Photo Essay: A View to a Kill
By Brian Hunziker
Written on 14 June 2008
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or, Standing on the Shoulders of a Giant: The Golden Gate Bridge, from the Top.
Top of the North Tower, Golden Gate Bridge
Despite the picture-perfect weather, it was actually blisteringly cold at the top of the bridge, where the wind-chill factor is much more pronounced than at sea-level. But the cold didn't spoil the fun one bit.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most beloved and photographed monuments in the world. But I count myself among the lucky few to have been granted this perspective: Gazing out at The City and beyond as though I were the Bridge herself.
In the fall of 2004 I had the opportunity to step inside the north tower of the Bridge, take a tiny service lift to the top, and spend about 30 minutes roaming the catwalks above. So this is what it felt like to be Max Zorin.
If you've ever wondered what the Bridge looks like on the inside, or what the world looks like from the top, I'll say simply that inside it's loud, dark, and slightly spooky; at the top, thrilling—and exceptionally windy.
If someday you find yourself with an invitation to the top, be sure to leave your acrophobia at home. And don't forget to bring a spare camera battery.
Hell, just bring a bunch of spare cameras.
Other photos in this article...
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Comments...
14 June 2008, Christopher Boffoli said:
What an amazing opportunity. Unbelievable pictures. And a perfect title for this piece! I'm curious if you were shaky at all when you were up there? No harnesses or safety lines?
14 June 2008, Brian Hunziker said:
No safety lines, actually. We were simply told not to climb over or under anything, and to remain within sight of our guides at all times.
The biggest fear that I had was that I might accidentally fumble my point-and-shoot over the edge. A camera dropped from that height would surely be a pretty lethal projectile.
15 June 2008, Lizzie Morrison said:
How many pictures did you take out of curiosity?
15 June 2008, Brian Hunziker said:
Sadly, not that many. I took maybe 100? A lot of interior shots were out of focus and poorly lit. Here's a slightly larger selection:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bri/sets/130187/
20 June 2008, Frans & Claire van der Lee said:
Wow! How did you get the opportunity?
25 June 2008, Niko Vujevic said:
And pray it's a sunny day!
25 June 2008, Brian Hunziker said:
@Frans & Claire:
I got the opportunity to take this tour because a friend of mine works for the Golden Gate Bridge; From what I understand, each employee is allowed to give up to 2 tours per year.
@Niko:
Yes! In fact sun is mandatory! I was originally scheduled to take the tour on a day that turned out quite foggy, but civilians aren't allowed up in low-visibility conditions. Fortunately the next date we picked turned out beautifully!
28 June 2008, Vidyavati Chandan said:
My Vote!!!
29 June 2008, Timothy Borrego said:
What amazing opportunity!