This is a continuation of Elena's visit because we did so much it needed to be in multiple posts!
You might say that this is the most exciting part of my Sydney experience and so far it is...
The first thing we did on Saturday (Feb. 12th) is prepare for our Bridge Climb. We did the Discovery Bridge Climb, which means that you climb up the inner arch to get to the summit. We were kind of freaking out! The anticipation before a major event is always the worst.
We got to the starting point extra early and walk around the Rocks to calm our nerves down.
Finally, it was time.
We went to the upstairs area and waited on benches watching this video about all the pre-climb stuff. Suddenly, the door opened and they told us to come inside. We signs the forms and did our brethalizer test in a small room before heading into the changing area.
The first thing they have you do is to meet everyone on your climb, which makes sense because we will be with each other for 3.5 hours. The clothing part is a little intense. First, they tell us that it is humid outside and to wear minimal clothing undernearth our suits and then they tell us it is going to RAIN during our climb. Please, I thought, make me feel even worse than I already do about climbing on a bridge way up in the air!
Next, we met our Climb Guide, who, strangely enough, was Scottish. He was very nice and made Elena and I feel a whole lot better about climbing the bridge!
To get a feel of how much stuff we had to carry on our bodies, here is a list:
1) jumpsuit
2) rain pants
3) raincoat
4) fleece jacket
5) utility belt
6) radio for guide to talk to us
7) ball cap
8) handerknief
9) slider (the thing that keeps you hooked to the bridge)
Lots of stuff, which surprising wasn't heavy.We walked into the next room and saw other climbers practicing a simulation for the Bridge Climb. It was 2 sets of very streep ladders that you had to climb up and down. Let's just say I kind of panicked. I DO NOT climb down ladders. Then, as if God had destined us to do the Discovery Climb, our guide said "Don't worry, only people who do the Traditonal Bridge Climb have to do that." OH MY GOSH! What a relief!
So remember if you are ever in Sydney and want to do the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb but don't like heights or the idea of climbing ladders at high altitudes, I highly recommend the Discovery Bridge Climb (which does not have any ladders).
Before going out on the bridge, our guide asked if any of us were scared...not ashamed, we raised our hands and guess what? We got to be right behind the guide (which by the way, is the best place to be)!
Once we started climbing, it was really no big deal. I wasn't scared at all. Climbing on the catwalk was actually kind of school. Our guide explained the history and unique architecture of the bridge throughout the climb, which I found fascinating!
The hardest part was resisting to look at the view while I was climbing up because I knew I would stumble especially since it was raining.
The view was great and it was so cool looking at Sydney through the metal cage of the inner arch. They took some really awesome pictures of us!
Finally, we got to the summit. What a thrilling rush! I literally felt like I was standing on top of the world! I definitely thought of all my family and friends while I was up there because it was such a special moment. Elena and I had fun yelling things from the top, it was great!
Hook'em! This is so going to be on the UT homepage. I know it :)
Our guide told us that for the group picture we had to be fierce tigers, I'm pretty sure I was the fiercest!
What a great a experience! I had such a great time with Elena and I will remember it forever!
