You wait, they open, you go through.
If they open the bridge just for me, I add, after clearing the bridge...
"CSX Railroad bridge... The [My boat name] is clear and thanks you for the opening!"
The bridge tender records your passage and remembers a kind word.
_______
On a true, "light hearted" conversation with that same bridge tender...
Situation: My boat and a smaller sailboat were kinda racing to the bridge heading home. The bridge was closed. I was told previously, by the tender, to give him 8-10 minutes warning and if tracks are clear, he would have it open in time.
Small boat: CSX open the bridge!
CSX: I have a train coming, it will be a few minutes.
Small boat: How many minutes?
CSX: Just a few.
Time... 5 minutes later...
Small boat: How much longer!
CSX: The train is just down the track.
Time... 5 more minutes
Small boat: WELLLLL!!??
Silence
We see the train come to a full stop with the engine and a few cars on the fixed part of bridge.
Time... 10 minutes more.
Small boat circling. We are stopped, getting some cold beer and chips.
Small boat: (yelling and mad) Why is that train STOPPED?
( we waited a long long 30 seconds)
CSX: I just talked to the engine and he has a FLAT TIRE!!!
__________ ever hear a silent radio "snicker"?
CSX: He will be under way in just a few minutes.
Be kind to your bridge tender!
Jim...