Dec 4, 2009 - Sydney, Australia - Bridge Climb

We are up early again today... Peggy headed out to do some more shopping at the markets down the street. I headed over to the Bridge Climb. This was fantastic. I got in a little early than my appointment, but that was fine.  It takes about an hour to go through orientation to prepare you for the climb. You remove all jewelry, jeans, etc. They give you a jumpsuit to wear with attachments all over it. Your sunglasses are attached to the suit with connectors, handkerchiefs are attached to your wrists, a waist harness is added to hold your radio and the cable that keeps you connected to the steel cable that runs the complete length of the bridge climb. Along the tour we were given commentary by our guide about the building of the bridge and the surrounding area and islands. It was really very good. Once we got to the top we were experiencing 35 knot winds, but the cable kept us attached. A couple of helicopters flew directly over head as well as a couple of Sea Planes coming in for a landing. It was exhilarating. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to do it all. At the end you get a Climbing Certificate and a group picture. Well worth the money. In the afternoon we took the train out of town to see some of the surrounding suburbs of Sydney and back. Since it is Friday, there are all kinds of festivals going on down George street by the Rocks. The Rocks is the old part of town.  There were vendor tents everywhere selling tons of stuff, lots of the local food, and some of the bars in the area were packed with people. All drinking. From what we could tell, it looked like many were having their Company Christmas parties. At the Museum of Contemporary art there was a large company Christmas party and they were all dressed like the roaring 20's. And I do mean dressed to the hilt.... really neat. Well back to the room, again everything is way past our pricing budget, so back to the hotel to read and relax. Not sure what to do tomorrow yet... we'll see. Night...