I had the opportunity to visit the Golden Gate Bridge this afternoon. I took a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf and walked along the bay. As I approached it I was not surprised but a a bit disappointed to see the great bridge shrouded in the famous area fog.
The Golden Gate Bridge in fog
The Golden Gate Bridge in fog
Luck smiled on me. Just as I started across the bridge itself the fog cleared completely.
The Golden Gate Bridge in infrared
Golden Gate Bridge close up
After crossing back to the Sane Francisco side I took the path to the west of the bridge which leads to a small park with an excellent view I don’t remember seeing before.
Golden Gate Bridge view
By the time I started the walk back my feet were barking pretty loudly, but the setting sun kept me looking over my shoulder.
Golden Gate sunset
My advice for anyone considering the trip:
1) Avoid the major mistake I made. As you walk by the bicycle rental shops, and think “Nah, I’ll just walk. Taking care of the bike will be too much trouble.” – YOU’RE WRONG! RENT A BIKE! I estimated that I walked just under ten miles on this trip.
2) Also keep in mind the frequent weather changes, both good and bad. Even on a warm day the wind on the bridge is pretty cool.
3) Enjoy! This is definitely a trip I’d recommend.
Along the very short Prospect Street in Acton, Massachusetts, are two monuments to minutemen of April 19th, 1775.
Blanchard Monument, Acton, MA
The Blanchard brothers were among the men from Acton serving under Captain Isaac Davis. Young Luther was a fifer. When the minutemen formed up to take on the British army at the Old North Bridge in Concord, Capt. Davis was heard to say “I haven’t a man that’s afraid to go.” as his company took the lead. Luther and the company drummer are reported to have been playing The White Cockade, a Scottish tune considered an insult to the British.
Photo of the Blanchard Monument from a book published in 1899.
The first shot fired by the British at the Americans was aimed at one of the commanders, Major Buttrick. The ball flew between his arm and side leaving him uninjured, but hit Luther Blanchard causing a minor wound.
Abner Hosmer Monument, Acton, MA
Abner Hosmer was 20 years old when he marched from his family’s farm in Acton to Concord. He was a private serving under Captain Davis and among the lead company when the fighting broke out. Abner and Captain Davis were shot and killed in the first volley from the British.
As the memorial states Luther and his brother went on to serve in the Battle of Bunker Hill and beyond. Young Luther died in September. The cause of his death is not clear, but some believe it was the lingering wound he received on April 19th.
