No Hands Bridge - Western States Trail, California

“No Hands Bridge - Western States Trail, California”

A Print by N.R. Vogt

Production Year: 2011

Suggested Donation: $65 (100% of your investment will be used for ministry).

Recipients will be given a specifically numbered print of a limited edition of only 200 Prints that are personally signed and numbered by the artist. In addition, recipients will receive a signed “Certificate of Authenticity” that includes the following information from the artist:

Just downstream from the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River stands a massive triple arch concrete bridge. Originally constructed in 1911 for the Mountain Quarries Railroad under ownership of the Pacific Portland Cement Company, it now serves as a hiking and equestrian crossing of the river. At the time of construction the bridge was the longest concrete railroad bridge constructed by a private company. Designed by John Buck Leonard and built by Donaldson & Harrelson Co, costs ran about $300,000.

The bridge was originally only known as the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge. It was not until long after disuse that it was named “No Hands”. As the story goes, one of the Tevis Cup equestrian riders was asked once, was it scary to ride across the bridge with no hand rails. Her response was to drop her reins as she did so and say “look, no hands.” From there the name stuck. It wasn't until September of 1986 that handrails were added.

Through the years, “No Hands” Bridge has endured many severe trials. The first test was the November 4, 1911 collapse of the El Dorado side third arch during construction. This incident killed three men but the work continued. The second trial occurred in December 1964, when far upriver on the Middle Fork, the Hell Hole Dam broke, sending a torrential flood down the Rubicon and Middle Fork. This deluge washed away two bridges upstream from “No Hands” including the Hwy 49 Bridge. Amazingly, “No Hands” survived and was even used for auto traffic until a new Hwy 49 bridge could be completed. A third test occurred in 1986 as massive rains and floods crossed the state. The American River was not spared. Water backed up from the diversion tunnel at the Auburn Dam site and flooded the bridges of the confluence area. When the Coffer Dam broke, the outrush of water damaged the deck of the bridge but not irreparably. During ensuing years, erosion was undermining the column that stands in the river causing the bridge to be temporarily closed from 1997 to 1999.

I painted this landmark bridge at the request of several runners who competed in the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run. The course of this famous ultra-trail race crosses “No Hands” before making its final ascent to the finish line in Auburn, California. While finishing the painting I reflected upon the promises of the Lord Jesus, especially during those times when we face various trials. James, Chapter 1, verse 12 tells us,

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

And I also thought about how the Lord Jesus successfully endured the greatest trial of all time: Undeserved death on the cross to pay the penalty of our sin. He provided the only way, the “bridge” for us to freely cross over from spiritual death to Eternal Life. Jesus said,

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” - John 14:6

Jesus “bridges” the gulf that once separated us from enjoying a relationship with God the Father. Paul clearly states in Romans 6:23 that those who are in bondage to a condition of sin, resulting in separation from God, may come to personally know God through the gift freely offered to all through the work of His Son, the Lord Jesus:

“…For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

What greater love is there than that which Jesus demonstrated for us! He offers to all the free gift of Eternal Life. I hope you enjoy your print. It is my prayer that all who view this painting will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ more fully as they experience the joy of walking closely with Him. With grateful Love,

Nick Vogt

Text Box: The Artistic Works of N. R. Vogt “Paintings of Historical Significance”