DULUTH, Minn. - A couple of weeks ago I was up in Duluth because a viewer sent me to Enger Tower. It was a great suggestion and you can see my journey here.
While I was up there, I thought I should venture to another spot for fun, so I went to the Aerial Lift Bridge where the operators work. It looks like a one-room cabin perched midway up the bridge, but just know, it's not open to the public, so don't try to climb up it.
The bridge's supervisor Dave Campbell showed me around his workspace and how he watches for incoming boat traffic on his monitors. It's a cozy room, but I soon found out that it shakes from the traffic rumbling beneath it. I wasn't expecting that. Campbell says the shaking can become so heavy that he has to stop working on his computer for a few moments. Not many of us have that issue at work!
If you step outside, there's a stunning view of three lighthouses on the lakeshore.
But if you look down, you'll see cars running underneath your feet. It was a little nerve-racking at times, but a neat view.
Here are some fun facts from Campbell about the bridge:
-It takes three minutes to raise the bridge and it starts to go up when a ship is about a 1.5 miles out.
-The bridge is raised about 4,500 times per year.
A shout-out to Campbell for letting me hang out with him for a couple of hours. He has an important, but interesting job.
Viewers, here's my question to you: Where should I go next? Send me your suggestions for the neat view in your community or the cool building or landscape you pass by.
Email: emccardle@kare11.com
Twitter: @ElleryTV
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