Top of the World

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Saturday October 17, 2009 Sydney

We (or I should say I) awoke this morning with a some butterflies in my stomach because today we would finally climb the Harbor Bridge over looking Sydney. It had been quite windy this entire week so I was feeling somewhat apprehensive. When we pulled open the drapes not only was the sun shinning brightly, but the flags did not seem to be blowing too much and there was a beautiful cruise ship in the harbor. I think we chose the right day for our climbing adventure.

We are to be at the bridge by 12:30 pm Saturday afternoon. (9:30pm Friday night for our friends at home). We are told the whole experience takes about 3 - 4 hours. Most of the time is spent prepping for the climb. Everybody has to take a Breathalyzer test as well to assure you are not inebriated.

As I look out my window I can see the bridge, dang that thing is high what was I thinking. We went downstairs to breakfast and I could barely eat I thing, between the butterflies and knowing that there are no facilities on the bridge I decided to keep it light!

We started our walk over to the bridge around 12:00pm for a 12:45 walk. When we arrived they said we could go on the 12:15pm. I figured if I waited around the lobby any longer I would chicken out. So after a brief talk and the Breathalyzer they take you back into a room and get your outfitted in the suit, the hat, the straps, the radio and everything is attached to your suit. Then you go through a few practice climbs inside. We had a small group of 8 people. They made a big deal that we were celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary. Three of the folks in the group had met in Iraq where they have been working as contractors for 3 - 5 years. It was a great group of people.

When you begin the climb you are basically under the bridge walking across a small walkway with railings and you are tethered to a wire. I am looking at the wire the whole time thinking now would that wire really hold someone if they were falling off this bridge? I decide to stop thinking so much and enjoy the views.

Honestly the only frightening part for me was having to climb straight up on what is equivalent to four ladders. If you look down you see water and / or cars swooshing by. Once you get to the top of the ladders you are out in the open and you can see the Opera House and beyond. You continue to climb for some time up the arch until you reach the summit. Then you cross over the bridge so now the cars are directly under you, and you are 446 feet above sea level. I was not so sure about looking down at this point. The whole walk took 2.5 hours. The guide told us we had walked upwards of 1200 stairs and they estimate that you burn 600 calories per climb. Since the tour guide does three climbs a day she is about the size of a string bean. The temperature when we walked was 61 degrees with the wind chill factor it felt like 58.6 degrees, wind speed was 16 miles per hour, humidity was 45.8%. We were very happy to have all our gear on to keep us warm. Even though the picture is less then complimentary due to the lovely hat.

It was the most amazing experience of our lives and we are so glad we did it. Although when we were sitting in the pub after our climb someone came over to talk to us about our experience. They asked how much it costs to climb I said $200 and Rich said that was for both of us right? And thats when I said, no honey that was for one! I think he about fell off his seat, but he agreed it was the most amazing experience and one we will remember forever. If you ever come to Sydney make sure you take it in you will not be disappointed.

We leisurely walked back to our hotel and rested our legs before heading upstairs for evening cocktails. Our new friends Dennis and Diane could not wait to hear about our climb! They live in Manley just a ferry boat ride away but have never done the climb and are not intending to do it any time soon. As Diane said she would be heard screaming throughout the land.

We had a wonderful evening with them and a Sabrina who is the manager of the Executive Lounge. Sabrina is originally from Iran and migrated to the Philippines and now lives in Australia. The people we have met are just lovely.

On to the Wine Vineyards tomorrow!

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Photos

View
Harbor Bridge

Beginning to Climb
Not us.......others after us while we were at the Pub

Bridge
Arch

Summit
Rich and Andrea........please do not mind the HATS

Friends
Dennis from Manley

Diane
We closed the place down!

Comments

[Irene]

Top of the World
Were your ears burning? Jackie, Tom, Tim, and I were all talking about your bridge adventure last night - and couldn wait to read your blog reporting your hike to the summit. You did it! Congrats! Love the hats!

[Jackie]

Yeah!! You did it. It sounds amazing. I have one question.... what are Dennis and Diane doing at the hotel if they live in Manley. Have you gone on the ferry over to Manley?? It is pretty over there.

[Tom]

Wow
Great job! Congrats on your climb. I had Sydney checked off my bucket list but now Ive unchecked it. Think it was well worth the price.

[DR.Saritha Muthurajan]

travel in sydney
Dear folks, I read about your thrilling experience and was wondering if Id ever get the chance and courage to do it. My experience in sydney was different. Ive written about it in a blog-sarithadoctor2008.blog.co.in as travellers tales. Would you like to read it and comment? Thankyou. yours affly, Saritha Muthurajan

[Laura]

How exciting!! It looks like you had beauiful weather for your climb minus the chilly air. Since you are 15 hours ahead of us I guess I should say Happy Anniversary!! Enjoy the remainder of your time, we can't wait to see you when you get back and hear all about your adventures.