So You Think You Can Funicular: A Deep Dive (Not Really) into L.A.'s Angels Flight
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of sunshine, movie stars, and...wait, what's that quirky little railway track clinging to a downtown hillside? That, my friend, is Angels Flight, and it's about to take you on a wild ride...well, a short, whimsical ride, but a ride nonetheless!
Not Your Average Rollercoaster (Thank Goodness)
Forget stomach-churning drops and upside-down loops. Angels Flight is a funicular railway, a fancy way of saying it's a fun-sized cable car that scoots you up a steep slope. Think of it as the elevator with a view, minus the questionable elevator music (although, who knows, maybe they have a mariachi band hidden somewhere).
Here's the gist: Two charmingly named cars, Sinai and Olivet (guess they were feeling biblical that day), take turns chugging up and down a 300-foot track. It's a quick shot, but the incline is a doozy – we're talking 33% grade, which is basically like walking uphill while wearing roller skates (don't try that at home, folks).
A Storied Past (and a Few Dramatic Shutdowns)
Built in 1901 by a guy who was apparently pals with Abraham Lincoln (Colonel J.W. Eddy, for the history buffs), Angels Flight has seen its fair share of ups and downs (literally). It's been declared a historic landmark, shut down for safety reasons a couple of times (those roller skates, maybe?), and even moved a few hundred feet to make way for, well, more Los Angeles.
But through it all, this little funicular has remained a beloved icon, a quirky reminder of a time when Angelenos (is that the right term?) didn't need a car to get around (though, let's be real, that's probably still a fantasy).
So, Why Ride This Tin Can on a String?
Here's the thing: Angels Flight is more than just a ride, it's an experience. It's a chance to step back in time, feel the gentle pull of the cable, and enjoy a unique perspective of the city. Plus, at just a buck a ride, it's way cheaper than therapy (although, the calming effect of a slow climb might just do the trick).
Bonus points for:
- Snagging bragging rights about riding the world's shortest railway (although, technically, that title is up for debate).
- Impressing your significant other with your obscure Los Angeles knowledge (works every time, trust me).
- Telling your grandkids about a time when people didn't complain about traffic jams...because they weren't stuck in them, they were chilling on a funicular railway.
So, the next time you find yourself in Downtown LA, ditch the Uber and take a ride on Angels Flight. It's a short trip, but it's a fun one, and hey, you never know, it might just spark your love affair with incline railways. Just don't wear roller skates.
