The Golden Gate Bridge

I've always had this fascination with the Golden Gate Bridge.  Part of it is the fog's fault, the rest of it is inexplicable.  It's a bridge, there are lots of other bridges, but there's something about this one.  Even as a kid, pictures of the bridge enthralled me.  I'm not one for documentaries or shows on architecture or modern marvels but I distinctly remember watching several on the construction of the bridge during my high school years.  Maybe it's the red, maybe it really is just the fog, or the fact that for whatever reason the Golden Gate Bridge is a big deal, but I love this bridge.

However, I never thought I would get this close to it, nor did I ever think I would walk it.  I have a fear of heights.  It's not paralyzing, but it's been enough to keep me off bridges for most of my life.  Walking bridges up until a couple of years ago was something I found, at best, mildly distressing.  Thankfully that's changed and I've really started to appreciate the wondrous advantages bridges provide people who insist on walking everywhere to see the sights.

There are plenty of bridges I still won't walk and a few I will never walk again if I can help it (Lynn Canyon I'm looking at you), but I can definitely say I'm a bit of a convert.  Each bridge has it's own secret, a unique view, a view of something otherwise unseen, a unique experience, or perspective.  The Brooklyn bridge is my favorite because of its view, the Tower bridge in London has the most interesting architecture, the Burrard St bridge in Vancouver is the best if you're looking for hidden gems in terms of views. That being said the Golden Gate has been my favorite walking experience, even as crowded as it was.

In a lot of ways the experience was a lot like the one I had walking the Brooklyn bridge. Both days were somewhat windy and a little bit foggy, the traffic noise was predominant, and it was somewhat crowded on the pedestrian walkway.  Despite all that, there was something transcendental about the experience.  Maybe it was the physicality of being there, maybe it has something to do with being that far off the ground, suspended over water, yet feeling completely safe (I did lean over the guardrail a couple of times to take photos which is something I never do, emphasis on the never). Regardless, it was a wonderful
 experience, on I would happily repeat at the first opportunity.