I Jumped Off the Sydney Harbor Bridge
The weather was a little sketchy for my last full day in Oz, so I didn’t get my “full on” beach day. We got up and had a yummy breakfast at the Barking Frog in Manly. Elizabeth took off to the city and Heather, Hugo and I headed out for a bush walk in the Sydney Harbor National Park. That makes for a pretty decent hangover cure. After lunch, I decided to take off my surfing training wheels (otherwise known as the foam board) for a 7’1″ monster of a fiberglass surfboard. Those puppies are as slippery as an eel. I finally now the real reason for Sex Wax (Hehe). It’s not just a funny name to laugh at, it’s to rub on your board so you don’t slip off. Hmmm. I did manage to get up a few times even though the waves were crap. Apparently that’s more than the girl who owns the board can say.
Want to know how to leave Sydney with a bang? Watch the moon rise from the top of the Harbor Bridge.
After a rushed dinner with Elizabeth at Circular Quay, I sprinted to the Harbor Bridge Climb in The Rocks. I can tell you now, if you’re looking for thrills or an adrenaline rush, this climb isn’t for you. It’s basically a photo op, but a very good one. But the views are spectacular. You can pretty much bank on getting the photo for your Christmas card next year. I also got an “I Climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge” certificate to add to my collection of useless certificates like “Belaying Certified,” “Best Rookie Female Kickball Player,” and “Amature Mahout (elephant trainer), which was exciting.” I’m working on one hell of an I Love Me wall.
Before you begin your climb, you’ll have time to peruse the mandatory gift shop and photos of the bridge. Of course, that include celebrity photos with autographs. I found it interesting that they had pictures of Pierce Brosnan and Frankie Munez, but not of Paul Hogan. Hmmm.
North Sydney with Luna Park was by far the most stunning of the views with the creepy face and the pink and blue reflections on the water.
It was fun being in Harbor Bridge Climb Training and having my guide say “Oh yeah, you guys (the Razorbacks) had a really good year this year. That may have been worth the price of the climb in and of itself.
Here’s what you do. Stand at the back of the line. Listen to the guide’s commentary on the way up, then unplug your headset and enjoy the views without the distraction. They have fantastic stories, but you can listen to them on the way up and down.
At the end of the climb, everyone “jumps” from the 4 inch ridge back to terra firma.
I like that you can walk around Sydney at all hours with out much concern for your personal safety. That’s pretty rare in the United States. I left the bridge climb after 1 am and headed to the bus station. The bus back to Manly wasn’t bad, as traffic is minimal at that hour. Even though I was dead on my feet, I had to go see the beach at night one last time. Really, I have a thing about that. As always, it was spectacular, with only me and the gulls to witness. I think you should take any opportunity you get to see the beach at night. I can now pick out the southern cross. This is a big personal accomplishment, as I’ve always wanted to see the cross. Now I can check that off the list.
– Carrie
Tags: Australia, Carrie, Harbor Bridge, Manly, Sydney, Travel
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