Me and 200,000 of my nearest and dearest waited in line yesterday in the rain to take a stroll on the newest landmark in Boston - the Lenny Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge. Widest cable stay bridge in the world. The cable look like the rigging on a tall ship. Its part of the Big Dig and was opened to the public yesterday. Mothers got flowers, kids got stickers and everyone got a postcard. We were lucky enough to only wait 30 minutes but heard reports of up to a two hour wait. But it was worth it.

What a beautiful structure - what a horrible name. I think it should be called the Billy Buckner Bridge - cause you go right underneath its legs!! Any other ideas on what to really call the bridge? Anyone else make the stroll?

IMHO, the name is perfect because it's a perfect illustration of the workings of Boston politics.

No- but having all those people winding around the Fleet Center really screwed things up for those of us that were going to he Celtics/Pistons playoff game! Didn't make it inside until close to the 2nd quarter!

I didn't make it to the walkover, but I love the bridge, which I like to call the Lenny Bridge. I guess this won't catch on in the general public, but that's what I call it.

For anyone who is not from Boston, there are photos of the beautiful bridge and some articles at the Boston Globe website (see www.boston.com and go to the Globe links).

I grew up in Boston and went to school in Boston. Had I known about the bridge walk, I would have made a special trip..just for the views.

The Globe site for the article is

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/13...s_glory+.shtml

Vinnie, those of us who aren't basketball fans but have to commute through North Station aren't going to be as sympathetic as you think we shouild be, but I'm sorry you missed the first part of your game - honest.

Bennie, you really shouldn't be telling Bill Buckner jokes. I understand he was so despondent about making that error that he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself in front of a bus. He's OK though - the bus went right through his legs. 8^)

I know I won't get any sympathy- nor do I expect any- just had to get it off my chest! Indeed, the bridge truly is spectacular-

I hope they do it again (during a non-Fleet Center event!) before the December opening- would love to be able to see the view from atop!

Can someone enlighten us non-Bostonians as to Billy Buckner, who he is, what mistake he made, etc.?

Cass - Bill Buckner was the first baseman for the Boston Red Sox during the World Series in 1986. The Red Sox, who have not won the World Series since 1918, were 1 out away from winnning the series when a batter for the opposing team hit a very soft slow ground ball up the first baseline. Any Little Leaguer could have handle this ball but it went right through Bill Buckner's legs. The Sox lost game 6 and game 7. Bill Buckner, who was a very good player but made this one terrible mistake, has been villified by Red Sox fans ever since.

Eventually when you drive on the bridge, you will drive between the legs of the towers holding the cable - hence the reference to poor Billy.

Vinnie - sorry you got stuck in traffic - you do have my sympathy - the Big Dig organizers should have planned better. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come.