Waldo Tunnel – Rainbow Tunnel

Have been through this tunnel countless times since my folk’s moved to Calif. in1965. I used to love when my mom would honk her car horn going through when I was a kid (& yes, I’ve been one of those annoying people that have done it «just because» as an adult).

Is this the Robin Williams tunnel yet or what?
Everyone’s ready.
We all found Waldo.
Hurry up and change the name already.
Give Mork his rainbow suspenders.
Other than that note, two thoughts cross my mind every time I drive through here:
1. Why the f*ck is everyone honking?
2. This is basically an exact replica of the tunnel from that one season of The Walking Dead that got annoying because of everything Beth ever said or did, but was a little more tolerable because Carol is a badass and won’t take sh*t from anyone… no matter if you’re an 8-​year-​old or not.
Nanu Nanu, for you R-​Dubs.

I don’t know what’s more ridiculous, the fact that some idiot chose to flag my original review of the Waldo Tunnel, or the fact that Unilocal HQ wastes its time removing heartfelt reviews of things like tunnels because said reviews supposedly «lack. .. a firsthand customer experience.»
Really, Unilocal?Because reviews like «Best ribs eva ;)» really prove that a person has been somewhere, I guess. Are you afraid that the owners of the tunnel (Caltrans) are trying artificially to raise their star level so as to hurt the business of other owners of tunnels? I didn’t realize the public-​tunnel business was so cutthroat these days.
So here, Unilocal: I’ve driven through the tunnels many times, in both directions. They seem longer when you’re driving north, but I don’t know why. Below is my original review. Jerks.
There are some things that I don’t need to describe.
RIP, Robin Williams.

It’s got a rainbow on it!

Unilocal’s 365 Review Challenge 2014 #360 — #365
One of the longest underground tunnels to travel in San Francisco. After traveling from the San Francisco Bridge on the way to Sausalito, you are greeted by a large underground tunnel taking you towards Marin County. From the outside it looks pretty clean yet I haven’t set foot in the tunnel. I see people walking in and out of the tunnel with no worries about safety. So it shouldn’t be too bad walking out to both ends.
After leaving the tunnel you’re greeted with rolling green hills and tall trees of the countryside. The view is breathing when you’re out of the city.

Writing a review of a tunnel, hmmm… I wonder if I gave only one star people would be on Unilocal planning their road trip and going: «This tunnel only got one star, we should choose another route.»
The only way I would give 5 stars to a tunnel is if there were hot women in bikinis standing by the entrances waiving at me. Now, when you travel through this thing and you see a light at the end of the tunnel, it is not an oncoming train, but rather spectacular views. Going to the City you will see Frisco, the Bay, Alcatraz, and of course The Golden Gate Bridge. On the Marin side it feels like I’m on the French or Italian Riviera when I look down at Sausalito and Belvedere. BTW, why do a lot of drivers feel compelled to honk their horns in the tunnel? Is it like a safety check before going into the City, to make sure it works?

Pay attention when you drive through this tunnel because the views on both ends are amazing!
On the Sausalito side, look down the hill for a scene that a some children’s book illustrator, somewhere, is striving to generate for a book about a quaint distant land.
On the bridge side, look across the Bay for a breathtaking view of the San Francisco skyline.
And while you are inside the tunnel, hold your breath and make a wish!

I almost gave the Waldo Tunnel (s) 4 ½ Stars, then it occurred that these are my favorite and most traveled tunnels. Really, the consideration for 5 stars was a little strained because of how DIRTY the insides of the tunnels have become. I don’t think that either have ever been steam cleaned or pressure washed EVER! I remember my Dad driving us through those tunnels in the 60’s and they seemed clean and bright. .. magical even.
I bet that no one can see that the southbound tunnel is completely lined with what were once beautiful yellow porcelain tiles. They are covered in soot and pollution now.
If I ever become a billionaire (or something like that) I would like to donate a super cleaning and restoration to have both Waldo Tunnels made magic again!
Review 0080