“The Thing That Should Not Be?”

Wow. Just what can I say about today? And where to start? From the time I set out for Annapolis to later in the afternoon was an incredible adventure. As I headed for the freeway, the dawn greeted me with a spectacular sunrise. Flaming magenta and orange clouds streaked across the sky, as the tangerine glow of the sun peeked thru. I was playing my favorite Metallica album to get in the mood for what was to come. The twilight lifted and the sky retained a pink glow for some time. Just as I had expected, the traffic was light, and I had no problems reaching the college parking lot. I knew I’d be far from alone once I saw the huge backup of vehicles waiting to enter and park. I parked and joined up with other walkers and runners and we boarded busses which took us to a location not far from our destination. This was the parking lot of a nearby business, and it was there I was to wait until the group to which I was assigned was called to begin walking. As I came around the corner of the a building, there it was, looming on the horizon. Its massive steel towers were framed against the peach tinted clouds, and even at this distance I could see the throng of people moving across its concrete spine, like a line of ants crawling on a railing. The sinuous curve of its dual spans rose high above the choppy grey water as a steady stream of vehicles traveled the northern span.

Then, the announcement was made that my group was to come forward to the starting point. I followed the crowd past a tent where a DJ was spinning some energetic music to get people in the mood. Around the corner we went as the starting line came into view. A local news channel was there filming. I was in view of the camera, but I have no idea if they were actually filming or just setting up a shot. Further up, right at the gate, was a radio station, probably the one where I heard the advertisement for this event a couple of weeks ago. But what totally freaked me out was what song they were playing just as I passed thru the starting line. Yes, that was it! One of my favorite Metallica songs, and one that has always made me think of the Bay Bridge. I was listening to that very song on the way down to help get me in the mood. The song is called “The Thing That Should Not Be”. Even though it is about a sea monster, there is one line of lyrics that fit the Bay Bridge to a tee, at least for some people. “Drain you of your sanity, face the thing that should not be!” And for the fearful, the bridge is indeed like a monster rising up out of the bay, a terrifying thing that rules its watery domain. And because I heard that song playing as I was heading right for the bridge, I could feel the hairs stand up on my arms and neck. Yes, that station does occasionally play Metallica. But what are the chances they’d play that exact song, and at the exact moment when I was walking by?

Walking the iron monster

Once that freaky moment passed, the crowd passed thru a state highway lot and began to set foot onto route 50. Soon we were treading upon the monster’s east bound span, looking most odd without any vehicle traffic. The drivers on the westbound side were going along quite slowly, as though they were astounded by the sight of so many people making the crossing on foot. I began taking pictures, as did some of the other participants. Lots of selfies and group pictures were shot at various scenic spots by many walkers, and I did also take a few obligatory selfies with which to share with friends. But unlike any of the other walkers, I made some very meticulous photo documentation of this magnificent structure. So many shots I took of the trusses, the towers and the cables, all framed beautifully by the hazy sky and the water below. Just as I had hoped, I had plenty of time to take in all of the sights, and admire this epic steel sentinel that always heralded the halfway point to Ocean City when I was a child. So many thoughts passed thru my mind as I walked, especially when I was not focusing on taking photos. It will take me a while to digest all of this, and at least a few more entries to put it to word. But there is one epilogue to today’s event. On the way into Baltimore to see my husband (who is still in the hospital recovering from surgery) the GPS took me right past where the Key Bridge used to stand. As I was behind the wheel, I could not look over into the harbor and try to see its remains, but I knew that that is where it once was. And then, not long after I passed that point, I came to a red light. And on the right was the hospital where I was born, right on the edge of the harbor. So in one day I’ve visited a childhood memory, as well as a place that is a part of my past but for which I was way to young to recall.