The Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
This was amazing! Over the course of 3 hours, we climbed 134 meters up the south arch onto the peak. We walked right across the top and came down the south arch. Our climb guide served as a wonderful tour guide of the city. We paused briefly for many informational points about the bridge construction itself to general life in Sydney.
We learned the bridge was constructed over the course of 9 years. The plans were drawn up so construction could begin on both shores, and eventually, the arches would meet in the middle. The south arch would always be slightly ahead of the north so any corrections that were needed would be solved by the time they reached the same point on the north side. There are 6 million bolts holding the bridge together. In order to get hot bolts to the right spot on the bridge, a "cooker" would warm up the bolt on the ground, and literally toss it through the air to the "catcher" standing with a bucket onto of the bridge. These workers were on top of the bridge completely unharnessed! Even crazier, over the nine years of construction, only 16 people died. Further, only two of those people actually died for, working the construction of the bridge itself.
Olivia pointed out various landmarks like the surrounding bay, the Blue Mountains in the distance and the nearby Navy bases. Other random places were pointed out as well: the Prime Minester's house on the bay, the hotel celebrities frequent and the oldest residential building.
We stopped for a few photos on the way up, the most picturesque shot is overlooking the heart of Sydney. It was an absolutely stunning view!
After the climb, we grabbed some dinner and hung around Sydney to see Vivid Lights. Many of the big buildings were lit up- the Opera House and bridge had lights, too.
We walked through the Botanical Gardens, which came highly recommended. In my opinion, the installment below was the best of that walk. In general, we weren't very impressed with the show.
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