What) The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937 and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. Since its completion, the span length has been surpassed by eight other bridges. In 1999, it was ranked fifth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects. (1)

    The Golden Gate Bridge is also the most popular place to commit suicide in the United States (average of 30 per year) and is one of the most popular in the world. The deck is approximately 245 feet (75 m) above the water. After a fall of approximately four seconds, jumpers hit the water at approximately 76 miles per hour (122 km/h). At such a speed, water has proven to take on properties similar but not equal to concrete. Because of this, most jumpers die on their immediate contact with the water. The few who survive the initial impact generally drown or die of hypothermia in the water.

    The fatality rate of jumping is roughly 98%. As of 2006, only 26 people are known to have survived the jump. Those who do survive strike the water feet-first and at a slight angle, although individuals may still sustain broken bones or internal injuries. One young man survived a jump in 1979, swam to shore, and drove himself to a hospital. The impact cracked several of his vertebrae. (2)

    Where) Its hard to miss.
   
    Why) I have crossed the Golden Gate Bridge once before in a car driving by myself and I was hoping to cross it on foot this time.  Pam vetoed that idea but she did drive so I was able to take some pictures out the window.  Pam kept her eyes on the road.