This post is a day shy of a month overdue. Several things have happened in between that day we went up the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge and today's entry. I wanted to prepare the images more but I got lazy but I decided to post anyway before I get even more indolent.
That was an experience of a lifetime. Thanks to Mo, Kevin, and JB.
Our adventure began when we stopped by the GG office in San Rafael to pickup Kevin. Then, we proceeded to the Sergeant's office by the toll plaza. While we waited for Mo, we 'submitted' our IDs and got our hard hats.
We rode the Bridge Patrol (No. 36, but it displayed 130 on the car) all the way to the door of the south tower. It took a while for the patrol car to start and Kevin couldn't get it to run on reverse, so, Mo had to push the vehicle while the four of us (Kevin, JB, Hoho, and me) were inside.
On the way to the tower, JB kept waving and yelling to the folks walking, "ask us where we're going?!?!". But I think the tourists thought we were criminals. We were sitting in the back of a patrol car.
When we reached the foot of the tower, Kevin maneuvered the vehicle so it can be parked on the side, making sure that it didn't block the walkway. As soon as Mo opened the tower door, she asked who wanted to go first. I immediately volunteered. Overly anxious, Kevin, Mo, and myself stepped inside what looked more like a dumb waiter than an elevator. We squished ourselves inside the 2ft. x 2ft. lift and headed to the topmost landing. The ride took about four minutes. Thank goodness, I am not claustrophobic (and I wasn't in the lift with someone who has claustrophobia). When we reached the landing, Mo left me and Kevin while she went back down to pick up JB & Hoho.
We were chatting about the bridge, Filipino food, and the two ladders we needed to climb when my mobile rang!!! Fantastic reception up there! It was April! I told her we were, literally, inside the tower.
After ten minutes of waiting, the guys and Mo arrived. I giggled quite loudly when Mo told the guys about the ladder. Someone with us is afraid of heights. He he. So, we climbed the first 20-foot ladder which took us on top a short platform. The second ladder led us to a tiny opening onto the very top of the tower.
As soon as I stepped out, I kept turning and turning in amazement. It took about five minutes before it finally registered that we were really there. Indeed, it felt like it was a dream. It was so surreal. The view was absolutely magnificent. Breath-taking, to be exact.
Do not close the door--Mo & Kevin mentioned (several times) when we were outside. There is no key and the door automatically locked when shut. We would be stuck there until someone else would come up and get us.
Most shutterbugs would probably feel trigger-happy if they were there. I wasn't. Well, maybe a little. But I felt more just wanting to sit there and breathe. Absorb everything for a moment. It felt so serene up there. It was so peaceful. Mind, body, and soul felt as one. I felt extremely minuscule and attached to life, more than ever. The splendorous beauty that surrounded us made me utterly appreciative and content. My only wish then was to have that feeling stay with me forever. But alas, like most journeys, it had to end.
Pictures are posted to Flickr and Snaps.
Tribewanderlust black sheep sighting:
Rambling Gypsy
