 |
| View of the city of Sydney from atop the Sydney Bridge pylon |
| Glenn's Journal 01-30-03 Sydney We were up extremely early (for us that are on Holiday) as we had to catch a 7:22 bus into the city so we could be at the Sydney Bridge Climb office by 9:00 am. We arose at 6:30 am, quickly prepared for the day and headed out. We arrived in plenty of time to catch the bus but what we didn't know was that the bus didn't pick up at the same location as yesterday. We watched as the bus turned the corner heading into town while we sat at the wrong bus stop. We would now be late for the Bridge Climb so we had to decide what to do. The next bus would pick us up at 7:41 am and would arrive into the city at 9:00 am, which is the time we should be at the office (Our bridge climb was scheduled for 9:15 am). We called to let them know that we would be there by 9:15 am but not much earlier and would that be o.k.. They said that that would be fine but to get there as early as possible. We caught the 7:41 am bus, arrived at the bus stop in town at 9:05 am, and scurried to the office arriving at 9:12 am and just in time to make our secheduled climb. Whew!!! We were processed through the legality forms and a breathalyzer before heading into the prep room. We were provided a jumpsuit to wear with the recommendation that we should wear only this (and not our pants or shirts underneath) as it was already 30+ degrees C on the bridge with the expected high today of 39 degrees C. We are not allowed to wear any jewelry, watches, or any loose hanging article of clothing. Everything we wear must be attached to our bodies securely since if it falls it will fall more than 130 meters and could hurt someone below. After changing our clothes we collected our harness, cap, sweat bands, radio, and ear piece before practicing some stair climbing. The harness hooks you in to a metal line that runs the complete length of the walk while the radio and ear piece provide the communication tool for the guide to let you know what to do next and mostly provide interesting information about the bridge an the surrounding area. Once we were all prepped we were on our way. It was a spectacularly clear day as you could see quite a ways from the top of the Sydney Bridge. The overall walk is approximately 2 kilometers and would be considered a very easy walk. The only difficulty would be some tight spots to get through (for the bigger guys) and the very steep stairs (of which there are only 4 going up and 4 going down). The views from 130 + meters overlooking the harbor, Sydney Opera House, and the city itself are amazing. The total time for the Bridge Climb was 3 hours even though they recommend you plan for 4 hours. We returned safe and sound back to the office just after noon. Erin and I both commented that the walk was very slow and it wasn't as much adventure as we had hoped. It is definitely more for the view and to say that you did it!!! The Bridge Climb must make heaps of money as new groups leave every 15 minutes starting as early as 7:00 am and ending as late as 9:00 pm. Wow!!! Since you can not take your own camera they take photos for you from a few stops along the bridge (hence some of the time taken to walk across) and you can purchase any photo or set for a small fee. Another money maker!!! We ended up purchasing two photos that we will eventually post to our website. After the Bridge Climb Erin was very hungry so our first stop was for food. We stopped at the Australian Hotel just across the street for a home made pizza and drinks before continuing our day. We then walked out to the Sydney Bridge tower which holds a museum and a lookout point. Camera's were allowed at the lookout so we took some of our own photos from different angles. We will post them as well. We did not stay long as we had dinner plans with the Grahams tonight and wanted to be back early enough to relax, or at least clean up, before dinner. Pauline and Graham's son Nigel, his girlfriend, and her son joined us for dinner. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyable conversation. Nigel is developing his own business marketing wine throughout the Sydney city area. After dinner we returned to our flat before calling it a night relatively early.-03 Sydney |
 |
| A view of the Sydney Bridge from the path next to the Sydney Opera House!! |