Thursday, June 17, 2010

"The Mighty Task is Done" - Golden Gate Bridge

Joseph Strauss, chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge, wrote a poem that is now on the Golden Gate Bridge entitled "The Mighty Task is Done." The bridge opened on May 27, 1937. Celebrations lasted a full week. The day before vehicle traffic was allowed, 200,000 people crossed by foot and roller skate. Sounds like a fun event!

I have always been fascinated by this Modern Wonder of the world. There is no single thing that represents San Francisco, or California more effectively, in my opinion. I suppose that I have always felt this way, but that became even more true for me while living abroad. Movies, photography, commercials, and print ads featuring the bridge all reminded me of home and consistently brought a smile to my face.

Although I've taken photos of the Golden Gate Bridge many times, I never tire of it. Recently, I found occasion to take additional photos after returning to Marshall's Beach for the first time in over 20 years. This is another local treasure that seems to be constantly disrespected by locals and tourists alike who leave without cleaning up after themselves. I find this to be totally unacceptable! Some people don't seem to realize how lucky we are to have such beautiful sites so close to our doorstep. Despite all of this, it was such a great feeling to rediscover this little hidden gem.

Over the course of two days, I also shot from Battery Spencer, Fort Point, Crissy Field, and Fort Baker.