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Heading to Marin and Sausalito for a weekend getaway, or for a day trip to accomplish an Earth Day hike? Whatever your reason is for visiting the idyllic seaside towns just past our Golden Gate Bridge, one thing is for sure- you will encounter a few rainbows, and significant ones at that.
See also: These Family-Friendly Hikes Are Perfect For Kids Of Any Age
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Originally called the "Waldo Tunnel," this magnificent architectural feat boring through the mountains for the US 101 North was renamed in 2014 and is now highly regarded as the “Robin Williams Tunnel.” The already-existing rainbows on the tunnel naturally fit for the late comedian’s vibrant and playful comedian personality, as well as the tunnel’s location leading to his longtime home in Tiburon.
Driving through this tunnel and seeing the commemorative sign lends an air of nostalgia, sympathy, and fondness as the innovative tunnel brings fun to its passerbys just like he did.
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The structure, surrounded by multiple wonderful hiking spots like Engagement Hill and the SCA Trail, was constructed in 1937, sharing the inaugural year with its nearby esteemed marvel, the Golden Gate Bridge.
The grand throughway was first named after William Waldo, a Whig Party candidate running for governor in the mid-19th century. In 1954, a second tunnel was completed right beside it, greatly increasing the city’s transportation and economy.
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The rainbows cresting the threshold were initially disliked, but remained after the community expounded their appreciation for them, demanding them to stay and be preserved. These colorful murals were added in 1969 by Alan S. Hart, a Caltrans executive who made a spur-of-the-moment decision. Before he was about to retire, he actually bypassed permission from his superiors regarding the project and began painting them himself.
Although his bosses and other highway officials were initially vehemently opposed, they eventually came around to appreciating them just as the local community did. Now they are consistently maintained to keep their colors bright, just as their namesake was.
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Robin Williams with his daughter Zelda in 1989.
While the highways sections right outside the tunnels remain as Waldo Grade, the tunnel was renamed the Robin Williams Tunnel in 2016 after the prolific actor’s passing in 2014.
The Marin County resident took his own life after a long and arduous battle against depression and suicidal thoughts. To preserve William’s legacy as an actor and as an active community member of the Bay Area, fellow Marin County member Julie Wainwright began a petition on Change.org to dedicate the tunnel and rainbows to him.
After an incredible 61,403 signatures, the honorable act was complete and the tunnel is now accompanied by the sign that forever dedicates the joy of the rainbows and zooming into the Bay’s magical portal to Robin Williams.
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View of San Francisco from Downtown Sausalito past the Robin Williams Tunnel.
If you plan to head north into Marin, Sausalito, or beyond, seeing the technicolor rainbows and the Robin Williams sign will truly add just that much more charm and delight to your next road trip.
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Photography by: Cedric Letsch/Usplash
