I have decided to post a number of fun trips we had this summer. We actually stayed in California the whole summer. We have such a gorgeous state with so many fun places to visit. We were in Dunsmuir for a wedding in July. On the way we stopped in Redding and visited “The Sundial Bridge”. This is quite an architectural wonder.
A view of the Sundial.
“In addition to being a functional work of art, the Sundial Bridge is a technical marvel as well. The cable-stayed structure has an inclined, 217 foot pylon constructed of 580 tons of steel. The deck is made up of 200 tons of glass and granite and is supported by more than 4,300 feet of cable. The structure is stabilized by a steel truss, and rests on a foundation of more than 115 tons of steel and 1,900 cubic yards of concrete. The McConnell Foundation, a private, independent foundation established in Redding in 1964, funded the majority of the bridge’s $23 million cost.”
This beautiful Bridge in Redding is well worth visiting when in Northern California.
“World renowned Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design, his first free-standing bridge in the United States. Calatrava has built bridges, airports, rail terminals, stadiums, and other structures around the world. His notable designs include the new PATH transportation terminal at the World Trade Center site in New York City and several projects at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, including the main stadium where opening and closing ceremonies were held.” See more about the bridge at http://www.turtlebay.org/sundialbridge.
A view from the bridge of the Sacramento River.
The food at the restaurant in Turtle Bay Park right next to the bridge was delicious and reasonable.