An Alarm in Sacramento

I pulled my car into a spot in front of an old shop lined by boardwalks. That November morning was chilly but I didn't mind. I was excited to be living a part of my adventure I'd planned weeks prior to that day. Breakfast on the Delta King and exploration of Old Town Sacramento was on my agenda that day and I was so excited for the experience.

After dealing with the pesky parking meter I made my way over to the old riverboat, The Delta King, which was now converted into a hotel and restaurant. I knew that having breakfast on the Sacramento River would be a unique experience and I was right. The bright white boat with red trim beckoned as I made my way down the gangway and boarded the boat. Inside the boat was elegant, rich wood gleamed in the morning light, paired with crisp blue details in fabric. Tables were set for service with white linen giving the diner a feel of a luxurious experience. Thankfully, the breakfast menu was not pricey which made this experience possible for me. I had a wonderful view, right at a window looking out at the river as I ate. The boat rocked gently on the water as I watched various watercraft drift by. 

Just a little way up the river stood the tower bridge, a large yellow-gold bridge. I wondered why it was called the tower bridge as I studied it over the last sips of my coffee. I didn't wonder long though. As I made my way back up the gangway to land I heard a loud siren and bells. I knew it had to be coming from the bridge. I hurried past the riverboat toward a metal ramp that led to the water and saw a sailboat, silently gliding down the river heading toward the bridge. I wondered what would happen then suddenly the center of the bridge began to lift. A huge section of metal, concrete, and asphalt, all designed to hold vehicles and withstand terrible weather, lifted. Despite the amazing feat of engineering, when the alarm and bells stopped, it was remarkably quiet from where I stood. 

In the nick of time, the bridge cleared the sailboat as it moved underneath. Then the bridge, ever so slowly, lowered back to its original position. As it settled and stilled the alarm sounded and bells clanged again. I saw little arms on the bridge lift allowing pedestrians, bicyclists, and cars to once again cross back and forth over the bridge. The old Tower Bridge stood gleaming in the morning sunlight, I stared at it a bit longer, wishing for another sailboat to come cruising up the river. It was amazing to see the bridge in action, definitely a unique view. Next time though, I'll have to make a point to explore the bridge, perhaps walk across it. Who knows? Maybe I'll get lucky enough to be getting ready to cross when the alarm will sound, bells will clang, and the bridge will rise right in front of me.

Tell me, what have been your experiences with interesting or unique bridges?