Sydney from the Sky

The brave climber high above Sydney

(Alex) Two of the main icons of Australia are the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. At the same time, we had a pretty amazing experience of both. As the night sky starts to turn pink, we make our way to the base of the bridge. Stretching 503 meters and up to 143 meters above sea level, the bridge was built over 70-years ago. Tonight, we are doing the Bridge Climb, which means we walk on top of the huge arch. Yes, you heard me right; 143 meters above sea level is where we are going to watch the night sky and the Sydney skyline. Only problem is that each adult is allowed to climb with 3 children, there are 4 of us, and obviously, Dad can’t climb. Luckily, we have backup; our friend Ross, whom we met on the Kapitan Khlebnikov, happens to live just outside of Sydney.

While on the bridge, to make sure nothing happens, we have to wear: a really ugly jump suit with everything all attached; a harness, obviously, so we don’t fall to a very uncomfortable death; and a headset so our climb-master can communicate with us. Ok, when we are all suited up, we go through a tester to make sure everyone is good with the wires and stairs. We all pass, and we are finally on our way.

Our route is:  1/4 of the way under the highway; start climbing the ladders to get to the arch; climb up on the top of the arch for the other 1/4 of the way; cross over the cars to the other side; and the same back down.

We start to climb under the cars hearing the traffic above us and looking over the Sydney Opera House. I am bouncing around because I am so excited!! Finally, it is time to go up. On the way to the top, there is a nice breeze and a great view. But that does not compare to the view from the top-top. Halfway up the arch, we stop to take pictures in front of the lit opera house. Since we are not allowed to bring our own cameras, we have to wait for our climb-master to take our pictures in front of the opera house and several other locations.

On the way down, we have an amazing surprise: FIREWORKS!! Since today is the start of the Sydney Festival, there is a nice display of fireworks. We sit down on the bridge and watch the fireworks explode. Unfortunately, it ends too soon for my liking. Down at the bottom, we are greeted by Dad.

That is surely a climb I will never forget.