Tonight was the official public launch of "The Bay Lights" art installation on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco. A monumental light display comprised of 25,000 LED lights, "The Bay Lights" was created by artist Leo Villareal.
I happened to be coming out of dance practice at the Embarcadero YMCA a few minutes after the launch time of 9pm. It was raining pretty steadily, but I decided to brave the muck and bike out to the Embarcadero for a better look. Here's what I saw.
The lights were so incredibly beautiful, cascading across the entire 1.8 mile span of the bridge in a never-repeating pattern. I couldn't get enough of it.
Rounding a curve in the bike path between Mission and Howard, I ran into a street party in full swing. Speakers were booming out electronica and dance music for the enthusiastic crowd made up of mostly bicyclists in their shiny gear and helmets. A bonfire and heat lamps were set up to heat up the partyers. And a little bar served wine and warm ginger tea.
I chatted with a woman named "BubbleGirl" who had a fantastic bike with LED lights all over it. "Isn't it great," she said, gesturing at the bridge lights. "I hope it never goes away." I couldn't agree more.
I eventually decided to leave the Embarcadero and head home. I'll never forget how beautiful the Bay Bridge was tonight, and how wonderful this city is. I feel so fortunate to get to live here.
