Riding one of the USA's only moving National Historic Landmarks, seemed like a potentially perilous experience. Queueing at the start of the line, I noticed that the majority of punters were jostling for a seat on the outside. The small few that were standing up, clinging to the rails, definitely intrigued my interest. The Girl of course knew I would want to take this position.
Once we boarded I got the pole position standing at the front of the car and was told a couple of times not to lean out from the car. Passing the first oncoming Cable Car I realised the background of this warning. In my estimation the two cars pass within a meter of each other, which is not a lot of room if both passengers are hanging from the side. The car itself doesn't build up much speed and the straight tracks only require minimum restraint, but the exposure to the outside of the car is a surreal experience. Every cross street or passing car I was mindful and ready to pounce off at the slightest warning of danger. By the end of the journey I realised this was unwarranted. And despite accidents costing the city millions of dollars each year, not being strapped within the transportation kind of felt like I had better control of my own safety.
