We weren't able to join Derith's group on 7/3 when they visited Point Bonita; we were on our way back from Yosemite that afternoon. So . . . I went over on 7/5, the day after the regional. The weather wasn't great for photography (though very San Francisco), and climbing the tower wasn't an option, but it was a fun trip anyway. Like East Quoddy, on a much smaller scale, getting there is half the fun . . .

After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and following the road toward Pt. Bonita, my first view of the light was from an old artillery battery up the road.



After driving back to the parking area for the light, I observed the approach from the top of the hill.



Down the hill (blacktop, easy hike) to the path over the wood bridge,



And on to the tunnel entrance.



There's a light at the end of the tunnel!




Then more wood bridges (this is looking back toward the tunnel after passing through).

Finally, you get to the entrance to the suspension bridge.


The sign says "Five person Limit on Bridge."


Once you're across, it's kind of tight quarters for photos, but you get a good look at the magnificent second order Fresnel lens.


The best views are from the other side of the suspension bridge.


I overheard a guy saying "Why don't they just paint the roof white!"


On the way back, I stopped at the foot of the San Francisco side of the Golden Gate Bridge, whose towers were still lost in the fog.


I also grabbed a shot of the light at Fort Point. The fort is only open weekends due to the construction work overhead.


If Harbor Lights ever makes a Point Bonita LE, it's GOT to have the suspension bridge, or it's a waste of time. They did a great job on Golden Gate Bridge, the small bridge at Point Bonita shouldn't be too great a challenge.

I hope Derith's group had better weather, and hopefully someone from that group will post some photos too. But I really liked the mood of the foggy day - kind of what lighthouses are about.

Bruce

Great pictures and I really liked the tour. That's a great way to get the feeling that your there too. Thanks!

Bert

Hi Bruce!

Your pictures of Point Bonita are fabulous!!
I was there last year with Derith and the Tampa Bay Harbour Lights Collector's Club and got some great pictures also, but not as many as you did.
I love what you did on the way to the light. It was almost like being there again! I wish I had
thought to take more pictures on the way to the light.
Derith did a SUPER job of organizing our trip last year!

Bruce,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful pictures with all of us. MJ and I also took the west coast trip with Derith and your images bring back some great memories. I would love to pay this part of the country another visit and stay for several weeks. Keep up the great work capturing great images.

Ron
(CT Keeper)