According to much tourist data, the Golden Gate Bridge
is the single most popular tourist attraction in this great
nation.  More people visit here each year than at any other
tourist site.  Just what makes this bridge site so popular?
A number of things.  One is location; as ships approach our
western shore the first object visible to those on board is
the bridge tower.  For the adventurous traveler this bridge
has come to be recognized as the western gateway.  A second
reason for its wide popularity is the fact that it is among
the most spectacular suspension bridges in existence today.
     This amazing bridge is over a mile in length, spanning
the Pacific Ocean to connect the city of San Francisco with
northern California.  The bridge is held in position by two
steel cables.  Both of these cables have a diameter that is
in excess of thirty six inches.  From these huge cables the
bridge literally hangs.  The bridge's floor is about ninety
feet wide and contains a six lane roadway as well as needed
sidewalks.  The bridge is built at a height above the water
which permits huge ships to pass below.  Of great dismay is
the large number of suicide deaths that occur at this site.