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Thursday, March 04, 2004
Up, under and over a bridge
By Maria Carmel P. Geverola
“What will you do in Sydney?” my best friend Isolde asked. “Climb the Harbour Bridge,” I replied. It sounded so simple but a lot of pondering went into the decision to go up the landmark arch that’s 134 meters above sea level.
The fear factor was a main consideration. Although I’m not squeamish about heights, the fact that I was going to climb a steel structure in unfamiliar territory was a bit daunting. Give me any tree to scale any day and I’m up to the challenge.
My original plan was to watch the Olympics of the new millennium. A host of circumstances, including the impeachment trial and subsequent removal of president Erap, derailed my travel arrangements.
Eventually, things fell into place and I found myself looking up at the “Coat Hanger,” as Sydneysiders fondly call the Harbour Bridge, one sunny January day.
Before my trip, I had been riveted by the sight of the bridge lit by fireworks during the New Year’s Eve countdown on CNN. And I thought: wouldn’t it be grand if I could see the view from above the arch?
The bridge used to be “the” landmark of the Land Down Under, but it has been replaced by the bold architectural wonder of the Opera House—with its distinct roof design that reminds me of sliced orange wedges. From the Opera House in the Circular Quay, I watched climbers working their way up the arch, like ants marching on an anthill.
The Harbour Bridge, which took eight years to build and opened in March 1932, has become a major adventure site with the opening in 1998 of Bridge Climb, a company that organizes tours over the arch.
Adventure is my companion whenever I go exploring foreign destinations. And since climbing a bridge is something I haven’t tried, I was eager and excited at the prospect. The climb is open to anyone over 12 who is fit and has the stomach to handle some steep climbs on metal ladders and can cope with heights.
I didn’t have any idea what was in store for me when I booked my climb for five in the afternoon. One can choose the time of day or night for the climb. Dawn and dusk climbs carry a steep price (AUS$255), but I was told the view is worth it.
From the road, the Bridge Climb office looks like an ordinary warehouse but when you go inside, it’s like stepping into a set of a sci-fi movie. Staff members and climbers are clad in overalls that make them look like astronauts. Everything looked so high-tech, from the bright lights, video walls and a climb simulator, which all climbers must pass to make sure they are comfortable with ladder procedures and use of their harness.
After checking in, climbers must pass an alcohol breath test, so no partying and gulping down huge amounts of beer or wine before the climb. Safety is Bridge Climb’s number one priority.
A specially designed “bridge suit” worn over personal clothing, harness and communications equipment are issued to each climber. No personal items are allowed in the climb, even cameras. Bridge Climb caps and hankies are attached to your suit.
Bridge Climb has come up with a system that runs like clockwork. A group of 12 sets off every ten minutes, and they have gotten it down to an exact science that it never gets crowded on top. The group goes up and down the arch single file. Each member is attached to a safety line the entire three and a half hours of the climb.
Cameras are installed at strategic spots along the bridge to capture the image of you squeezing into narrow passages or going up steep ladders. Those who want to keep a memento of their adventure can buy the photos. But I settled on the complimentary ones because I was keeping count of my precious pesos.
The climb leader assigned to our group was a Portuguese guy named Carlos who moved to Sydney after getting hooked on the air atop the bridge. He regaled us with stories about the history of the Harbour Bridge and some Sydney sights.
With the wind whipping us and the sun getting in our eyes, Carlos, with his digital camera, captured our faces struck by the gorgeous sights from above the highest point of the bridge. The view literally takes your breath away.
As we started our descent, I kept looking around me to take in all the scenery. It is unlikely that I will have the opportunity again to traverse 1500 meters of the arch.
Perhaps, next time, I will try jumping off a bridge. I heard bungee-jumping is big in New Zealand.
(March 4, 2004 issue)
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