Our family found ourselves in Oakland, California, to tour the Lagoon 450. After our day on the boat we were ready to return to Wenatchee (home). It was a gorgeous day, and as we wrapped up our time here, we made a last-minute decision that ended up being a highlight of our trip home: crossing the San Francisco Bay Bridge also known as the Golden Gate Bridge.
This was our first time ever crossing the bridge, and we were all pretty excited about it. Well, most of us, anyway, you’ll see why. We told the kids about the bridge and once we saw it in the distance, the boys got excited because the bridge was so big. The idea of actually driving over it was like a little adventure all on its own. ARH asked lots of questions and we tried to answer them as best we could. His questions made me realize I didn’t know as much about the bridge as I should.
But then came the waiting. The traffic leading up to the bridge was insane. The kind of traffic that has you inching forward at a snail’s pace while everyone in the car starts to slowly lose their minds. The kids’ initial excitement turned into a mix of impatience and “When is it our turn?” every few minutes. Meanwhile, DEH—ever the toddler—decided the traffic jam was the perfect time to take a nap. Yes, DEH fell asleep right there in his car-seat before we even made it to the bridge!
By the time we reached the bridge, and paid our toll, ARH was buzzing with excitement, practically shouting, “It’s finally our turn!” I was eager to take a picture of the toll sign because it showed the time we were crossing and the cost we paid. I’m sure that will be a fun picture in the future, especially as toll costs increase over time.
The views of the bay and the expanse of the bridge—it was all breathtaking and totally worth the wait.
It might have taken longer than expected to get there, but crossing the Bay Bridge for the first time was unforgettable. It’s moments like these that remind me why we are planning on travelling for a few years.
From the vantage point of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island emerges as a striking silhouette amidst the shimmering waters of the San Francisco Bay. The island echoes across the waves, its infamous prison buildings standing in stark contrast to the natural beauty surrounding them. On a clear day, the island appears almost serene, with its rocky shores and patches of greenery belying its turbulent history.
Another highlight for us was seeing the sailboats glide gracefully across the bay, their crisp white sails catching the breeze and adding a touch of liveliness to the scene. The cool, salty air carries the faint sounds of seagulls and the rhythmic churn of passing boats. We would love to sail in the San Francisco Bay someday. I’ve added it to the list.
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