"Just answer the five, three questions!"

After our genteel afternoon sipping tea at Shakespeare's, we wanted to visit a certain hidden bridge I'd only heard about but had never visited. Until today that is.

Luckily, we did not have to answer five three questions by the bridgekeeper to cross the Bridge of Death!

"What is your name?"
"What is your quest?"
"What is the capital of Assyria?"

"I DON'T KNOW THAT!!!"

Gotta love that British humour!

But back to the bridge...

I remember reading about this bridge several years ago. One of my friends also talked about finding this bridge for fun. Turns out it's not that hard to find. It's down the ways from the corner of First and Spruce Street. This is the ONLY bridge of this kind in San Diego - a suspension footbridge. As you can see, the bridge is a century old. It is 375 feet long and crosses over Kate Sessions Canyon (she was one of San Diego's earliest horticulturalists). The distance to the canyon floor is 75 feet.

Entering from the First St. side.  The girls were just as curious as I was to cross this bridge. No trolls underneath!

The planks looked like wood, but they werent. Originally they were wood but were replaced over the years with a composite material that is sturdier than wood. There are only cables on the sides of the bridge.

As you walk across the bridge, you can feel it sway and rock. It's a bit unnerving but if you are so inclined, you can hold on to the side cables for support.

The view of the canyon below...

This bridge wasn't as high or long as the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, BC (which we visited back in 2005 - nearly 500 feet long and 235 feet high). And at least this wasn't situated over a raging river!

The view on the west side of the bridge...

At the other end of the bridge now.

Heading back across in a more leisurely manner, the girls delighted in making the bridge gently "sway", but not too much!

Although the wobbliness was a bit disconcerting, the spectacular views of the canyon and parts of downtown San Diego as you cross the bridge cancelled out my fears. It's such a peaceful place and the neighborhood is full of historic homes.

Back to the First street side...

It was a fun little foray into a bit of "hidden" San Diego. Back when these neighborhoods were new, folks traveled by street car. This bridge connected the neighborhood in a very handy way! If you are up for it, it's worth the look. If you are not into swaying or moving structures (even if very slight) or are afraid of heights, then maybe not.

More info and photos on the Spruce Street Suspension bridge:
Hillquest
San Diego Travel Tips
Bridge Meister
and yes, even yelp reviews.

Since it was a super hot day (high 80's), we made our way over to Hillcrest for an icy treat...that would be our next destination...

*Answer - The capital of Assyria is Nineveh