The Hindu Business Line : Ascending order!

When you prepare to go on a trek, your first thought would be to protect your feet and you will probably buy yourself hiking shoes, if you don't already have them. So did we, when we opted to do the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb during a recent visit, only to realise that it called for a lot more than just the shoes.

The briefing prior to the climb made us wonder if we were preparing to scale Mount Everest. We decided to climb the bridge after lunch, unaware of the formalities that preceded the climb.

Every climber was required to undergo a breath-analyser test to ensure that the alcohol level in the blood was within the permissible limit (less than 0.05 per cent). Fortunately, none of us had consumed alcohol over lunch.

After clearing the test, we were given a Bridge Suit to be worn over our clothes, and were asked to take off personal belongings such as watch, wallet, bracelets, hairclips and chain, and deposit them in a security vault. Climbers are not allowed to carry cameras or handycams either.

"Safety on the climb is our first priority," said Tiggs, our guide. She taught us to fasten the special waist belt, which hooked us to a steel rope that ran alongside the footway. "This belt will ensure that you don't fall off the bridge," said Tiggs before instructing us to strap on the communication equipment, headwear, bridge gloves and headlamp. Fully geared, we were put through a simulator to give us an inkling of the climb.

We then set off, with Tiggs leading us. As we followed her in a line, Tiggs explained the significance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Reputedly the world's largest steel arch bridge, it is 1,149 metres long and weights 52,800 tonnes. Its arch span is 503 metres and the top of the arch is 134 metres above sea level. It has eight vehicle lanes, two train lines, a footway and a cycleway.

Atop the bridge, one can get a bird's eye view of the city. Tiggs pointed out some of the landmark buildings below. "On your right is the Opera House, and the grey-topped building a little beyond is the Prime Minister's house." Her commentary on the landmarks and the history of the bridge was interesting and informative.

Throughout the expedition she made a conscious effort to put everyone in the group at ease and engage us in conversation. She also took some group pictures when we reached the top, where the Australian flag was flying at half-mast. Seeing our puzzled looks, she said, "Curious?" before adding, "we are mourning the 11/7 Mumbai blasts."

It was getting dark when Tiggs contacted the control tower to inform them that we were heading down. The descent was not difficult, but some felt dizzy when they placed their foot on the ladder.

At Aus$130 the climb was worth the money and effort. We returned to the base station to collect our `Climber Certificate'. A perfect ending to a wonderful, adventurous experience.