International Orange Through the Fog of San Francisco

I've just returned from an extended trip to San Francisco, where my rain boots and slicker served me well in early June. Despite the fog, I managed to find my way through it thanks to the city's trademark color--orange.

I'm heading this photo journal post with the Golden Gate Bridge, the official color of which is called International Orange. Then I'll show you more photo evidence of this bright color in the city. Finally, I'll tell you how to obtain the precise color used on the bridge. You just might want to paint the spirit of San Francisco in your heart.

Golden Gate Bridge-- International Orange
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Orange is Lively in Chinatown
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

A Pile of Orange-Legged Crabs at Fisherman's Wharf
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

A Riot of California Poppies
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Orange-Tailed Mer-Horse at Pier 39
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Are you inspired by the color of the Golden Gate? Head to your local hardware store and ask for International Orange paint. According to the official site of the Golden Gate Bridge, the PMS code is 173, and/or the CMYK colors are: C (Cyan): 0%, M (Magenta): 69%, Y (Yellow): 100%, K (Black): 6%.

I may have left my heart in San Francisco's chowdery fog, but I'm taking the orange home with me.


* Next time: The ultimate "Escape from Alcatraz"--the prison library.