On Wednesday, I began a journey I didn't think I was going to be able to complete, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Now, I know it is only 1.7 miles each way, 3.4 miles round trip for those who don't have the math gene, but that wasn't the problem. It was what I encountered on the other side trying to get different visual perspectives of the bridge and the bay that took its' toll on this aging body. To make a long story short, I probably added another two miles to my trek, mostly uphill, beyond the mile or two I would have walked on the opposite side eventually, if I knew where I was going. The toll on the knees will be with me for a few more days I'm sure. Part was my fault and part to what I am going to label as faulty directions given to me by several people who were just as clueless as I as to how to access certain locations for the best views. Well, you learn from your mistakes, I guess. To made matters a bit more challenging, the temperature was pushing mid 40's and the wind was gusting making it feel a tad chilly for this bozo dressed in shorts and a sweatshirt. I did break a sweat though, especially on the other side of the bridge when the sun burned through the fog and the temps rose by about 30 degrees. Overall, it was a cool (no pun intended) experience, and one that I would do again (minus the extra couple of miles).
Due to the large number of photos, I am breaking this into several parts. The first part is the journey across the bridge to Marin Headlands. Then we will look at the sights below and from above the bridge as well as the journey back.
This is the first shot of the bridge I took after getting off the bus at the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center...
The ranger at the center was pretty helpful and I grabbed some brochures and postcards to use in class. Below is a large photo hanging outside the center depicting the early stages of the bridge's construction...
There were several hands on displays about how suspension bridges work and a slice of cable to demonstrate its size and strength...
The next few photos were taken as I approached the bridge and began my walk...
Looking down into Civil War era Fort Point on the Presidio side...
This speaks for itself...
One has to keep a constant vigilance for bikers who are speeding along either right at you or coming up from behind you. Having a neighbor who bikes prepared me for how crazy they can be (just kidding, he can't peddle that fast)...
Some old dude chilling out (literally)...
Plaque on bridge tower...
Al Capone's one time home in the distance...
America's Cup race in progress...
Almost to the other side...
Crossing the line...
Taking a peek at what lies below on the other side...
Looking back to make sure I actually walked that far...
Darth Gater. You never know who you are going to run into on the Golden Gate Bridge walking their At-At...
The view looking back from the Marin Headlands rest stop. Now the fun begins...
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