old age doing Yoga and Qi Gong. ;-) Or maybe Tai Chi Chuan smooth and flowing, as Bruce Lee said: "be like water". Remember Master says: If you stop moving they bury you. lol
Great answer. Funny and TRUE!
Thank you @kus-knee. I am encouraging you to move.
These eastern practices are about focusing on the breath and being self-reflective as you move. And they have been proven effective over millennia.
I love the little village, but I wouldn't go over that bridge if you paid me! I love hiking and outdoorsy stuff, but I think I'd rather be dangled over a piranha tank than walk across that bridge!
Wow really. You could still enjoy the hike and the village!
Old Dog that is freakin amazing. I imagine this would be a bridge, where the taller you are, the more frightening it becomes.
The mountains are gorgeous, reminds me of where are ancestors settled in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, where stone houses were also not uncommon.
Thanks for sharing! @roused
You're right, the taller people are less protected! I've been the Smokey Mountains a few times. Beautiful!
Great trip my friend @kus-knee! I'm afraid of heights and yet I would really like to be there! Thank you for pleasure to travel with you! I invite you to the festive square of my historic Lviv.
https://steemit.com/colorchallenge/@olga.maslievich/welcome-to-visit-with-me-on-the-festive-tourist-area-of-lviv-golden-knight-stands-in-the-guard-of-the-city
Thanks for coming!
For me this bridge would not be the most important reason to go with. I have high altitude and not too tight.
It would be great for your photography!
Yes, but the fear would be greater
Mi sento male solo a guardarlo questo ponte! Il video sulla costruzione è stupendo: l'uomo riesce a gareggiare con la natura in modo davvero fantastico (certe volte.....non sempre!).
Yes it was great to see.
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Thanks for the visit and the resteem!
Awesome pictures. This type of adventures fills us with unforgettable emotions. I congratulate you @kus-knee
Yes it was fun!
Sounds like a great adventure! Will book my tickets soon :)
Lots to see and do here!
Of course they are safe...until they are not! No way am I even getting near that!!!!
Imagine the photos that you get get there!
I don't suffer vertigo..but I don't know if i will walk upon this bridge...
But is very nice to see it in your picture!
The village is really cool!
Congrats for the blog!
Thanks so much for your visit and your comment!
That looks amazing, another place to add to my list of places to visit when I go to Switzerland. I definitely suffer from mild vertigo, but I enjoy going across bridges, especially with the views you can usually when on them. Nice pictures!
If your vertigo is mild you'd probably still make it!
This place is full of nature and it's perfect to relax mind and have fun as you did. i really like this pic
It is great!
What a wonderful trip. Beautiful pictures and great way to spend time with your son. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the visit!
No problem :D
It was fun crossing it.. I was scared just looking at the pics! :)
Thanks for coming along!
Yeah, I can see why someone might turn back or be paralyzed with fear...especially if there are some that are swaying the bridge. My palms got a little sweaty just thinking of being out on that bridge!
It is a bit scary for some of us but I am glad that I did it!
OMG man, that bridge is insane! Great photos as usually!
We have one of those not too far from where I now live. It's not near as long, however. The first photo is fantastic. Whoever took that has what I call 'great perspective.'
The one and only @peter-parker!