75 Years
May 8, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: Carola 
This month we celebrate the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75th anniversary. After only four years of building, it was finished in 1937 and became a new landmark that is known all over the world. Thanks to the engineering mastermind Joseph B Strauss and architects Gertrude and Irving Murrow it didn’t become the eyesore of concrete pylons and yellow stripes that the navy was in favor of, but turned into one of the most beautiful suspension bridges on this planet. Watching its tall rusty-red (called “International Orange”) pillars in the setting sun takes one's breath away.
One of my dreams from a rather early age on had been to see the Golden Gate Bridge with my very own eyes. I had seen pictures of it and on TV, in various movies, and I had promised myself that one day I would cross that bridge.
This day came in late February 2001, a drizzling, cold evening. We had just landed in San Francisco and were driving north to what might become our new home. And although the fine rain drops collected on the windshield of our car, we could see the majesty of this beautiful bridge that stood with its hundreds of lights before a dark sky. I had goose bumps all over while we were passing under the first pillar and then the second one.
Over the years we have found many wonderful places that offer a fantastic view of the bridge. One of my favorites is from the Marin Headlands where you can see the bridge with San Francisco in the background. This is spectacular when the sun hovers deep over the ocean, casting its golden-red light onto the bridge and the city. It is wonderful when the fog rolls in and covers parts of the bridge. More often than not we actually didn’t see the bridge but saw faint outlines in the fog. Another favorite is the view from Baker Beach from where I took this photo.
Since that very first rainy day we have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge many times. We walked it enjoying the ever present wind and chilly conditions. My Girl Scout troop did its bridging from Brownies to Junior Girl Scouts here, walking the entire length of 1.7 miles from the Fort Point lookout to the Marin side. Whenever we come back from Germany we have to cross the bridge and that is when we think “we’re home”. But no matter how often we cross it, I still get goose bumps – those of the really good kind.
Golden Gate Bridge
Reader Comments (16)
It is truly an architectural wonder....a marvel. I - too - have experienced those goosebumps upon seeing and then crossing it. Happy 75 years!
and you just gave them to me too!!!! i feel this way every time i see the Statue of Liberty. Landmarks chill to the bone in the best of ways. this is a terrific post, carola. thanks. LOVE the photo.
I absolutely love your image. Beautiful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Golden Gate Bridge...learning much, but especially enjoyed hearing about your personal feelings regarding this spectacular bridge. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this image, Carola. The one and only time I got to make that crossing, it was totally lost in the fog!
I love that bridge. I spent three years in Berkeley, and one of my favorite things was to watch from the top of the Berkeley Hills as the fog came in - sometimes underneath, sometimes high above the spans, sometimes weaving in and out.
And once, in a fit of Brõnte-heroine fervor, I threw a wedding ring off that bridge. ;)
Happy Birthday, GGB.
I will always remember the first time I saw the Golden Gate Bridge! Beautiful capture and happy 75th!
Love the image and the colors. Happy Birthday to a magnificent structure.
The first time I ever saw this incredible landmark, Carola, was when my daughter was one and we made sure we had her in a picture with it in the background. You never forget those "eternalized moments." Astrid wants to visit it one day so she can spit off of it. HA! I love that you have so many memories there and can pass the goosebumps on to us.
Lovely picture. I never knew it was that old. Happy birthday
I can just imagine how awe inspiring it was to see it for the first time. You image of it is lovely :-)
I've never seen it either - and now I did through you! Wonderful image.
oh how wonderful, what a fabulous set of memories you have created on this bridge. and what a gorgeous photo!
Happy 75th, to many more ;-)
Two years ago driving back to Vancouver we made a special detour to try and see this stunning bridge. Unfortunately we were very unlucky at it stood in the fog for most of the day. I still wish to go and be able to see it. I totally understand your "goose bumps" Carola
Lovely photo and post. My son used to live in Oakland so I got to see the bridge when I visited him. It is an amazing site. However, I spent more time crossing the Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco when I was there and had to laugh about how you paid a toll to get to San Francisco but going to Oakland was free. Hmmm...
I love your image! I like the color of this bridge - it just stands out and makes itself important. I would like to see it with my own eyes too and I would capture it with my camera for sure.